From March 17 to 22, the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal and its Acclr experts in international trade accompanied five companies from the artificial intelligence sector on a trade mission to Osaka and Tokyo, Japan. At the invitation of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, companies were able to explore the potential of the Japanese market and have representatives speak at the Kansai/Montreal AI Innovation Forum.
Montréal’s AI ecosystem in the spotlight in Osaka
The forum organized by the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry was held March 19, with some 100 businesspeople in attendance. Representatives of Imagia, Menya Solutions, Mnubo, Optina Diagnostics and Stradigi AI exhibited their innovative projects and solutions. IVADO, the Mila and Montréal International, which also took part in the trade mission, presented Montréal’s artificial intelligence ecosystem at the forum.
According to participants, the forum and the B2B meetings that followed it were great opportunities to confirm the Japanese market’s interest in our talents in artificial intelligence.
“We felt a real desire on the part of Japanese companies to collaborate with the Mila in open basic research.
“In general, it was an excellent opportunity, because the Japanese have a significant need for high-calibre AI talent and solutions that Montréal could provide.”
B2B meetings and presentation to Hike Ventures
In Tokyo, company representatives took part in B2B meetings with Japanese investors and entrepreneurs and a presentation to Hike Ventures, a venture capital fund focused on artificial intelligence. For trade mission participants, the experience was a big success.
“The trade mission helped me better understand the Japanese market’s potential as Stradigi AI expands. It brought key players in the field together to guide companies like ours in penetrating the market. Follow-ups have already started, and meetings are planned with major companies we met in Osaka and Tokyo.”
“The trade mission was a success and proved once again that the spirit of collaboration between players in the Montréal ecosystem, such as research centres, start-ups and public agencies, is one of our strengths.”