Accelerating Strategic Partnerships and Business Creation Between Japan and Europe in the Semiconductor Sector

The EU Business Hub is an EU-funded initiative designed to create new business opportunities and partnerships between European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups and Japanese companies in the green, digital, and healthcare/medical devices sectors. Through its business missions, the initiative supports the internationalisation, export, and investment activities of European companies, while contributing to the development of more resilient, sustainable, and technologically advanced value chains between Europe and Japan, as well as to the smooth implementation of the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Each business mission is organised around major trade fairs related to priority sectors, and participating companies are carefully selected based on criteria such as product and technological capabilities, resources, and business strategy.

EU Business Hub: https://japan.eubusinesshub.eu/ja
EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA): https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/economy/page6e_000013.html

Driving Japan-Europe Innovation Co-Creation at the EU Pavilion at SEMICON Japan 2025

From Monday, 15 December to Friday, 19 December 2025, the EU Pavilion made its second appearance at SEMICON Japan 2025, held at Tokyo Big Sight, where 49 European SMEs and start-ups showcased innovative solutions and cutting-edge technologies in the fields of digital solutions and semiconductor technologies. Once again, the pavilion attracted strong interest from major Japanese semiconductor and manufacturing companies, as well as industry stakeholders, further strengthening its role as a strategic platform for international collaboration.

SEMICON Japan 2025 official website:
https://www.semiconjapan.org/jp

As one of Japan’s largest and most influential semiconductor exhibitions, SEMICON Japan 2025 brought together more than 120,000 visitors and over 1,200 exhibitors, providing an unparalleled platform for promoting international collaboration. The EU Pavilion attracted considerable attention from Japanese companies, with many setting up their own booths or sending delegations, further expanding opportunities for European innovators to connect with key players in the Japanese market.

The EU Business Hub played an important role by providing tailored support to ensure maximum visibility and results for participating SMEs and start-ups. Dedicated coaches and professional interpreters worked closely with the exhibitors, enabling them to communicate their innovative solutions effectively and build foundations for future collaboration with Japanese companies. Networking receptions and matchmaking events were also among the highlights, creating opportunities for meaningful exchanges and opening the door to future cooperation.

During the mission, more than 1,300 business meetings were held between participating European companies and Japanese companies, turning mutual interest into concrete business opportunities. These valuable exchanges laid the groundwork for future joint ventures, strengthened mutual trust, and demonstrated the complementary strengths of both regions in driving innovation.

■Comments from Participating Companies
*Selected excerpts

Exhibitor 1: GENESINK (France) — Nanomaterials for Advanced Electronics

“This mission was extremely important for expanding our business in Asia. Japan offers a strong and stable base. Through targeted matchmaking and direct meetings with customers, we were able to advance our business goals. We made valuable contacts and see significant potential in the Japanese market. Our experience in Tokyo was excellent.”

Exhibitor 2: Bruco IC (Netherlands) — Fabless ASIC Design Center

“What impressed us most was that, thanks to the careful preparation and excellent management by the coaches, interpreters, and logistics team, we were able to build strong connections at SEMICON Japan. We strongly felt that creating opportunities for face-to-face interaction forms the foundation for long-term relationship building and future success in the Japanese market.”

Exhibitor 3: ROWAVES (Romania) — Design, Assembly, and Manufacturing of RF Equipment

“For a small company like ours, participating in such a well-organised mission was a major opportunity. The most exciting moment was the pitch event on the second day, where we were able to present our company to Japanese businesses together with other European companies. Through this experience, we realised the value of international collaboration and opened up new business possibilities.”

The EU Pavilion became a symbol of stronger cooperation between Europe and Japan in the semiconductor sector, reaffirming a shared commitment to technological innovation, economic security, and mutual success. This mission not only showcased European innovation, but also highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships in driving growth and innovation in the global semiconductor industry.

Looking ahead, the EU Business Hub will continue working to strengthen ties between European and Japanese companies, create new opportunities for collaboration, and strongly support the international expansion of European SMEs and start-ups in the rapidly evolving semiconductor sector.

■Upcoming EU Business Hub Exhibitions in Japan

SMART ENERGY WEEK SPRING 2026

The EU Business Hub is pleased to announce its participation in SMART ENERGY WEEK Spring 2026. Building on its track record at Smart Energy Week Japan, the initiative will further accelerate efforts to foster impactful partnerships and promote innovation in the energy sector.

SMART ENERGY WEEK Spring 2026 official website:
https://www.wsew.jp/spring/en-gb/about.html

Highlights from the 1st edition (SMART ENERGY WEEK Spring 2025):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qO0LDPfhLyA

Highlights from the 2nd edition (SMART ENERGY WEEK Autumn 2025):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sATiHxXeom0

By registering on the b2match platform, companies can access new business and collaboration opportunities with European companies visiting Japan. The platform enables tailored business matching, access to advanced European innovation, and pre-arranged meetings. It is an excellent opportunity to maximise collaboration potential, build meaningful partnerships, and move your business forward. We encourage you to make full use of it.

■About the EU Business Hub

The EU Business Hub is a business matching initiative led by the Delegation of the European Union to Japan. It promotes the entry of European companies into the Japanese market and their collaboration with Japanese companies, particularly in the fields of digital solutions, green and low-carbon technologies, and healthcare and medical devices. Over the four-year period from 2024 to 2027, the initiative will carry out 10 business missions, during which EU companies will have access to individual coaching, financial support, and business matching opportunities, while exhibiting at EU Pavilions at major trade fairs.

Delegation of the European Union to Japan:
https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/japan

EU Business Hub contacts:
logistics_japan@eubusinesshub.eu / support@eubusinesshub.eu / coaching_japan@eubusinesshub.eu

Newsletter registration:
https://japan.eubusinesshub.eu/ja/zuixinnoqingbaoworushou