Osaka Innovation Hub

The Osaka Innovation Hub (OIH) is a dynamic and government-backed startup community situated in the heart of Osaka, Japan. Osaka, as the second-largest metropolitan area in the country, has a rich history steeped in entrepreneurship, making it an ideal location for fostering innovation and business development. OIH serves as a pivotal platform for startups and entrepreneurs, offering a wide array of resources and support to nurture innovation and entrepreneurial growth.

OIH hosts a vibrant ecosystem of events, with over 250 organized annually, including more than 50 pitch events. Its extensive network comprises over 300 businesses and 700 individuals, fostering collaboration and connectivity within the startup community. Cumulatively, startups supported by OIH have raised an impressive $80 million USD in funding.

The hub is also known for hosting significant international startup events, such as "GET IN THE RING OSAKA," a global startup pitch competition. "Hack Osaka," an annual global innovation conference, brings together key players from various sectors of the innovation ecosystem to promote continuous innovation.

In line with Osaka's ambition to become a leading innovation hub in Asia, OIH organizes the "GLOBAL INNOVATION FORUM OSAKA," providing a platform for startups with cutting-edge technologies from around the world to explore new business opportunities.

OIH extends its support internationally through programs like "Osaka Springboard," aimed at helping overseas startups grow in the Osaka and Kansai market. "OSAKA LANDING PAD" facilitates the entry of international startups into the Japanese market in collaboration with industry, government, and overseas support organizations.

Additionally, the "KANSAI Startup Ecosystem" initiative aims to revitalize the Kansai region's economy by showcasing its unique strengths and potential domestically and globally.

Entrepreneurs seeking to establish startups in Osaka can benefit from the "Startup Visa" program, which is available in Osaka.

Lastly, Osaka's bid to host "Expo 2025" under the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives" signifies its commitment to shaping the future through innovation and collaboration. In summary, the Osaka Innovation Hub (OIH) plays a pivotal role in catalyzing innovation, fostering entrepreneurship, and establishing Osaka as a leading global hub for cutting-edge technologies and startups.

The history of the Osaka Innovation Hub (OIH) is closely intertwined with Osaka's rich entrepreneurial heritage and the city's commitment to fostering innovation and technological advancement. Established as a government-backed startup community, OIH has played a pivotal role in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape of Osaka.

OIH is strategically situated in the heart of Osaka, which is the second-largest metropolitan area in Japan. Osaka has a long-standing tradition of entrepreneurship and has been a hub for commerce and industry for centuries. This historical context provided a strong foundation for the development of OIH as a center for innovation.

Recognizing the potential of Osaka as a thriving innovation hub, the Osaka City government took the initiative to establish OIH. Its location in the vibrant city of Osaka ensures that it is at the epicenter of economic and technological activities, making it an attractive destination for startups, entrepreneurs, and innovators.

To further expand its reach and global influence, OIH established a satellite office in Silicon Valley, the renowned global technology and innovation hub. This strategic move allowed OIH to connect with the global tech community, facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange on an international scale.

As of 2019, OIH had already made significant strides in building a robust network. It boasted over 200 businesses and 700 individuals within its ecosystem. To foster innovation and entrepreneurship, OIH organized more than 150 events annually, including over 50 pitch events. These events served as platforms for connecting local and global innovators, providing them with access to diverse information, resources, companies, and organizations.

In essence, OIH's history is a testament to Osaka's commitment to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship. By leveraging its strategic location, historical significance, and government support, OIH has evolved into a dynamic and thriving community, making significant contributions to Osaka's role as a prominent player in the global innovation landscape.

The Osaka Innovation Hub (OIH) is driven by the goal of fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration in the heart of Osaka, Japan. Its primary purpose is to provide a supportive ecosystem for startups, entrepreneurs, and innovators, connecting them with diverse resources, information, and networking opportunities. OIH aims to position Osaka as a leading hub for technological advancement and business innovation, both locally and globally. Through its events, partnerships, and government backing, OIH strives to catalyze economic growth, promote knowledge sharing, and contribute to the development of innovative solutions that address societal challenges.

The Osaka Innovation Hub (OIH) has a significant impact on Osaka and the broader innovation ecosystem. It drives economic growth by supporting startups and entrepreneurs, establishes Osaka as an innovation hub, fosters global connectivity, and contributes to the development of cutting-edge technologies and solutions.