Building EU–Japan Partnerships in the Semiconductor Industry

From 15 to 19 December 2025, 49 selected EU SMEs and start-ups participated in the EU Business Hub @ Semicon Japan 2025 business mission in Tokyo. EU companies had the opportunity to showcase their products and services in the semiconductor sector, while also benefiting from valuable networking opportunities and direct connections with potential Japanese business partners and industry leaders.

A Strong Start: Networking, Market Insights, and Technology Pitches.

The first day, the participants arrived in Tokyo and met at the Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba hotel for the Welcome and Networking Reception, officially marking the start of a week focused on exploring Japan's cutting-edge semiconductor ecosystem. 

The event provided an initial opportunity for participants to meet fellow innovators, exchange objectives, and prepare for the intensive programme ahead. Representatives from the Delegation of the European Union to Japan and several EU Member States joined the reception to welcome participants and underscore the importance of EU-Japan collaboration in the semiconductor sector.

On 16 December, the morning opened with a briefing session at the Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba hotel, providing participants with an overview of Japan's semiconductors market and key innovation priorities. Industry experts shared insights into Japan's semiconductors industry, as well as increasing investments in artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and power semiconductor technologies. 

In the afternoon, participants travelled to Sakura Deeptech Shibuya for a pitching and networking session, where they presented their technologies to potential Japanese partners, investors, and industry stakeholders.

EU Pavilion at SEMICON JAPAN 2025: A Hub for Matchmaking, Networking and Business Growth.

From the third to the fifth day of the mission, EU participants exhibited at the EU Pavilion at SEMICON JAPAN 2025, which gathered 121 000 visitors and 1 200 exhibitors from all over the world. The exhibition served as a high-visibility platform for EU companies to meet with potential partners, explore business opportunities, and showcase European innovation in the Japanese market.

The EU Pavilion, which was honored by the visit of Mr. Jean-Eric Paquet, Ambassador of the European Union to Japan, also hosted a Happy Hour, bringing together participants and Japanese companies in a dynamic and informal networking setting, fostering new ideas and promising business deals.

Thanks to the expert interpreters, booth support, and the B2B matchmaking provided by the Programme, our participants held over 1 300 meetings with local counterparts, offering EU companies extensive opportunities to connect with relevant stakeholders and boost their market prospects.

Here is what our participants have to say about their experience in the business mission:

GENESINK (France) - Nano-materials for advanced electronics: "This mission was vital for our expansion in Asia, with Japan offering strong, stable base. It enabled us to progress our business goals through targeted matchmaking and direct customer meetings. We gained valuable contacts and see great potential in Japan. Tokyo was a fantastic experience."

Bruco IC (Netherlands) - Fabless ASIC design center: "What impressed me most was how careful preparation and excellent execution -supported by coaches. translators, and the logistics team- helped us build strong connections at SEMICON Japan. Creating these opportunities to meet individuals face-to-face is truly the foundation for long-term relationships and future success in the Japanese market."

ROWAVES (Romania) - design, assembly and manufacturing of RF equipment: "For us a small company, participating in this organised mission was a huge opportunity. The most exciting moment was the pitching event during the second day, where we pitched alongside other European companies and connected with Japanese companies. This experience truly highlighted the value of international collaboration and opened new possibilities for our business."

The EU Pavilion served as a platform to the growing collaboration between Europe and Japan in the semiconductor sector, reaffirming their shared commitment to technological progress, economic security and mutual success. This mission not only showcased European innovation but also underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in driving growth and innovation in the global semiconductor industry.

Looking Ahead: Keep up with the EU Business Hub!

If you are also an EU SME or start-up in the digital solutions, renewable energy or healthcare and medical equipment sector, looking to expand to Japan or the Republic of Korea, join our upcoming business missions!

Check out the full business mission catalogue and subscribe to our to newsletter receive the latest programme updates.

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EU Business Hub - Japan and the Republic of Korea is an EU-funded programme launched in 2024 to support EU SMEs and start-ups in the Green and Low-Carbon, Digital, Healthcare and Medical Equipment sectors in expanding into the Japanese and Korean markets. Between 2024 and 2027, the programme is organising 20 sector-focused business missions -10 in each market- with services including strategic coaching, matchmaking, local interpretation, and full logistical support. The EU Business Hub is the successor programme of the EU Business Avenues / EU Gateway to Japan.