Eleven organizations joined the Netherlands Pavilion at the Nanotech Expo in Tokyo 31 January – 2 February 2024.
Quantum Delta NL, Holst Centre, MESA+ and companies 1NA, Amsterdam Scientific Instruments, Qblox, Quantware, SCIL Nanoimprint Solutions, Tempress, TeraNova, VSParticle were together a strong team to well represent the Netherlands as a strong country in deeptech topics of semiconductors, quantum technology, photonics and nanotechnology. See this Flyer with more information about the participants.
With almost 50 thousand visitors, the Nanotech Expo, one of the biggest and most important exhibitions in the field, saw a major increase in visitors and is almost back to pre-corona numbers.
Previous to the Expo
The week started on Monday 29 January with a one day visit to national research institute RIKEN. We visited the RIKEN Quantum Research Center (RQC), the national head quarter bringing all quantum related research and development together, and the RIKEN Research Center for Advanced Photonics (RAP), a renowned center for integrated photonics. The presentations, lab tours and discussions led to interesting mutual insights in potential for collaboration.
On Tuesday 30 January we organized a network reception at the Residence of the Netherlands’ Ambassador in Tokyo. After a welcome by Eric van Kooij, Counsellor for Innovation, Science and Technology of the Embassy, and an introduction of the participating organizations in the NL-Pavilion, the network reception with around 45 specialists gave ample opportunity to network with existing and new contacts.
At the Expo
During the Nanotech Expo from Wednesday 31 January until Friday 2 February, in total almost 50 thousand visitors attended the Expo. More than 400 exhibitors displayed their products and solutions. Other international pavilions were from Germany, Taiwan, Canada, the EU and others.
The Netherlands Pavilion had its promotional activities concentrated on Thursday 1 February. Between 10:30 and 12:00, a seminar introducing the NL-Pavilion and its co-exhibitors was organized at the Expo Seminar Venue next to the NL-Pavilion. In total 60 participants listened to the introductions of the 11 NL organizations, after which a network gathering was organized at the pavilion, during which dutch souvenirs and drinks were helpful in Q&A, new encounters and further discussions between presenters and participants. Later that day, between 4 and 5, a more informal Happy Hour Network Reception was organized at the Pavilion, enabling further relation building and development. In the evening of the day, the whole delegation joined the overall Nanotech Expo Reception for all 400 exhibiting organizations, opened by politicians, ministers and other high level attendees. All international pavilions contributed with national food and drinks (beer and cheese from the Netherlands), putting them in special attention among the around 800 participants. Eric van Kooij attended the ceremonial Sake Barrel opening, in which high level guests use a traditional hammer to break the lid and open the sake barrel to start the festivities.
In a first onsite evaluation, the Netherlands participants were very positive about the Expo, the Pavilion and the opportunities to find new connections with Japanese counterparts, be it for business, research or education. Already looking forward to a renewed pavilion next year, when also the Osaka Expo 2025 will take place, with High Tech & Digitalisation as one of the five tracks of attention!
