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Central Japan Startup Ecosystem Holds “Diversifying the Value of Mobility: From Land to Sky” Media Event Highlighting How the Region of Central Japan is Active in the Homeland of Mobility 5.0
NAGOYA, Japan, Dec. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The Central Japan Startup Ecosystem held a media event under the theme, “Diversifying the Value of Mobility: From Land to Sky” at Nagoya Innovator’s Garage, a dynamic facility where entrepreneurs and enterprises come together to create new ideas, businesses and industries.
The event targeted overseas media and effectively introduced what the region of Central Japan is doing in the rapidly evolving field of mobility. The event not only highlighted Japanese startups, but also foreign/inbound startups that are seeking to expand into the Japanese market. This media event was an excellent opportunity for the foreign media to meet and conduct individual interviews with some of the most innovative entrepreneurs and startups in the region and to discuss the future of mobility.
Event Highlights
Shuichi Hirano from Jetro Nagoya (Director-General for Chubu, Chief Director) offered some opening remarks. This was followed by an overview of initiatives from the Central Japan Startup Ecosystem Consortium by Toshio Sumi (Director, Economic Affairs Bureau Startup Support Office, Innovation Department, Nagoya City Economic Affairs Bureau). He talked about Central Japan’s mission to bring the future of mobility to our doorsteps. The ecosystem provides an excellent environment for startups to achieve unicorn status. Central Japan is also focused on developing outstanding human resources for the next generation of students through ‘Tongali’, an entrepreneurial platform for Central Japan’s academic communities and serving 23 participating universities. As of 2022, 5,000 students have participated.
This was followed by a presentation by Masaaki Shibayama from the Aichi Prefectural Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry (Economic Industry Promotion Supervisor). He spoke about the Aichi Mobility Innovation Project, “Aichi Model 2030 Connecting Sky and Road” that aims to build a world-first mobility society where the sky, roads, people and things such as drones, flying cars, and autonomous vehicles intersect and are controlled simultaneously, with no boundaries in the movement of people and goods.
As an example of a successful foreign startup expanding into the Japanese market, Vitaly Pentegov, CEO at UrbanChain Group, talked about why Central Japan is the ideal choice for inbound startups. Originating in Hong Kong, launched in the U.S, and recently expandeAd in Japan, UrbanChain specifically chose Central Japan because Nagoya is the center of the automobile industry. He said, “The right size and a deeply rooted culture surrounding mobility makes Central Japan the best place and the right market size to test our product.”
Finally, the presentation session concluded with an overview of entrepreneurship education from elementary, junior high, and high school students by Manabu Sahashi and Takahiro Yano from the Startup Promotion Office, Academic Research & Industry Academia-Government, Collaboration, Nagoya University.
This event was an excellent opportunity for the foreign media to meet Aichi-based and inbound startups that are looking to expand in Central Japan, as well as learn about the innovative programs that Central Japan is engaged in. All the participating startups used this occasion to introduce their companies, their support from Central Japan, and why this region is the ideal place for their business.
Background on Participating Startups
Fabio SOUZA, CEO, Crystal CO., LTD
Crystal is a platform for mobility sharing. Its e-scooter sharing service “Su__i” was launched in Nagoya and makes short distance transfers easier and enjoyable. Its integrated platform for sharing mobility will start operations in October 2025 and after that, Crystal will offer mobility beyond e-scooters, according to regional characteristics.
Crystal is supported by Central Japan for their app., Su__i × my route and a 2023 trial project for MaaS social implementation in Aichi Prefecture. In April 2023, Crystal moved into PRE-STATION Ai in Nagoya, which offers various programs depending on a startup’s business stage.
https://www.crystal-tec.co.jp/index_en.html
Kiho KAMIYA, CEO & Founder, FACTORY X Inc.
Female-founded FACTORY X develops and deploys an “Inventory Strategy Model” to improve productivity and profitability by strategically holding inventory in the manufacturing process. The company aims for a new type of inventory optimization by rethinking the way inventory has been regarded as a ‘negative’ in the manufacturing industry. It was founded at the end of September 2022 and raised 40 million yen in a pre-seed round of funding in April 2023. The company was selected as one of the seven companies for fiscal year 2023 in the “Weekly Toyo Keizai 100 Amazing Venture Companies”.
