NEW YORK, NY — The Deep Tech Forum is proud to present the complete and final cohort of 10 groundbreaking startups selected to pitch at our exclusive, invite-only Investor Demo Day on September 22. These companies represent the next generation of industrial innovation, bringing unique technologies from diverse sectors and geographic locations.

Chosen from a highly competitive pool of applicants, each of these startups is poised to make a significant impact on some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from supply chain vulnerabilities to medical advancements and environmental sustainability.

The final lineup of deep tech pioneers is as follows, listed in alphabetical order:

• 4Motion Robotics (Boston, MA) — Robotics, BioTech / MedTech: A company that provides home-based robotic neuro-rehabilitation and digital wellness solutions. The founders have a history of successfully exiting a pioneer in rehabilitation robotics, adding significant credibility to their work.
• Aquatonomy (Pittsburgh, PA) — Robotics, Ocean Tech: A startup that redefines underwater inspection and critical asset operations through AI-powered autonomy and intelligence. Built on research sponsored by ONR, DARPA and NSF, their technology has secured backing from government organizations including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
• Arieca (Pittsburgh, PA) — Advanced Materials, Semiconductors: A leader in advanced materials with patented Liquid Metal Embedded Elastomer (LMEE) technology. The company has established major partnerships with Nissan Chemical and ROHM Semiconductor and its products are used in semiconductors for EVs and AI.
• Creative 3D Technologies (Austin, TX) — Manufacturing, CleanTech: A company generating $1M in ARR with a technology that acts as a “factory-in-a-box,” enabling fast, local, and scalable production of critical parts and semiconductors to solve major supply chain vulnerabilities.
• CreateMe Technologies (Newark, CA) — Robotics, Manufacturing: As a Series A company, CreateMe designs and builds fully automated manufacturing technologies for the apparel industry. The company utilizes cutting-edge robotics, digitally-applied adhesives, and proprietary AI algorithms to transform how apparel is made, and holds over 95 patents for its core technology.
• ExactBlue Technologies (Toronto, Canada) — MedTech, BioTech: A seed-stage company that has already achieved revenue in 15 countries with its nanotechnology-based solution for on-the-spot microbial testing, representing a highly scalable and impactful innovation in infection prevention.
• FingerVision (Tokyo, Japan) — Robotics, Automation: This Series A company is a Japan-based startup specializing in vision-tactile sensing for robotics. Its product, the “GripperKit,” is a robotic hand equipped with a vision-tactile sensor that enables human-like manipulation capabilities.
• FLX Solutions (Bethlehem, PA & NYC) — Robotics, Defense: With an $18M+ high-confidence pipeline and paid pilots with the U.S. Navy, this company offers a proven robotics solution that can dramatically reduce inspection times and costs in confined and hazardous industrial environments.
• SeaSats (San Diego, CA) — Robotics, Ocean Tech: As a Series A company, Seasats is a U.S.-based developer of autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs) designed for long-duration maritime operations in the defense, science, and commercial sectors. Its flagship Lightfish series combines advanced sensor integration and modular payloads in a compact, cost-effective form factor.
• The Shape Sensing Company (Austin, TX) — Robotics, MedTech: At a key inflection point for commercialization, this company is developing a novel fiber optic sensor that provides real-time 3D guidance for surgical tools, offering a revolutionary alternative to harmful radiation.

Access to the Investor Demo Day is exclusively granted through the purchase of Investor Pass by September 18. For event details and to secure your pass, please visit the official event page.

About the Deep Tech Forum

Deep Tech Forum is a global platform dedicated to strengthening deep tech startup ecosystems by connecting innovators, investors, and corporate leaders to foster meaningful, long-term collaboration. Founded by Monozukuri Ventures, the forum addresses the persistent gap between investors and corporates in supporting deep tech startups by facilitating cross-sector engagement and ecosystem integration.

Each Deep Tech Forum event is hosted in a strategically selected metropolitan area — including New York City, Boston, Silicon Valley, Pittsburgh, and Toronto — and is designed to showcase the region’s unique industrial strengths and innovation hubs. International editions have also been held in Kyoto and Yokohama, reflecting the forum’s global vision and commitment to bridging ecosystems across borders.

In each city, Monozukuri Ventures works closely with local accelerators, universities, and innovation partners to ensure the forum reflects the voice and needs of the host community. Whether through thought leadership sessions, startup showcases, or private investor roundtables, Deep Tech Forum continues to accelerate the growth of mission-driven deep tech ventures around the world.

