Harwell Japan Day 2025
Date: Tuesday 11th November 2025
Venue: European Space Agency (ESA)
Harwell Campus, UK
Conference Programme
"Bridging Borders: Connecting Japan’s Innovation with the UK’s Flagship Science Hub – Harwell Campus"
Join us at the UK’s premier government-backed innovation centre, Harwell Campus – home to world-leading science clusters – as we spark new collaborations with Japan’s cutting-edge ecosystem.
08:30
Registration
Magali Vaissiere Conference Centre - European Space Agency (ESA)
09:00
Welcome Remarks
Masashi Matsunaga - CEO, Biospire
09:20
Session 1: Opening Session – Policy & Ecosystem Overview
Chair person: Dr Tim Hart (Biospire)
To provide a deep understanding of the startup and innovation support systems in both Japan and the UK.
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Introduction to Government Support Systems - (Speakers TBD)
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Keynote Speakers - (Speakers TBD)
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Case Studies - Collaborative efforts between universities and research institutions
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Q&A Session
10:40
Exhibition & Morning Coffee
at Foyer and Main Hall
11:10
Session 2: Thematic Session I – Space & Quantum Technologies
Chair person: TBD
To explore collaborative opportunities in innovative fields such as space and quantum technologies
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Startup Pitching - 4 Japanese UK and Japanese startup share their cutting-edge innovations (10 min each)
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Panel Discussion - Opportunities and challenges in space and quantum technology collaboration, and experts from Japan and the UK discuss the future of these fields
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Investor Perspective - Highlighting market opportunities and funding avenues for space and quantum startups
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Q&A Session
12:30
Exhibition & Lunch
at Foyer
13:30
Session 3: Thematic Session II – Energy & Life Sciences
Chair person: Dr Masashi Matsunaga (Biospire)
To foster cross-sector collaboration in the fields of clean energy, climate change, and life sciences.
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Startup Pitching - 4 Japanese UK and Japanese startup share their cutting-edge innovations (10 min each)
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Panel Discussion - Opportunities and challenges in space and quantum technology collaboration, and experts from Japan and the UK discuss the future of these fields
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Investor Perspective - Highlighting market opportunities and funding avenues for space and quantum startups
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Q&A Session
15:00
Exhibition & Afternoon Coffee
at Foyer and Main Hall
15:30
Session 4: Shaping the Future of UK–Japan Innovation
Chair person: TBD
To bring together next-generation leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from both countries for a bold, visionary discussion on the future of collaboration. This session aims to inspire action and lay the foundation for new joint initiatives.
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Opening Inspiration Talk
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Cross-Sector Panel Discussion
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Interactive Vision Workshop
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Closing & Call to Action
17:00
Closing Remarks
Tim Hart - Biospire
17:10
Networking Reception
at Foyer and Main Hall
18:30
Close
