Open Call
Hinweis unseres Partners European Innovation Council
Mi 17.06.2026, 12:26 Uhr
The European Innovation Council (EIC), in collaboration with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), is inviting EIC-backed start-ups and scale-ups to showcase their innovations at the EIC Multi-Corporate Day with Dai Nippon Printing (DNP), Fujitsu, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and more Japanese corporate observers. This exclusive business acceleration activity in collaboration with JETRO proved to be a great success in 2025, and the EIC is offering another opportunity to do business with decision-makers from top Japanese corporations at the pitching and networking sessions in Tokyo (Japan) on 5-6 October 2026. Ahead of the in-person sessions, this initiative will offer tailored preparation and guidance for EIC awardees to increase their chances of doing business with Japanese decision-makers.
Don’t miss this opportunity and apply by 10 July: Access application to the EIC Multi-Corporate Day with JETRO & DNP, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
DNP, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are global industrial leaders in various fields, including digital technologies, advanced materials, information and communication technologies, printing and packaging, electronics, energy, chemicals, space and more (see below for respective companies’ profiles). With a combined presence in over 100 countries and a total cumulated turnover exceeding EUR 150 billion, these companies are committed to driving innovation and sustainability as they strengthen their ties between Europe and Japan.
What’s in it for you?
The selected EIC awardees will receive business acceleration support powered by the EIC Corporate Partnership Programme, including dedicated training, mentoring, pitch dry runs, and further support ahead of the in-person pitching and matching sessions. Additionally, the selected EIC companies will benefit from post-activity support to maximise the impact of their business proposals.
The opportunities for the selected EIC companies include:
- Personalised preparatory support, including a group session with DNP, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, a 1-to-1 session with business experts, high-quality feedback to adjust the pitch deck, pitch dry run, and a business proposal review.
- Privileged access to DNP, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries high-level decision-makers.
- Knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities.
- Potential for collaborations, strategic partnerships, or market entry with DNP, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
Who can apply?
This call is open to EIC-backed start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs with solutions matching the challenges of the participating corporations. After the success of the EIC Multi-Corporate Day with JETRO in Japan in 2025, the EIC and JETRO have gathered a new group of Japanese industry leaders driving innovation in advanced computing, materials, space and telecommunications, energy transition and more. This year, DNP, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are actively seeking collaborations with breakthrough innovators who can scale impactful solutions and support international technology partnerships, including opportunities to enter and expand within the Japanese market.
1) Dai Nippon Printing (DNP)’s innovation focus areas
- Quantum computing and AI:
- Components and materials related to quantum computing
- Quantum optimisation technologies
- Physical AI
- AI data centre cooling technologies
- Next-generation semiconductors: photonic-electronic convergence
- Data circulation: Decentralised ID, post-quantum security
- Space and telecommunications:
- Materials: materials or coatings for satellites/spacecrafts, in-orbit testing/demonstration, space environment simulation, materials informatics, in-space manufacturing
- Energy: SBSP
- Data: earth observation, AI-powered analysis, precision/assured/resilient/trusted PNT
- Thermal management
- Materials and supply chain:
- Advanced materials: hard and flexible materials, high-refractive-index and low-refractive-index materials
- Manufacturing technology: bioprocess
- Energy transition and decarbonisation:
- Renewable energy: hydrogen, perovskite solar cells
- Carbon-neutral materials and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS)
- Circular economy and smart mobility:
- Recycling technologies, DPP
- Next-generation mobility: autonomous driving technologies, EV-related technologies
2) Fujitsu’s innovation focus areas
- Trust and authenticity in the age of Generative AI:
- Dis/Mis-information detection and protection (AI fraud prevention and identity verification)
- AI governance, compliance and labelling tools
- Content provenance and authenticity verification
- AI Cybersecurity:
- AI system security & vulnerability management
- Securing AI at the edge
3) Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation’s innovation focus areas
- Digital infrastructure and High-performance electronics:
- Advanced thermal management materials and associated technologies in the fields of high-performance electronics and digital infrastructure.
- Potential applications include data centres and materials that contribute to heat dissipation, thermal conductivity, cooling performance, and improved energy efficiency.
- Space and telecommunications:
- Advanced materials for Space and satellite Systems: material use cases for space and satellite systems from the perspectives of thermal control, weight reduction, protective functions, coatings, and composites.
