Hello everyone,
This is Chisato Tateno, 2025 Miss SAKE Japan.
On October 14 (Tuesday), I had the honor of attending the “INDIA JAPAN STARTUP GATEWAY” held at Tokyo Innovation Base in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo.
About the “INDIA JAPAN STARTUP GATEWAY”
The “INDIA JAPAN STARTUP GATEWAY– A Business Networking Event Connecting with Nine Leading Indian Startups” was a cross-border business exchange designed to connect prominent Indian startups with Japanese companies. The event was co-hosted by Dooox Inc. (CEO: Ryosuke Kubodera), a company driven by the vision of “changing the world through action,” and GHV (GreenHouse Ventures), an accelerator and investor based in India.
Nine innovative Indian startups interested in expanding into the Japanese market took the stage to discuss potential collaborations and market development opportunities with Japanese companies.
The program began with an introduction to Tokyo’s startup support initiatives, followed by a keynote speech from Mr. Vikram Upadhyaya, Founder of GHV Accelerator, M.A.I.L., and DXLab, and continued with pitch sessions from participating startups. Toward the end, Mr. Kubodera introduced Dooox’s “Do Lab India” project, after which a networking session provided participants with valuable opportunities for direct exchange and connection.
Event Overview
Date & Time: October 14, 2025 (Tue) 14:30–16:30 (Networking afterward)
Venue: Tokyo Innovation Base (3-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
Admission: Free
Program:
1. Introduction to Tokyo’s Startup Support Initiatives
2. Presentation by GHV – Mr. Vikram Upadhyaya (Founder, GHV Accelerator / M.A.I.L. / DXLab)
3. Pitch Sessions by Nine Indian Startups
4. Introduction of Do Lab India – Mr. Ryosuke Kubodera (CEO, Dooox Inc.)
5. Networking Session
Japan and India: Co-Creating the Future
This event served as a valuable platform that transcended barriers between the public and private sectors, as well as across industries, fostering collaboration between Japan and India.
Japan is globally respected for its reliability, world-class corporations, and mature markets, yet it continues to face challenges such as complex decision-making structures and limited infrastructure for embracing startups.
India, on the other hand, with a population of 1.4 billion and a GDP growth rate of 6.7%, stands as the world’s fourth-largest economy. It boasts a highly skilled workforce and a vibrant ecosystem with over 100,000 startups. However, linguistic, cultural, and religious diversity continues to pose challenges for foreign market entry, while domestic talent outflow remains a concern.
Amid these dynamics, Mr. Vikram Upadhyaya—drawing from his experience collaborating with Silicon Valley and Japanese companies—founded GHV Accelerator (Green House Ventures Accelerator) to build a long-term ecosystem for nurturing startups rather than focusing solely on investment. Similarly, Mr. Ryosuke Kubodera launched the “Do Lab India Membership” program to support business development and communication between Japan and India, offering a space for testing new markets and forming collaborative partnerships.
Pitches from India’s Leading Entrepreneurs
Six startups participated in person, while three joined online. After their presentations, a networking session allowed Japanese companies—eager to explore partnerships in India’s rapidly growing market—to connect directly with visionary entrepreneurs on the frontlines of innovation.
| Company | Field | Overview / Strengths |
| ConsumrAI（ProfitWheel） | Marketing Technology | Provides a platform leveraging first-party and behavioral data to deliver consumer insights for advertising and media planning. A promising field given the shift away from cookie-based digital ads. |
| CaRPM | Automotive IoT Diagnostics | DiagnosticsVisualizes vehicle health and performance using IoT/OBD data, reducing maintenance costs and connecting car owners with service providers. Founded by IIT alumni with strong technical expertise. |
| CargoFL | Logistics Technology (TMS) | AI-powered transport management software that enhances transparency and operational efficiency. Already serving major clients with high growth potential. |
| FoodYoga | Health Foods / D2C | Produces healthy snacks made from traditional ingredients like lotus seeds (makhana), targeting yoga and wellness enthusiasts. Well-positioned in the clean-label food trend. |
| Probus Smart Things | Smart Grid / IoT for Power Distribution | A deep-tech startup digitizing power grids through IoT and data analytics. Aligns with India’s smart city and energy reform initiatives. |
| DaveAI | AI Customer Engagement / Virtual Sales | Provides customizable AI-powered virtual agents for sales and customer service, allowing enterprises to securely own and manage their own AI systems. |
Many of the presenting companies showcased innovative solutions leveraging AI and other technologies to address traditional challenges in areas such as operational efficiency, data utilization, and health management. Mr. Guneet from Jammu University also shared valuable insights on fostering business through startup incubation and innovation-focused education.
A common challenge raised among the startups was the need for stronger financial backing and opportunities to build new networks for business expansion in Japan. Looking ahead, it is hoped that promising entrepreneurs and business leaders from both nations will continue to connect across borders, driving mutual growth and innovation. Through this exchange, I was reminded once again of the importance of encounters and networks in creating true “co-creation.”
Through the “INDIA JAPAN STARTUP GATEWAY,” I witnessed firsthand the immense potential of co-creation that transcends national, cultural, and industrial boundaries. It reaffirmed my belief that new ideas and value are born through human connection.
I sincerely hope that initiatives like this will continue to expand, nurturing the seeds of innovation that will shape the future of Japan, India, and the world.
As Miss SAKE, I will continue to promote international exchange and mutual understanding by sharing the beauty and spirit of Japanese culture with people across the globe.
Chisato Tateno
2025 Miss SAKE Japan