About the Hosts

Monozukuri Ventures is a Japan–U.S. cross-border venture capital firm focused on deep tech, robotics, and manufacturing innovation. In addition to its investment activities, Monozukuri Ventures founded and organizes the Deep Tech Forum, a global platform designed to strengthen innovation ecosystems through curated engagement among startups, corporates, and investors.New York Robotics is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building and strengthening the New York Tri-state regions robotics and embodied AI ecosystem. Through founder support, events, and international partnerships, it serves as the connector for robotics innovation across the East Coast and a nexus to propel the national robotics industry.

NEW YORK, NY — The Deep Tech Forum is thrilled to announce the final cohort of startups selected to pitch at our exclusive Investor Demo Day on September 22. This last group of pioneers completes our roster of top-tier deep tech startups, each chosen for their innovative technology and market potential.

Here is our final selection:

• 4Motion Robotics (Boston, MA) — Robotics, BioTech / MedTech: A company that provides home-based robotic neuro-rehabilitation and digital wellness solutions. The founders have a history of successfully exiting a pioneer in rehabilitation robotics, adding significant credibility to their work.
• Aquatonomy (Pittsburgh, PA) — Robotics, Ocean Tech: A startup that redefines underwater inspection and critical asset operations through AI-powered autonomy and intelligence. Built on research sponsored by ONR, DARPA and NSF, their technology has secured backing from government organizations including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
• Arieca (Pittsburgh, PA) — Advanced Materials, Semiconductors: A leader in advanced materials with patented Liquid Metal Embedded Elastomer (LMEE) technology. The company has established major partnerships with Nissan Chemical and ROHM Semiconductor and its products are used in semiconductors for EVs and AI.

Access to the Investor Demo Day is exclusively granted through the purchase of a limited-capacity Investor Pass. For event details and to secure your pass, please visit the official event page: https://deeptechforum.us/2025/04/17/new-york-ny-united-states-2/

About the Deep Tech Forum

Deep Tech Forum is a global platform dedicated to strengthening deep tech startup ecosystems by connecting innovators, investors, and corporate leaders to foster meaningful, long-term collaboration. Founded by Monozukuri Ventures, the forum addresses the persistent gap between investors and corporates in supporting deep tech startups by facilitating cross-sector engagement and ecosystem integration.

Each Deep Tech Forum event is hosted in a strategically selected metropolitan area — including New York City, Boston, Silicon Valley, Pittsburgh, and Toronto — and is designed to showcase the region’s unique industrial strengths and innovation hubs. International editions have also been held in Kyoto and Yokohama, reflecting the forum’s global vision and commitment to bridging ecosystems across borders.

In each city, Monozukuri Ventures works closely with local accelerators, universities, and innovation partners to ensure the forum reflects the voice and needs of the host community. Whether through thought leadership sessions, startup showcases, or private investor roundtables, Deep Tech Forum continues to accelerate the growth of mission-driven deep tech ventures around the world.

About the Hosts

Monozukuri Ventures is a Japan–U.S. cross-border venture capital firm focused on deep tech, robotics, and manufacturing innovation. In addition to its investment activities, Monozukuri Ventures founded and organizes the Deep Tech Forum, a global platform designed to strengthen innovation ecosystems through curated engagement among startups, corporates, and investors.New York Robotics is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building and strengthening the New York Tri-state regions robotics and embodied AI ecosystem. Through founder support, events, and international partnerships, it serves as the connector for robotics innovation across the East Coast and a nexus to propel the national robotics industry.

NEW YORK, NY — The Deep Tech Forum is thrilled to announce the second cohort of startups selected to pitch at our exclusive Investor Demo Day on September 22. Selections are being made on a rolling basis, and additional startups will be announced as we approach the event. The following three companies were chosen from a highly competitive pool of applicants, each representing the next generation of industrial innovation.