4) Mitsubishi Heavy Industry’s innovation focus areas
- Carbon-neutral technologies:
- CO2 capture and utilisation (e-fuel/e-chemical)
- Hydrogen/ammonia combustion & production
- Advanced manufacturing technologies:
- Additive manufacturing, DfAM (Design for Additive Manufacturing)
- Physical AI, Smart factory (Automation)
- Digital Engineering, In-process monitoring, Quality assurance
- Materials:
- Rare earth-free thermal coating/catalysts
- Tribology technology (CFD: Dynamic simulation for plain bearing, etc.)
- Navigation and telecommunications:
- Unmanned operation, autonomous navigation
- Underwater detection/communication
- Quantum technologies
- Metamaterials
Please specify which challenge(s) you are addressing in your application.
EIC-backed companies can apply here.
Please acknowledge that the information you provide on the application form will be shared with DNP, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries who will select the participants based on their business interests and strategic goals.
What happens after your application?
The EIC team will contact all selected applicants once the process is completed. However, this contact does not include feedback or recommendations for those who have not been selected.
If selected, participants must be available for the entire duration of the programme, which includes:
- The preparation phase (online training sessions in September, pitch checks, and business proposal reviews);
- The event days (in-person) on 5-6 October 2026 in Tokyo, Japan;
- Follow-up activities over the next six months.
The selected companies must be represented by C-level executives. Additionally, selected participants will be responsible for arranging and covering their travel and accommodation costs.
All participants are expected to fill out a brief satisfaction survey shortly after the matchmaking opportunity and a business impact survey after six months. Failure to do so may lead to exclusion from future EIC Business Acceleration Services.
Cancellations will only be accepted in duly justified cases of force majeure. Unjustified cancellations may result in exclusion from future EIC Business Acceleration Services opportunities. For more information, contact our Helpdesk (please select "EIC Multi-Corporate Day with JETRO 2026" as the subject).
About the EIC Corporate Partnership Programme
This call and service are part of the EIC Corporate Partnership Programme, an initiative supporting EIC-backed companies looking to scale by securing new customers and business partners. To date, more than 1,500 EIC-backed start-ups and scale-ups, together with over 2,500 high-level representatives from more than 100 large companies, have taken part in the programme, resulting in significant impacts on organisations, tracking progress, and closing deals, often within 6 months.
Get in touch
If you have any questions, please contact us through the EIC Community’s contact page with the subject 'EIC Corporate Partnership Programme'.
Stay up to date!
The EIC Corporate Partnership Programme is an initiative of the EIC Business Acceleration Services.
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About JETRO
JETRO, or the Japan External Trade Organisation, is a government-related organisation that works to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. Currently, JETRO is focusing on innovation creation through i) promoting foreign direct investment into Japan, ii) assisting startu-ps in expanding their businesses overseas, and iii) creating innovative solutions and services through generating various joint research projects and business alliances through open innovation business platform (J-Bridge). This joint program is designed as one of the key instruments in Europe to promote open innovation. For more information, click here.
About our corporate partners
Dai Nippon Printing (DNP) was established in 1876, and has continued the challenge to create a better future for everyone. Operating in 34 cities around the globe (excluding Japan) and an anural revenue of approximately €8 billion as of 31st March 2025. DNP has pioneered a wide range of business areas by applying and developing technologies based on the printing process, creating indispensable value to daily lives across the globe. For more information, click here.
Fujitsu was founded in 1935 and is a leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company, offering a full range of technology products, solutions, and services in over 100 countries. For more information, click here.
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation is a comprehensive chemical manufacturer that provides a broad range of materials and solutions, from basic chemicals to specialty and performance products. The company operates globally across diverse fields, including semiconductors, communications, mobility, food, medical, water, and infrastructure. Mitsubishi Chemical is accelerating growth in specialty materials, with strategic focus areas including semiconductors, optoelectronic integration, thermal management materials, and advanced composites, while pursuing new opportunities in areas such as data centers, advanced communications, and aerospace and satellite-related applications. Guided by its Purpose, “We lead with innovative solutions to achieve KAITEKI, the well-being of people and the planet,” the company aims to help solve social challenges through the power of materials. For more information, click here.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is one of the world’s leading industrial groups operating in over 60 countries, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace, and defence. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realise a carbon-neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. The group has more than €40 billion in annual revenue and more than 100,000 employees around the globe. For more information, click here.
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