Innovation Seminar Held in Nagoya
Exploring Business Collaboration Between Japan and Edmonton
Edmonton, Alberta, a global leader in hydrogen hub development and innovation, showcased its cutting-edge initiatives at the "Innovation Promotion Seminar" held on February 17, 2025 at Courtyard by Marriott Nagoya.
The event, hosted by the Edmonton Economic Delegation and supported by Tokai Japan Canada Society and the Consulate of Canada in Nagoya, welcomed approximately 50 participants from businesses and government agencies, mainly from the Tokai region.
Through information sharing and networking, attendees explored new business collaboration opportunities between Japan and Canada.
Key Representatives from Edmonton
The Edmonton Economic Delegation included about 20 prominent figures from the economic and academic sectors, such as:
- CEO of YEG Airport
- CEO of Edmonton Global
- Chief Strategy Officer of the University of Alberta
- CEO & President of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce
- Executive Director of Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association
- CEO of Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation (API)
Insights on Edmonton's Strengths
The seminar opened with a welcome speech by Consul David Perdue of the Consulate of Canada in Nagoya.
Mr. Perdue's opening remarks were followed by a keynote lecture by Mr. Brent Jensen, Senior Director Business Development at Edmonton Global, titled "The Strengths of the Edmonton Region".
Mr. Jensen highlighted four key advantages of Edmonton and its surrounding metropolitan area:
"Edmonton has a population of approximately 1.4 million, and it continues to grow. It ranks as the fifth-largest economy in Canada and contributes 30% of Alberta's GDP", Mr. Jensen emphasized.
Edmonton's Five Priority Sectors
Mr. Jensen also introduced five key industries Edmonton is focusing on:
Edmonton as Canada's Largest Hydrogen Hub
Mr. Jensen highlighted Edmonton's pioneering role as Canada's first and largest hydrogen hub, playing a crucial role in global hydrogen supply.
He also noted that Edmonton International Airport is gaining worldwide attention as a model for decarbonization, utilizing hydrogen energy beyond traditional aviation operations.
Japanese Perspectives on Innovation
From Japan, the seminar featured a video presentation by Mr. Yuto Sato of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Innovation and Environment Bureau, who discussed Japan’s innovation support policies from a government perspective.
Additionally, Mr. Toru Karamatsu, Director of the Aichi Prefectural Department of Industrial Innovation, introduced STATION Ai, one of Japan’s largest open innovation hubs, which opened in Nagoya in Fall 2024.
He encouraged collaboration between Aichi-based companies and Edmonton businesses.
Strengthening Japan-Canada Business Ties
Mr. Shoji Amano, President of TJCS, shared his perspective on Canada's appeal:
"One of Canada's greatest strengths is its diversity. It offers an open and welcoming business environment, with high safety standards, an excellent quality of life, and a strong workforce of skilled professionals. Most importantly, the people are warm and welcoming."
He emphasized the significant potential for business expansion in Canada and the importance of fostering Japan-Canada relations.
Networking for Future Collaborations
Following the seminar, a networking session was held, where attendees had the opportunity to connect with members of the Edmonton Economic Delegation.
The event featured a standing buffet lunch, facilitating active discussions and exchange of ideas.
This seminar successfully expanded possibilities for collaboration between Japanese and Canadian businesses and municipalities, marking an important first step toward concrete business developments in the future.
