Deep-Tech Innovation & Partnerships: Korea & Japan

Now in its third year, this workshop series brings together deep-tech startup founders, investors, government agencies, and incubators for high-impact bilateral convenings. Following successful workshops in Taipei (2024) and Singapore (2025), the 2026 series heads to Korea and Japan — forging the cross-border partnerships that move breakthrough technologies from lab to market.

Funded by NSF’s Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP).

2026 Workshops

US-Korea Workshop

August 18-20, 2026

Seoul, Korea

System SemiconductorsQuantumAIRoboticsFuture of MobilityBiotech

Apply to Attend ↗

US-Japan Workshop

August 25-27, 2026

Tokyo, Japan

EnergyCritical MineralsSemiconductorsPhotonicsQuantumRobotics

Apply to Attend ↗

FORMAT

DURATION

3 days per workshop
2-day workshop + 1 day site visits & curated meetings

PARTICIPATION

By invitation only
Featuring interactive panels, breakout sessions, and curated 1:1 meetings

PARTICIPATION

By invitation only
Featuring interactive panels, breakout sessions, and curated 1:1 meetings

WHY ATTEND

Engage directly with leading US and partner-country deep-tech stakeholders
Gain insights into global deep-tech ecosystems and scaling strategies
Connect with government agencies, industry partners, and top-tier investors
Selected US startups will receive travel support to attend the workshop

Explore cross-border partnership and funding opportunities
Contribute to shaping future US bilateral innovation programs
Join a curated network of deep-tech founders across stages of maturity

COMING SOON

New NSF-backed funding opportunity for international partnerships

A new NSF-backed program is in development to support US deep-tech startups pursuing commercialization projects with international partners. This funding opportunity is designed to help startups turn cross-border connections made through the workshop series into actionable collaboration. Stay tuned for more details — including eligibility, award scope, and how to apply — to be announced later this summer.

Ready to apply?

US startup founders working in the focus areas listed above are encouraged to apply. Participation is by invitation — selected founders will be notified in May after all applications are reviewed. Choose the workshop that fits your market focus and timeline.

Application deadline: May 8, 2026

Apply for Korea (Aug 18–20)

Apply for Japan (Aug 25–27)