Bringing Canada-Japan relations to new heights through open innovation

Launch of the Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) program in Japan

News Release

January 29, 2019 – Tokyo, Japan – Embassy of Canada

On Tuesday, January 29, 2019, the Canadian Embassy in Japan launched the Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) program in Japan, in the presence of local government organizations, accelerators, start-ups and members of the Japanese business and venture capital community.

The Canadian Technology Accelerator initiative was piloted in 2013 in major tech hubs in the US (New York, Silicon Valley, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Boston) to support the growth of high potential Canadian technology companies in global technology hubs. Since then, more than 500 Canadian companies participated in CTA initiatives across the US and raised a total of half a billion dollars in capital, generated close to $200M in new revenue and created over 2,150 jobs. Following this resounding success in the US, the CTA model is now being rolled out in Asia.

Japan is one of four locations chosen for the CTA program in Asia, alongside Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Japan’s large pool of capital, its well established global footprint and its position as a technology and innovation leader make it an ideal partner for Canadian companies looking for strategic partnerships. Through the CTA-Japan program, the Embassy will be partnering with several Japanese incubators, accelerators and mentoring organizations to facilitate Canadian companies’ access to advice from industry leaders, office space in technology centres, connections to investors, as well as networking opportunities across the business community in Japan.

Already, the CTA-Japan program has secured partnerships with influential organizations in Japan’s innovation ecosystem, including the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Innovation Leaders Summit, and local accelerators Creww, Digital Garage, EDGEof and Plug and Play Japan. Partners will play a key role in fast-tracking the success of CTA-Japan participants in the Japanese market and beyond.

“The launch of the CTA in Japan is an important part of Canada's trade diversification strategy toward Asia. Combined with the entry into force of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), I am confident that the program will bring Canada-Japan relations to new heights, and elevate what our two countries do best: innovate and collaborate.”  Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification

“The CTA-Japan program will showcase Canada’s leadership in innovation by bringing Canadian high-potential and high-growth tech companies to partner with local accelerators, start-ups, investors and technology centres. Through these partnerships, Canada and Japan will lead the way in bringing about new and disruptive technologies to the global market, and work together to create the world of tomorrow.” Ambassador Ian Burney

Further information on CTA:  JAPANCommerce@international.gc.ca

Media contact: Tel: 03-5412-6444