FOURTH ANNUAL JAPAN-US INNOVATION AWARDS

When the best of Japanese creativity and American entrepreneurial skill join forces, unimagined business opportunities occur.

Overview:
The Japan Society of Northern California’s Innovation Initiative, guided by an expert Japan – U.S. network of VC’s, academics and business persons, honors highly significant Japan – U.S. innovation and entrepreneurship.
Now in its fourth year, the 2014 Innovation Awards Symposium will be held July 25, 2014 at the Stanford University Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center from 1:30 – 5:30 p.m. The Symposium is offered in cooperation with the Stanford University US-Asia Technology Management Center.

Symposium Moderator
Dr. Richard B. Dasher, Director, Stanford University US-Asia Technology Management Center

Welcoming Remarks
John V. Roos, former distinguished U.S. Ambassador to Japan

Keynote Address
Steve Blank, Serial Entrepreneur and Lecturer, Stanford University
Format will be a “Fireside Chat” moderated by Dr. Richard B. Dasher

Salesforce.com Emerging Leader Award:

• U.S. Winner: Stratasys, Ltd., a rapidly growing provider of 3D printing and manufacturing solutions with a strong position in Japan
• Japan Winner: LINE Corporation, the pioneer in developing new types of instant messaging and social communications utilizing stickers, games and other types of dynamic content serving 450 million users in 230 countries
• Dr. Robert Eberhart, Assistant Professor of Management, Santa Clara University & Director,  Santa Clara/Stanford University Project on Japanese Entrepreneurship, will present the awards and discuss the award selection process. He will also lead a discussion with the award recipients exploring how their firms started and challenges they faced.

Panel Discussion: “Cross-border Entrepreneurial Growth-Opportunities & Challenges”

• Moderated by Dr. Koji Osawa, Managing Principal and Co Founder, Global Catalyst Partners
• Confirmed Panelists include Randy Ahuja, General Manager, Bloom Energy Corporation; Dr. Graeme Martin, CEO, Takeda Ventures Corporation, Inc.; Dai Watanabe, CEO, DeNA San Francisco

 Networking Session from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Post-Conference Networking and opportunities for small group demonstrations of both Stratasys 3Dprinting and the LINE Mobile ap will be available. 

Who Should Attend

The Symposium will be of particular value to the following individuals:

• Those wishing to support the vision of former Ambassador John V. Roos to build an intensive U.S. – Japan dialogue focused on innovation and entrepreneurship
• Business executives and professional service providers conducting or considering Japan – U.S. business
• Businesses, professionals, strategic planners, academics, students and journalists looking for dynamic new opportunities
• Capital raising organizations interested in identifying attractive targets of opportunity
• Students, educators, VC’s and others pursuing exciting, disruptive cross-border business models
• Everyone interested in Japan – U.S. cross-cultural dynamics and the latest developments in U.S. – Japan innovation and entrepreneurship

Attendees will gain a fresh perspective into new and exciting trans-Pacific business models through exposure to a number of different companies and experts. Attendees further will obtain unique insights into the challenges and opportunities facing potentially world changing companies as they commercialize significant innovations.  There will be an unmatched opportunity to network with thought-provoking peers located at the intersection of Japanese creativity and American entrepreneurship.

Registration:
Early Bird Registration:

• $10 for Students (Please show ID at time of check-in)
• $25 per ticket
• Early Registration closes at 11:59 pm on Friday, June 27th

Regular Registration:

• $10 for Students (Please show ID at time of check-in)
• $35 per ticket
• Regular Registration closes at 11:59 pm on Tuesday, July 22nd 

Late Registration:

• $10 for Students (Please show ID at time of check-in)
• $45 per ticket
• Late Registration is required by noon Friday, July 25th

No refunds from online sales after Friday, July 18th
Seating is limited so please register early! 

Walk-ins:

• $10 for Students
• $55 per ticket
• Tickets will be dependent on space availability.

General Parking:
Please use the Galvez Field Lot.  Parking is not included in the ticket price.  An all-day parking pass will be available for $8 with an event code.

Questions:
Please contact Briana Burrows, Program Coordinator, at bburrows@usajapan.org or (415)986-4383.

Webpage:
www.usjinnovate.org
 
 

The 2014 Japan-US Innovation Awards are presented in collaboration with the

Marketing Sponsor:

 btrax is a business consulting and marketing agency specializing in Asian market entry and growth. Their multilingual team works with clients such as Expedia, Square and Toys R Us to grow business in Japan, China and Korea.