FACTORY X is supported by Central Japan through their hosted entrepreneur-first fundraisers, organized events that include local manufacturing companies, and sharing information and networking that can serve as the basis for overseas expansion.
https://www.factory-x.com/e-factory-x
Shuji OGAWA, President and Representative Director, PD AeroSpace, LTD.
PD AeroSpace built an engine that can change jet and rocket combustion modes mid-air, creating a way for a new type of reusable spaceplanes which are able to horizontally take off and land at airports. With the mission of “making space more accessible,” the company aims to realize space travel by 2030.
With the support of Central Japan, PD Aerospace has been selected for the New Aichi Creative Development Grant Program for FY2023, and established Team D with detonation laboratories from five universities including Nagoya University.
Shunsuke TOYA, CEO, Prodrone Co., Ltd.
PRODRONE is one of the few companies in the world with a high level of technical expertise in both hardware (airframe) and software, and has introduced a number of innovative industrial drones since its establishment in 2015. At the Japan Mobility Show 2023, it unveiled a concept model of its new “SORA-MICHI,” a “flying light truck,” a cargo drone capable of flying 50 km with a 50 kg payload, aiming to solve local issues in mountainous areas and remote islands by delivering medical supplies in times of peace and disaster, and mitigation by transporting relief supplies to isolated villages.
PRODRONE received support from Central Japan through the Aichi Prefecture’s “Innovative Business Creation Proposal Platform (A-idea),” which adopted the “Aichi Mobility Innovation Project, Aichi Model 2030 Connecting Skies and Roads.” The project was also adopted as the first A-idea project, and PRODRONE was a co-sponsor of ‘DRONE EXPO 2022 in Aichi.’
Vitaly PENTEGOV, CEO, UrbanChain Group
UrbanChain Group provides AIoT systems that integrate vehicle identification systems, EV charging control, car sharing, and data-driven SaaS platforms to enhance the efficient use of urban resources, with the main objective of connecting people, vehicles, and destinations.
UrbanChain received support from the Greater Nagoya Initiative by receiving a grant for company incorporation, introduced to Proof of Concept (PoC) opportunities, as well as PR opportunities and legal support. UrbanChain also joined PRE-STATION Ai which helped UrbanChain connect with Japanese companies and government organizations, provided mentoring, and opportunities to attend hosted events for Japanese and overseas audiences.
https://www.urbanchaingroup.com/
Background on Central Japan
Located in the Chubu region, also known as Central Japan – right in the middle of Japan’s main island, Honshu, this region is proud of playing a vital role in the history of Japan’s manufacturing craftsmanship. It was where Toyota first began, and as a tech pioneer, it is now the home to a wide range of sectors such as automobiles, photonics, and aerospace, using advanced, cutting-edge technologies.
Central Japan continues to invite entrepreneurs and capitalists from all corners of the world to facilitate state‐of‐the‐art open innovation by infusing new ideas with local craftsmanship. And as a result, take part in playing a crucial role in paving the path towards the Homeland of Mobility 5.0 –the future of mobility.
Central Japan Startup Ecosystem provides everything a startup needs – from highly trained workers in many specialized fields to opportunities to conduct feasibility studies with leading companies in various industries including the mobility sector. There are also accelerator programs, financial support systems, innovative university seeds, and collaborative partnerships with ecosystems outside of Japan and also attract a wide range of entrepreneurs to this region.
About the Central Japan Startup Ecosystem
In July 2020, Aichi prefecture, Nagoya City and Hamamatsu City in Shizuoka-prefecture became one of the four regional Startup Ecosystem Global Base Cities groups designated nationwide by the Japanese Cabinet Office.
There are 371 startups in Central Japan, of which 150 are university-launched. An estimated 18,615 billion yen (as of July 2022) of funds have been raised, in addition to accelerator programs, financial support systems, and innovative university seeds.
Collaborative partnerships with Station F, INSEAD, BLOCK71, Paris &Co, Bpifrance, Venture Café, Plug and Play, Israel Innovation Authority, Tsinghua University, China Medical University, National University of Singapore, the University of Texas at Austin, Stanford University, North Carolina State University, University of Nebraska and the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad attract a diverse range of entrepreneurs to the region.