This group of founders is leveraging robotics to solve complex challenges in the physical world, from advanced manufacturing and automation to maritime operations. We are proud to present:

• SeaSats (San Diego, CA) — Robotics, Ocean Tech: As a Series A company, Seasats is a U.S.-based developer of autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs) designed for long-duration maritime operations in the defense, science, and commercial sectors. Its flagship Lightfish series combines advanced sensor integration and modular payloads in a compact, cost-effective form factor.
• CreateMe Technologies (Newark, CA) — Robotics, Manufacturing: As a Series A company, CreateMe designs and builds fully automated manufacturing technologies for the apparel industry. The company utilizes cutting-edge robotics, digitally-applied adhesives, and proprietary AI algorithms to transform how apparel is made, and holds over 95 patents for its core technology.
• FingerVision (Tokyo, Japan) — Robotics, Automation: This Series A company is a Japan-based startup specializing in vision-tactile sensing for robotics. Its product, the “GripperKit,” is a robotic hand equipped with a vision-tactile sensor that enables human-like manipulation capabilities.

Access to the Investor Demo Day is exclusively granted through the purchase of a limited-capacity Investor Pass. For event details and to secure your pass, please visit the official event page: https://deeptechforum.us/2025/04/17/new-york-ny-united-states-2/

About the Deep Tech Forum

Deep Tech Forum is a global platform dedicated to strengthening deep tech startup ecosystems by connecting innovators, investors, and corporate leaders to foster meaningful, long-term collaboration. Founded by Monozukuri Ventures, the forum addresses the persistent gap between investors and corporates in supporting deep tech startups by facilitating cross-sector engagement and ecosystem integration.

Each Deep Tech Forum event is hosted in a strategically selected metropolitan area — including New York City, Boston, Silicon Valley, Pittsburgh, and Toronto — and is designed to showcase the region’s unique industrial strengths and innovation hubs. International editions have also been held in Kyoto and Yokohama, reflecting the forum’s global vision and commitment to bridging ecosystems across borders.

In each city, Monozukuri Ventures works closely with local accelerators, universities, and innovation partners to ensure the forum reflects the voice and needs of the host community. Whether through thought leadership sessions, startup showcases, or private investor roundtables, Deep Tech Forum continues to accelerate the growth of mission-driven deep tech ventures around the world.

About the Hosts

Monozukuri Ventures is a Japan–U.S. cross-border venture capital firm focused on deep tech, robotics, and manufacturing innovation. In addition to its investment activities, Monozukuri Ventures founded and organizes the Deep Tech Forum, a global platform designed to strengthen innovation ecosystems through curated engagement among startups, corporates, and investors.New York Robotics is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building and strengthening the New York Tri-state regions robotics and embodied AI ecosystem. Through founder support, events, and international partnerships, it serves as the connector for robotics innovation across the East Coast and a nexus to propel the national robotics industry.

NEW YORK, NY — The Deep Tech Forum is thrilled to announce the first cohort of startups selected to pitch at our exclusive Investor Demo Day on September 22. Selections are being made on a rolling basis, and additional startups will be announced from time to time as we approach the event. The application period for startups will officially close on September 1st. These four companies were chosen from a highly competitive pool of applicants, each representing the next generation of industrial innovation.

This initial group of founders is leveraging advanced technology to solve some of the world’s most complex challenges in robotics, biotech, and advanced materials. We are proud to present:

• Creative 3D Technologies (Austin, TX) — Manufacturing, CleanTech: A company generating $1M in ARR with a technology that acts as a “factory-in-a-box,” enabling fast, local, and scalable production of critical parts and semiconductors to solve major supply chain vulnerabilities.
• ExactBlue Technologies (Toronto, Canada) — MedTech, BioTech: A seed-stage company that has already achieved revenue in 15 countries with its nanotechnology-based solution for on-the-spot microbial testing, representing a highly scalable and impactful innovation in infection prevention.
• FLX Solutions (Bethlehem, PA & NYC) — Robotics, Defense: With an $18M+ high-confidence pipeline and paid pilots with the U.S. Navy, this company offers a proven robotics solution that can dramatically reduce inspection times and costs in confined and hazardous industrial environments.
• The Shape Sensing Company (Austin, TX) — Robotics, MedTech: At a key inflection point for commercialization, this company is developing a novel fiber optic sensor that provides real-time 3D guidance for surgical tools, offering a revolutionary alternative to harmful radiation.

Access to the Investor Demo Day is exclusively granted through the purchase of a limited-capacity Investor Pass. For event details and to secure your pass, please visit the official event page: https://deeptechforum.us/2025/04/17/new-york-ny-united-states-2/

About the Deep Tech Forum

Deep Tech Forum is a global platform dedicated to strengthening deep tech startup ecosystems by connecting innovators, investors, and corporate leaders to foster meaningful, long-term collaboration. Founded by Monozukuri Ventures, the forum addresses the persistent gap between investors and corporates in supporting deep tech startups by facilitating cross-sector engagement and ecosystem integration.

