Deep Tech Canada is pleased to report on the successful completion of its Smart Materials Co-Innovation and Trade Mission to Japan, held in partnership with The National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) and the Trade Commissioner Service. The mission brought together 15 innovative Canadian organizations and leading Japanese organizations to explore new opportunities, foster collaborations, and advance the field of smart materials.
The mission began with a dynamic session at the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo, where we co-hosted the Canada-Japan Smart Materials Joint Seminar. This event, in collaboration with NRC IRAP, Yamagata University Organic Electronics Research & Innovation Centers, and GSI Creos, featured presentations and discussions that showcased the innovative capabilities of nine Canadian companies. Each company got to share their cutting-edge smart material technologies. Joining the seminar were key Japanese organizations, including GSI Creos, Yamagata University, and Honda’s New Materials & R&D divisions.
Following the seminar, participants had the chance to network, strengthening relationships and sharing insights. The event was a fantastic success, and Deep Tech Canada would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our partners and participants for their contributions to this meaningful exchange.
The second day of the mission was dedicated to a visit to Yonezawa, where participants traveled by shinkansen to the Innovation Center for Organic Electronics (INOEL) at Yamagata University. At INOEL, we had the opportunity to explore the future house, a space that demonstrated the wide range of smart materials in action. The center's innovations were truly impressive, showcasing the potential of organic electronics and their role in shaping the future.
Over a traditional bento box lunch, participants engaged in lively discussions with Yamagata University President, Hidetoshi Tamate. The afternoon featured presentations from the mission participants, who introduced their respective organizations and technologies to INOEL researchers. This was followed by targeted B2B meetings, which opened the door to exciting collaboration opportunities.
We wrapped up the visit with a delightful traditional Japanese dinner hosted by Yamagata University, followed by the return journey to Tokyo.
Our delegation participated in nano tech 2025 at Tokyo Big Sight; this marked our 9th appearance at one of the largest nanotechnology conferences and exhibitions in the world. We were in great company at the Canada pavilion with our exhibitors, delegates and provincial representatives alongside the Trade Commissioner Service, Embassy of Canada in Japan.
Our Executive Director, Janice Warkentin, presented at the 17th Nanotech Association Conference, sharing Deep Tech Canada’s initiatives and successes in fostering international partnerships and driving innovation. Representatives of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) visited the Canadian pavilion to engage with Deep Tech Canada and one of our members, Brilliant Matters, strengthening ties between our countries' innovation sectors.
The day culminated with the Nano Biz Networking Reception, hosted by the nano tech Executive Committee and the Nanotechnology Business Creation Initiative. Mr. Nadin Nanji, Counsellor (STI), Embassy of Canada, had the honor of partaking in the traditional sake opening ceremony. Attendees got to enjoy Canadian whiskey as well as Québec cider and beer thanks to the Canada table. A special thanks to our co-sponsor the Government of Québec. The evening was filled with meaningful conversations and opportunities for future collaboration.
On the final day our delegation continued to build momentum from the week’s inspiring discussions. The event allowed for continued networking, and our presence at the expo highlighted the growing interest in Canadian smart material technologies.
Deep Tech Canada was honored to receive a special award at nano tech 2025 for our creativity, societal impact, and leadership in showcasing 15 groundbreaking Canadian organizations. This recognition underscores the exceptional contributions of Canadian innovators to the smart materials sector and our role in fostering global collaboration for future technologies.
“The meeting was very positive; the chemistry was exciting and innovative, and one hour was not enough time for discussion. There was a lot of synergy between our two groups, and we have identified 5 potential co-innovation projects and will be reaching out to further explore the conversation. The meeting was a good start towards building a relationship with the Research Center for Organic Electro Luminescence, the world's most prominent foothold for leading-edge research on organic materials”.
Applied Quantum Materials on their B2B meeting at Yamagata University
A huge thank you to all our sponsors! Deep Tech Canada missions are hugely successful because of the efforts of our partners at home and abroad, along with the generous contributions from industry, government, and academia.
Deep Tech Canada acknowledges that Indigenous Peoples have been and continue to be the traditional guardians of this land we call Canada, where we live and work.