For more information, please visit https://central-startup.jp/en/
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Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG, a leading service provider and distributor of medical devices in Switzerland, is expanding its portfolio with the acquisition of Effectum CH-Rep AG. Healthcare Holding Schweiz is managed by Winterberg Advisory GmbH.
BAAR, Switzerland, March 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG has successfully completed the acquisition of Effectum CH-Rep AG. This transaction marks a carve-out of all services provided as Swiss Authorized Representative (CH-REP) from Effectum Medical AG. Under the Medical Devices Ordinance (MedDO SR 812.213) effective since May 26, 2021, manufacturers of medical devices without a registered office in Switzerland must appoint a CH-REP to distribute their products within the country. Through this acquisition, Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG strengthens its position as a comprehensive partner for medical technology manufacturers worldwide. With its group of companies, it can now provide integrated services that encompass not only import and distribution but also full compliance with regulatory requirements.
Fabio Fagagnini, CEO of Healthcare Holding Schweiz, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition: “With Effectum CH-Rep, we are expanding our service portfolio to include the role of Swiss Authorized Representative, thereby strengthening our growing group. This allows our sales representatives and managing directors to focus even more on innovative products and exceptional customer service, with the assurance that all regulatory requirements are being professionally met.”
Kim Züger, Head of Quality Management & Regulatory Affairs and the newly appointed Director of Effectum CH-Rep, emphasized: “Regulatory compliance is our top priority. Through Effectum CH-Rep, we offer this service not only to suppliers of Healthcare Holding Schweiz but also to numerous other manufacturers—a clear testament to our professionalism and high-quality standards.”
Michael Eggimann, Board Member of Effectum Medical AG and responsible for the sale of Effectum CH-Rep AG, added: “We have valued working with Fabio Fagagnini and his team for many years and are confident that Effectum CH-Rep is in excellent hands. This transition allows us to fully concentrate on the further development and distribution of our Legal Manufacturing offering as well as our innovative plug-and-play quality management system, while continuing to collaborate closely with Effectum CH-Rep for the benefit of our customers.”
About Effectum CH-Rep AG
Effectum CH-Rep AG, based in Olten, facilitates access for foreign manufacturers of medical devices to the Swiss market by acting as the Swiss Authorized Representative (CH-REP). As a CH-REP, Effectum CH-Rep AG takes on responsibilities such as ensuring compliance with Swiss registration requirements, collaborating with Swissmedic on preventive and corrective actions, providing a Person Responsible for Regulatory Compliance (PRRC), guaranteeing access to technical documentation, and reporting incidents and complaints.
About Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG
Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG is a Buy, Build & Technologize platform and a leading provider of medical technology products and services in Switzerland. The group is based in Baar and pursues an ambitious growth strategy through acquisitions, often in the context of succession arrangements, partnerships, and organic growth. Healthcare Holding Schweiz and its group companies are committed to the highest standards of innovation and customer satisfaction. The group consistently leverages technology to make business processes safer and more efficient. As a market leader, the company sets new standards for the industry and offers employees attractive development opportunities. All of the management team holds shares in Healthcare Holding Schweiz, thus forming a dynamic community of entrepreneurs.
About Winterberg Advisory GmbH and Winterberg Group AG
Winterberg Group AG, based in Zug, operates as an independent family office for its founders. Winterberg mainly invests in SMEs in the German-speaking region, and selectively considers investments in startups and real estate. Winterberg Advisory GmbH is a general partner and fund manager regulated by the German BaFin. Winterberg Advisory has launched numerous private equity funds and is invested in Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG through its funds Winterberg Investment VIII and Winterberg Investment IX. The two Partners and Executive Directors, Fabian Kröher and Florian Brickenstein, manage Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG via its board of directors.
For press inquiries, please contact [email protected]
For more information about Dental Axess AG, visit www.effectum-chrep.com
For more information about Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG, visit www.healthcare-holding.ch
For more information about the portfolio companies of Healthcare Holding, visit www.senectovia.ch, www.winthermedical.ch, www.mikrona.ch, www.orthowalker.ch, www.mcm-medsys.ch, www.naropa-reha.ch, www.mvb-medizintechnik.ch, www.dentalaxess.com
This press release is issued and distributed by Winterberg Advisory GmbH on behalf of Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG.