Each Deep Tech Forum event is hosted in a strategically selected metropolitan area — including New York City, Boston, Silicon Valley, Pittsburgh, and Toronto — and is designed to showcase the region’s unique industrial strengths and innovation hubs. International editions have also been held in Kyoto and Yokohama, reflecting the forum’s global vision and commitment to bridging ecosystems across borders.

In each city, Monozukuri Ventures works closely with local accelerators, universities, and innovation partners to ensure the forum reflects the voice and needs of the host community. Whether through thought leadership sessions, startup showcases, or private investor roundtables, Deep Tech Forum continues to accelerate the growth of mission-driven deep tech ventures around the world.

About the Hosts

Monozukuri Ventures is a Japan–U.S. cross-border venture capital firm focused on deep tech, robotics, and manufacturing innovation. In addition to its investment activities, Monozukuri Ventures founded and organizes the Deep Tech Forum, a global platform designed to strengthen innovation ecosystems through curated engagement among startups, corporates, and investors.New York Robotics is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building and strengthening the New York Tri-state regions robotics and embodied AI ecosystem. Through founder support, events, and international partnerships, it serves as the connector for robotics innovation across the East Coast and a nexus to propel the national robotics industry.

New York, NY — June 16, 2025

Monozukuri Ventures and New York Robotics are proud to announce that the Deep Tech Forum + Startup Showcase NYC 2025 will be held on Tuesday, September 23 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard — New York City’s anchor for advanced manufacturing and innovation. More than 500 attendees from across the startup, corporate, investor, and public policy ecosystems are expected.

This year’s theme is: “From Cost Center to Strategic Growth: How Deep Tech Is Transforming Manufacturing for the Sustainable Economy.” This global event convenes startups, corporations, investors, and public-sector leaders to redefine manufacturing and logistics from a cost center into a strategic growth driver.

The event brings together 50–100 deep tech startups from North America, Japan, and Europe, alongside corporate innovation leaders, investors, and ecosystem partners, for a full day of mainstage sessions and startup exhibitions — all on a single floor at one of NYC’s most iconic industrial campuses. The co-located exhibition and conference foster real-world connections between technology, strategy, and collaboration.

The event will feature an invite-only investor demo day on Monday, September 22, where 10–15 selected startups from the Showcase will pitch to 80 curated investors and strategic partners.

---

Why Strategic Manufacturing Must Be Redefined — Now

The pressure on manufacturing systems is mounting. Today, the manufacturing industry faces three fundamental structural changes.

First, the tight supply and demand for electricity due to the expansion of generative AI and digital infrastructure. The explosive growth of generative AI and digital infrastructure is outpacing global power generation capacity. Tech giants are already responding — buying power plants, investing in nuclear fusion, and redesigning operations with energy efficiency in mind. This shift is a wake-up call for the industrial sector. Reducing total energy usage across the production and logistics value chain isn’t just about emissions — it’s about cost control, resilience, and competitiveness.

Second, the acceleration of DX (digital transformation), automation, and robotization driven by shifts in the labor force population.

Third, the restructuring of global supply chains due to rising geopolitical risks.

Amidst these profound external environmental changes, the redefinition of manufacturing and logistics – core corporate functions – is imperative. They must be seen not merely as “cost centers” but as central to business strategy and growth.

Deep Tech Forum will spotlight companies and technologies at the forefront of that transformation — where robotics, automation, and local production intersect with sustainable society and business growth.

---

Why Brooklyn Navy Yard?

A former naval shipyard transformed into a next-generation industrial innovation campus, Brooklyn Navy Yard (BNY) is now home to over 500 companies operating at the intersection of urban manufacturing, robotics, and sustainability.

BNY houses organizations such as Newlab, a world-class innovation space where hardware startups prototype and scale technologies across advanced manufacturing, robotics, and infrastructure.

It is also the headquarters of Nanotronics, a next-generation semiconductor company building modular AI-powered “Cubefabs” for global chip production. Nanotronics began inside Newlab and graduated to its own 45,000 sq ft facility at BNY’s Building 20 — a powerful example of BNY’s founder-to-scaleup ecosystem in action .

With its built-in prototyping labs, anchor manufacturing tenants, university research ties, and public-private support, BNY offers an unmatched venue to explore what strategic, sustainable manufacturing looks like in practice.

