Nagoya University’s Innovation Connections at SWITCH 2026

Nagoya University’s startup community and student initiatives were among the highlights of the Central Japan Startup Ecosystem’s participation in SWITCH 2026 (Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology), held in Singapore from 27 to 29 October 2026.

At the event, the Central Japan Startup Ecosystem Booth, located in front of the registration area, showcased three startups originating from Nagoya University: iBody, Sora Materials, and ULTEC. Each company presented its innovative technologies and business developments to the international audience.

The participating startups were represented by their respective CEOs:

iBody – Represented by Mr. Yo (Max) Amakusa, CEO, the company develops innovative antibody discovery technologies for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Sora Materials – Represented by Mr. Tomoki Osato, CEO, the company develops next-generation ultra-lightweight, flame-retardant materials for aerospace and other advanced industries.

ULTEC – Represented by Mr. Akira Yoshikawa, CEO, the semiconductor startup is developing world-first deep ultraviolet (DUV) laser technology.

The booth also welcomed two Nagoya University students, Mr. Chihiro Shimoyama and Ms. Krista Nethania, who have been undertaking six-month internships in Singapore since August 2026 through the NUS Overseas Colleges (NOC) Singapore programme. Their visit provided an opportunity to connect with representatives of the Central Japan Startup Ecosystem and engage with the innovation community in Singapore.

Together with representatives from Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya City, and STATION Ai, the team took part in introducing Aichi’s innovation ecosystem to the Singapore audience, highlighting the connections between Japan’s Central Region and Singapore.

Through the showcase of university-born startups and the participation of students in Singapore’s innovation activities, SWITCH 2026 provided an opportunity to highlight Nagoya University’s growing connections with the startup ecosystem across the two countries.