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.

Sign up here to be notified.

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)