---

Event Highlights

Deep Tech Forum Stage

Keynotes and panels exploring how deep tech is reshaping industrial strategy, energy use, automation, and sustainability — including applications in manufacturing, logistics, and life sciences.

Speakers include investors, founders, and corporate leaders at the forefront of systems transformation.

Startup Showcase

50–100 startups across advanced manufacturing, robotics, energy, infrastructure, and life sciences

Featuring companies from the New York metro area, the U.S. East Coast (including Boston and Pittsburgh), Europe and Japan

Many of the participating startups are nominated by regional innovation hubs, universities, and accelerator partners who also help shape the Investor Demo Day lineup

Private Investor Demo Day + Reception (Invite-Only)

Monday, September 22 | 5:00–7:30 PM | Manhattan

Hosted by Monozukuri Ventures

10–15 selected startups from the Showcase will pitch to a curated audience of 80+ investors and strategic partners

Startup Showcase Partners also help shape this curated selection and connect their communities to the investor network

---

Who Should Attend?

• Corporate innovation, sustainability, and supply chain leaders
  
• CVCs, VCs, and family offices focused on industrial innovation
  
• Government & economic development stakeholders
  
• Deep tech founders, researchers, and manufacturing technologists
  

---

Event Details

• Event Name: Deep Tech Forum + Startup Showcase NYC 2025
  
• Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
  
• Location: Brooklyn Navy Yard – Building 303, 9th Floor
  
• Hosts: Monozukuri Ventures & New York Robotics
  
• Support: US Center for Advanced Manufacturing, Office of the City of Yokohama
  
• Startup Showcase Partners: New York Robotics, Carnegie Mellon University (Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship), The Engine, CMU Tech & Entrepreneurship, Robotics Factory (Innovation Works)

---

Tickets & Pricing

Super Early bird pricing is available through July 13, followed by the Early bird pricing by September 1.

• Student Pass (Startup Showcase Only) 
  • $14.95
  • Must register under an email address from an educational or academic domain (e.g., .edu)
  • Subject to approval
• General Pass (Conference + Startup Showcase) 
  • $49.95
  • Super Early Bird: $14.95 (until July 13)
  • Early Bird: $24.95 (until September 1)
• Startup Pass (includes table in Startup Showcase)
  • $499.95
  • Super Early Bird: $199.95 (until July 13)
  • Early Bird: $349.95 (until September 1)
  • Includes:
    • 3 complimentary General Passes
    • A booth (table) in the Startup Showcase
    • Eligibility to apply for the Private Investor Demo Day on September 22
• Investor Pass (includes access to Demo Day)
  • $499.95
  • Super Early Bird: $299.95 (until July 13)
  • Early Bird: $399.95 (until September 1)
  • Includes:
    • 3 complimentary General Passes
    • Access to the Private Investor Demo Day
    • Early access to participating startups

Sponsorship Opportunities

Organizations looking to deepen engagement and visibility across the event — including the conference, Startup Showcase, and Investor Demo Day — are invited to explore sponsorship options.

Opportunities include:

• Pavilion space (a dedicated area with multiple startup booths)
  
• Co-hosting thematic sessions or roundtables
  
• Food and beverage sponsorship for receptions or lounges
  
• Custom packages for brand exposure and community engagement
  

---

About the Hosts

Monozukuri Ventures is a Japan–U.S. cross-border venture capital firm focused on deep tech, robotics, and manufacturing innovation. In addition to its investment activities, Monozukuri Ventures founded and organizes the Deep Tech Forum, a global platform designed to strengthen innovation ecosystems through curated engagement among startups, corporates, and investors.

New York Robotics is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building and strengthening the New York Tri-state regions robotics and embodied AI ecosystem. Through founder support, events, and international partnerships, it serves as the connector for robotics innovation across the East Coast and a nexus to propel the national robotics industry.

---

About the Deep Tech Forum

Deep Tech Forum is a global platform dedicated to strengthening deep tech startup ecosystems by connecting innovators, investors, and corporate leaders to foster meaningful, long-term collaboration. Founded by Monozukuri Ventures, the forum addresses the persistent gap between investors and corporates in supporting deep tech startups by facilitating cross-sector engagement and ecosystem integration.

Each Deep Tech Forum event is hosted in a strategically selected metropolitan area — including New York City, Boston, Silicon Valley, Pittsburgh, and Toronto — and is designed to showcase the region’s unique industrial strengths and innovation hubs. International editions have also been held in Kyoto and Yokohama, reflecting the forum’s global vision and commitment to bridging ecosystems across borders.

