Are you running a business specializing development of defence technologies and solutions, such as cyber-security, drones, laser or satellite communications, radar technologies? Would you like to present your solutions to potential partners and clients from Japan? If so, the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation  has an exciting opportunity for you to explore the Japanese market, connect and exhibit at our Defence Business Mission in Japan in May 2025.

- Applications will open on November 11 -

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ABOUT THE MISSION

The Centre’s Defence Business Mission in Japan will exhibit at the DSEI Japan 2025 exhibition, the only large-scale integrated defence in Japan from 21-23 May 2025 in Tokyo. DSEI Japan provides unprecedented levels of access into the Japanese and wider Asia-Pacific market. During the first edition in 2023, over 500 VIPs and delegations from across the world attended DSEI Japan and exhibitors met with some of the Asia-Pacific’s key decision makers.

The Centre offers 12 EU defence-related SMEs the opportunity to exhibit in-person at DSEI Japan 2025. Selected participants will have the opportunity to connect with Japanese business partners and showcase their solutions during the 3-day exhibition. The program is preceded by a one-day program that includes a pitching/networking event to Japanese government- and industry representatives, as well as an opportunity to meet with defence-attaches from EU member states. At the Centre’s joint booth, mission participants will have their promotion material translated in Japanese-language posters, ensuring their products and technologies are effectively communicated to the Japanese visitors. Moreover, the mission will include professional interpreters to ensure that participants feel confident and well-supported throughout the event.

Before travelling to Japan, mission participants will receive detailed information about the schedule and Japanese business etiquette through a webinar, to ensure better preparation ahead of the business mission.

SCHEDULE

OBJECTIVES

• Explore and create partnering opportunities with Japanese government organizations and companies in the defence sector
• Gain valuable insights and knowledge about the Japanese market.

PARTICIPANT PROFILE

This call for applications targets individuals working for SMEs (small and medium enterprises, start-ups) (*) from the European Union or a country associated with the Single Market Programme, SME Pillar (**), specializing in military or dual use 

• Aerospace technologies 

• Cyber-security and IT and AI technologies 

• Counter terrorism solutions  

• Crisis management solutions

• Hybrid threat countermeasures 

• Drone or AUV technologies

• Laser-, acoustic or satellite communication technologies

• Maritime defence technologies

• Guide Missile technologies

• Radar technologies

• Other defence-related services and equipment

(*) Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are companies that meet the standard criteria set by the European Commission to be classified as SMEs. 

(**) Please check the status of your country here. Eligibles are EFTA countries and countries that have signed an agreement to participate in the Competitiveness of SMEs strand.

ELIGIBILITY

The company must:

• be an SME based in the European Union, or in a country associated with the Single Market Programme (SMP), SME Pillar (**); the headquarters of the company must be in an EU/SMP country
• have a proven track-record in providing solutions related to the topic of this mission
• show that its representative(s) is/are supported by senior management through a signed letter (In case they do not belong to senior management themselves)
• be able to participate in the entire programme; a representation in the same trade fair in other ways (in a stand-alone booth or as part of a national/regional pavilion) is not permitted
• ensure that its representative(s) have a good command of English (recommended level B2 or higher)

Applicants may be declined if they have previously cancelled their participation or were absent during part of a prior mission without a valid reason, or have in any other way acted contrary to the guidelines of the mission and/or disobeyed the instructions of Centre staff.

Companies that are deemed not relevant to the sector-specific business mission will be rejected.

SELECTION

The Centre will evaluate applicants based on the following primary selection criteria:  

• Strategy and potential regarding Japan
• Relevance for the topic of the mission and the targeted fair
• Track-record of supply to defence-related organizations or industry

The mission will welcome 12 companies. 

WHAT DO WE OFFER?

¹The EU-Japan Centre will cover the expenses per selected company for:  

• Individual display stand in the joint EU-Japan Centre booth at the DSEI Japan 2025 exhibition 

• Support by EU-Japan Centre staff and professional interpreters at the joint EU-Japan Centre booth  

• Translation of poster and company profile, as well as printing of the poster for the exhibition 

COSTS 

Mission participants are responsible for covering: 

• Flight and other travel expenses to Tokyo and the trade fair venue 

• Accommodation in Tokyo 

• Other living expenses in Japan, including local transportation and meals 

DEPOSIT 

Participants who have been selected for the mission are required to pay a deposit of €1000 to secure their spot in the mission. After a brief post-event report is submitted, the deposit will be refunded. Before applying, please ensure you are committed, as cancelling after confirming your participation will result in a forfeiture of the deposit. 

SUBMISSION 

Please submit your application between November 11, 2024 and January 17, 2025 by clicking the Apply button at the top of this page.  Any question? Contact Hitoshi Koyano at H.Koyano@eu-japan.eu

Don't miss out on this great networking opportunity!