Event Overview

On April 25, 2026, a landmark international startup event took place in Kyoto, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders from Japan and the Netherlands. The Kyoto International Startup Nexus - Tech for a Sustainable Future was a strategic initiative co-hosted by Kyoto City and AALTO INTERNATIONAL, designed to foster cross-border collaboration in sustainable technology sectors.

Event Specifications

Event Name: Kyoto International Startup Nexus – Tech for a Sustainable Future
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (14:00 – 17:00)
Location: Whatever SHIMOGAMO Office, 119-1 Shimogamo Miyazaki-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto 606-0802
Organizers: Kyoto City, AALTO INTERNATIONAL
Supporting Partners: Netherlands Consulate General in Osaka, Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (Enterprise Bureau)
Total Attendance: 48 participants
Participating Regions: Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya metropolitan areas

The event represented a significant milestone in international startup ecosystem development, bringing together companies, startups, and investors from across the Kansai and Chubu regions to explore technological partnerships with innovative Dutch enterprises focused on sustainable solutions.

Opening Remarks and Government Support

The event commenced with opening remarks from Kyoto City's Department of Industry and Tourism, represented by officials who introduced the "New Kyoto Strategy (revised March 2026)". This strategic framework positions Kyoto as a hub for cutting-edge industries including semiconductors, biotechnology, and precision manufacturing, emphasizing the city's commitment to creating and growing startups with global impact.

The event also featured remarks from the Netherlands Consulate General in Osaka, with Consul General Sandra Pellegrom welcoming the Dutch delegation. Additionally, Edo de Ronde, representative of the Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, outlined the Dutch commitment to innovation and highlighted Japan as a strategic market. Notable points included:

Netherlands' investment of 2.3% of GDP in Research & Development
Presence of global technology leaders such as ASML and Philips
Diverse advanced technology clusters in life sciences, clean tech, high-tech manufacturing, XR, and AI
Long-standing historical ties and potential for deepened cooperation with Japan

Sharvil, Inc.'s Role & Presentation

Sharvil’s CEO & Founder: Shreshth Sapra Shares Market Entry Wisdom

Shreshth Sapra, CEO and Founder of Sharvil, Inc., presented a keynote session titled "Practical Insights on Market Entry into Japan for International Companies" as part of the Kyoto Ecosystem Session series.

His presentation provided international entrepreneurs and business leaders with actionable insights on navigating Japan's unique market landscape. With his background of coming to Japan in 2017, graduating from Kyoto University, and founding Sharvil, Inc. a company providing IT and business development solutions, he brings firsthand experience to the table.

Key Themes Covered in Sharvil's Presentation

Understanding Japan's distinctive business culture and market dynamics
Building trust-based relationships with Japanese partners and stakeholders
Strategic approaches to overcoming market entry barriers
The importance of long-term commitment in Japanese business ecosystems
Leveraging local expertise and networks for successful market penetration
Case studies and practical examples from international companies operating in Japan

His perspective was particularly valuable given that Sharvil, Inc. operates at the intersection of international strategy and local market expertise. As a foreign founder who successfully established his company in Kyoto, Sapra embodied the cross-cultural bridge-building approach that the event sought to promote.

For more detailed information about the Kyoto International Startup Nexus event and all participating sessions, visit the official AALTO INTERNATIONAL blog post for comprehensive event coverage and participant details.

Sharvil's participation as a Kyoto-based international company exemplifies the model AALTO seeks to develop: a trusted bridge between global markets and local ecosystems. As his presentation demonstrated, international companies like Sharvil, Inc. that understand both local context and global perspective can significantly accelerate market entry and partnership development for other foreign enterprises.

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