The Swiss Pavilion at BioJapan 2024, held from October 9 to 11, 2024, at Pacifico Yokohama in Kanagawa, Japan, was a resounding success. Organized by Swiss Business Hub Japan and Switzerland Global Enterprise, the pavilion was part of the Swiss Vitality Days, celebrating 160 years of Swiss-Japanese relations.
This unique platform highlighted Switzerland’s leadership in biotechnology and life sciences, offering visitors the opportunity to engage with pioneering Swiss companies driving innovation. The pavilion recorded an impressive 115 percent increase in partnering meetings compared to the previous year, reaffirming its importance as a hub for international collaboration.
Pitch Apéro
Kicking off the series of events was the Pitch Apéro on October 8, 2024, hosted at Swissnex in Japan in Osaka. This networking event featured dynamic startup pitches and expert presentations, providing a platform for Swiss entrepreneurs to share their disruptive technologies and explore market opportunities in Japan, including impressive Lightning Talks on the future of LifeSciences and ecosystem deep-dives: President Michael Schaepman, University of Zurich, Professor Nicolas Demartines, CEO, CHUV | Lausanne university hospital, Professor Christian Lovis, Chairman, HUG - Hopitaux Universitaires de Genève, Prof. Tsuneaki Sakata, Biocommunity Kansai BiocK and Prof. Yoshiki Sawa, President, Nakanoshima Qross NQ. Startup founders from Adoram Therapeutics, illumicell AI, Nanoflex Robotics, and Risklick captivated the audience with their visions for the future of life sciences innovation.
Pitch Night
Following the Pitch Apéro, an exclusive Pitch Night was hosted on October 10, 2024, at the Swiss Ambassador’s residence in Tokyo, where five innovative Swiss startups—Adoram Therapeutics, illumicell AI, Nutrix AG, Nanoflex Robotics, and Risklick—presented transformative ideas. The event brought together venture capitalists, corporate investors, and industry leaders to explore advancements ranging from AI-powered diagnostics to cutting-edge pharmaceuticals. Remarks by Ambassador-designate Roger Dubach and Dr. Felix Moesner, Consul and CEO of Swissnex in Japan, set the stage for an inspiring evening of innovation and partnership before presentations by the stratup founders. Luca Saporita, Swiss Business Hub Japan, also introduced Switzerland Innovation, underscoring the country’s role as a leader in fostering cutting-edge research and development.
The success of BioJapan 2024 underscored Switzerland’s commitment to quality, precision, and sustainability in life sciences, offering a glimpse into the future of healthcare and biotechnology. The organizers extend their gratitude to everyone who visited the Swiss Pavilion and participated in these events. The connections and ideas fostered during this collaboration promise to shape the future of life sciences.
This event is part of the Swiss Vitality Days 2024, celebrating the 160th anniversary of bilateral relations between Switzerland and Japan, and takes place in the framework of Vitality.Swiss, Switzerland’s public diplomacy program on the road to Expo 2025 Osaka – Kansai.
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