Alumni News
Information for Alumni
Alumni News
Information for Alumni
Yuko Eguchi, a graduate of the University of Tsukuba, has been selected for the Acceleration and Overseas Dispatch Phase (Singapore: November 24–30, 2024) of the “J-StarX Local to Global Success Program 2024,” organized by JETRO and operated by Plug and Play Japan*.
This program supports startups originating from regional areas in Japan in expanding globally. It offers practical pre-departure seminars and workshops, along with on-site activities such as customer interviews, networking events with investors and major corporations, and one-on-one mentoring sessions with experts. For more information about the program, please visit J-StarX “Local to Global Success Program 2024.
Moving forward, she aims to further refine her startup idea and accelerate preparations for global expansion, while contributing to the advancement of innovation in Japan through collaboration with other participants.
*Plug and Play Japan is a global innovation platform headquartered in Silicon Valley, with over 40 leading companies from various sectors participating in its programs as official corporate partners. Our major expertises are "support corporate partners creating innovation", "cross-industrial accelerator programs", "startup investment" and “support overseas business expansion of startups with the Japanese government”, making best use of our extensive global network. Plug and Play Japan supports the co-creation and collaboration between Japanese/international startups with innovative technology/ideas and industry-leading corporations enabling them to generate innovation. For further information, please refer to here.
The following is a contribution from her.
During my visit to Singapore, I proactively arranged and conducted meetings with key institutions to obtain insights relevant to the future development of my business. The following is a summary of these engagements:
To gain an in-depth understanding of Singapore’s startup support ecosystem, I engaged in a discussion with the Regional Vice President for Japan & Korea. We exchanged views on the current state of the digital health sector and explored potential strategies for entering the local market.
I had the opportunity to speak with the Head of the Psychosocial Services Department to learn more about the organization’s support systems for cancer patients and their families. The meeting offered valuable perspectives on cancer care and psychosocial support in Singapore.
I met with the Senior Assistant Director of the Future Systems & Innovation department to gain insights into Singapore’s healthcare policy, regulatory framework, and overall health system. The meeting also served as an opportunity to initiate a relationship that may support potential future entry into the Singaporean market.
At Synapxe—a government agency driving digital transformation in the healthcare sector—I conducted an interview with the Director of Innovation Capabilities Enablement. Their forward-looking initiatives and successful healthcare DX practices provided meaningful references for my own project development.
In a meeting with the Head of the Executive Office, I gathered insights into the local business environment for Japanese companies. Our conversation focused on market trends and key challenges related to business expansion in Singapore.
In addition, I was honored to be selected as one of four representatives out of the 30 program participants to deliver a pitch at a local networking event attended by investors, startup ecosystem leaders, and corporate representatives. This opportunity allowed me to present my business concept on an international stage and receive direct feedback from global stakeholders.
This program reinforced the insight that the true value lies not merely in having ideas, but in the ability to put them into action. I also deepened my understanding of the importance of building a trusted team and engaging stakeholders collaboratively to drive a project forward. By conducting user interviews using an actual product, I was able to gain practical insights that go beyond theoretical assumptions. Moreover, I came to recognize that thorough localization—tailoring services to local cultures and needs—is essential for successful implementation in real-world contexts.
Looking ahead, I aim to further enhance both my execution and co-creation capabilities, building on the experiences gained through this program. I also value the connections I formed with participants from diverse backgrounds during the overseas visit. By continuing to learn from one another and collaborating toward our respective goals in social problem-solving, I hope to contribute to the advancement of Japan’s innovation ecosystem and the creation of a more sustainable and inclusive future.