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/healthcare-holding-schweiz-acquires-effectum-ch-rep-switzerland-302402122.html
PARIS and LONDON, March 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — iM Global Partner (iMGP) has announced it will enter the European Active UCITS ETF market with the launch of a European Managed Futures UCITS ETF, the only one available on the market, the iMGP DBi Managed Futures Fund R USD ETF.
This Active UCITS ETF has been listed on the Euronext stock exchange in Paris and will soon be available on the London Stock Exchange listed in sterling.
The iMGP DBi Managed Futures Fund R USD ETF will mirror the world’s largest Managed Futures ETF, US-listed iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF. Both are managed by iMGP’s partner, DBi, experts in hedge fund replication. The US-listed ETF trades under the Bloomberg ticker DBMF:US, while the European UCITS ETF share class is listed under DBMF:FP.
This alternative strategy aims to replicate the pre-fee performance of a representative basket of leading managed futures hedge funds and has attracted interest from a wide variety of investors.
The UCITS ETF expands our existing offering of the iMGP DBi Managed Futures Fund and gives clients the opportunity to access the managed futures space through their wrapper of choice.
The European Active UCITS ETF market has grown steadily in recent years, with these products considered the next generation of portfolio building blocks. iM Global Partner has an active pipeline and plans to bring additional active UCITS ETFs to market in the coming months. iM Global Partner has already built up significant experience in the actively managed ETF market via its US operations and has a number of other ETFs covering multiple Partners and asset classes.
iMGP Founder and CEO, Philippe Couvrecelle, said: “After several years of offering actively managed ETFs in the USA, we are delighted to bring this offering to European investors. Our ability to respond to market opportunities demonstrates our commitment to providing innovative, cutting-edge products for all our clients, wherever they are based.”
Andrew Beer, Co-Founder DBi, added: “Managed Futures ETFs are becoming a big thing in the US so we are proud to partner with iMGP to launch DBMF:FP in Europe. This launch highlights the success of our model. Managed futures are one of the few alternative strategies where there are indisputable diversification benefits.”
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CONTACT: [email protected]
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/im-global-partner-enters-the-active-ucits-etf-market-in-europe-302402023.html
BEIJING, March 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This is a report from China.org.cn:
The 2025 Global Digital Economy Conference (GDEC)’s International Cooperation Forum series was held in Barcelona, Spain, on March 4.
Themed “Integration, Innovation, Win-Win: Co-creating a New Blueprint for the China-Europe Digital Economy,” the Digital Economy Cooperation Forum was hosted by the GDEC Organizing Committee, and organized by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology (BMBEIT).
The event attracted more than 150 government representatives, corporate executives, industry association leaders from China, Spain and other European countries, and more than 60 overseas companies and institutions participated in it.
Jiang Guangzhi, the BMBEIT chief, delivered an opening speech in the form of digital human. In his address, Jiang said that the capital city of China, as a pioneer in the global digital economy, actively implements the national digital economy development strategy, and Barcelona, as the core hub of the European digital economy, has obvious advantages in science and technology industry clusters. The two cities have broad prospects for cooperation in the field of digital economy.
On the sidelines of the forum, BMBEIT also held a business and investment promotion activity called “Night of Beijing” in the Spanish city.
Relevant persons in charge of the BMBEIT promoted Beijing’s leading digital technology solutions in key digital economy industries such as autonomous driving, smart logistics, smart home, digital healthcare, and value-added telecommunications, combining core technologies, application scenarios, international promotion, and effectiveness cases.
Additionally, Lu Yiji, Chairman of the China-Europe Digital Association, Ignasi Castelló, Chief Purchasing Officer of FICOSA International Spain, Li Kang, Senior Vice President of China Telecom International, and Zhang Genxue, General Manager of Beijing Digital Economy Enterprises Overseas Innovation Service Base, each presented the current state and trends of digital economy development from different perspectives, providing valuable experiences and insights for enterprises and institutions.
The GDEC has been successfully held for four sessions since 2021. It is committed to promoting more comprehensive international cooperation in the digital economy industry and promoting the friendly and sustainable development of the global digital ecology. The 2025 GDEC will be held in Beijing in July.
Digital economy focus of China-EU cooperation: forum
http://www.china.org.cn/business/2025-03/06/content_117750616.htm
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/digital-economy-focus-of-china-eu-cooperation-forum-302402825.html
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