In each city, Monozukuri Ventures works closely with local accelerators, universities, and innovation partners to ensure the forum reflects the voice and needs of the host community. Whether through thought leadership sessions, startup showcases, or private investor roundtables, Deep Tech Forum continues to accelerate the growth of mission-driven deep tech ventures around the world.

---

Press Inquiries / Sponsor Opportunities / Speaking Requests

Press Inquiries: [email protected]  

Sponsorship Inquiries & Speaking Requests: https://forms.gle/mUUvx2UGu2fwnMWY7

Event Website: https://deeptechforum.us/

New York, NY — The Deep Tech Forum NYC 2025, organized by Monozukuri Ventures, is set to take place on January 22-23, 2025. This year marks a pivotal moment for the event, as it focuses exclusively on collaboration with Japan, featuring Japanese corporate venture capital (CVC) teams, startups, and innovation leaders alongside New York’s vibrant tech ecosystem. Co-hosted by the New York Robotics Network, the forum seeks to connect global thought leaders, investors, and corporations in deep tech innovation.

“New York is quickly establishing itself as a key hub for deep tech, connecting ecosystems across the globe. Events like the Deep Tech Forum are instrumental in fostering international collaboration with countries like Japan and beyond,” said Jacob Hennessey-Rubin, Executive Director of New York Robotics Network. With New York’s emergence as a global tech center, the city serves as the perfect backdrop for discussions on international innovation partnerships.

Event Highlights – Day 1: Conference Day

Held at Cornell Tech on January 22,  Day 1 will spotlight the potential of Japan-U.S. collaboration, offering:

• Keynote Address: Julie Samuels, President and CEO of Tech:NYC, will deliver the keynote speech, titled “New York’s Rise: From Entrepreneurial City to Global Tech Hub.” Drawing on her extensive experience in fostering tech entrepreneurship and shaping New York’s thriving tech ecosystem, Julie will discuss how New York has emerged as a leading hub for innovation and entrepreneurship and its growing role in driving global collaboration and transformative innovation.
• Panel Discussion: The session will explore Why Venture Capitalists View Japan as a Prime Market” and share strategies for startups to succeed in the Japanese ecosystem. This engaging discussion will be moderated by Jeffrey W. Smith, General Partner at SIP Global Partners, a venture firm based in Tokyo and Boston. Local deep tech VCs will join as panelists.
• Japanese CVC Pitches: Presentations by leading Japanese corporate venture capital teams focused on robotics and climate technology.
• Networking Reception: Facilitating connections among global thought leaders, innovators, and corporate executives.

Day 1, which focuses on collaboration with Japan, is presented by the Consulate General of Japan in New York. This is the first time the Deep Tech Forum has featured Japan so prominently, despite being organized by a Japanese VC firm. As Nobuhiro Seki, Founding Partner of Monozukuri Ventures, explains, “This event underscores Japan’s role as a gateway for global business expansion, especially in robotics, AI, and manufacturing.”

Many Japanese companies hold dominant market shares in specific verticals, giving them a unique advantage in reaching global markets—yet this potential often remains a hidden gem for startups. At the same time, collaborating with Japanese companies can be challenging due to cultural differences, which are not always easy to navigate. However, with the Japanese government’s active efforts to foster entrepreneurship and attract foreign investment, interest from American VCs in the Japanese market is steadily growing. “With its international reach,” Seki adds, “New York is the best place to host a dialogue that bridges these gaps and highlights these transformative opportunities.”

Day 2: Exclusive Visits to NYC’s Innovation Hubs

On January 23, attendees will have the unique opportunity to explore some of New York City’s premier innovation hubs, including Newlab and HAX, with additional locations to be confirmed. These hubs represent the cutting edge of deep tech innovation and offer valuable networking opportunities with startups and thought leaders.

• Newlab, located in Brooklyn’s iconic Navy Yard, supports entrepreneurs and technologists working on impactful solutions in robotics, AI, and other frontier technologies. Attendees will meet with innovative startups and learn about their groundbreaking projects.
• HAX, an accelerator program backed by SOSV, focuses on hardware and deep tech startups. Known for its emphasis on rapid prototyping and scaling, HAX is a launchpad for companies shaping the future of industries such as manufacturing and healthcare. Participants will engage directly with founders and explore their journeys.

Logistics and Participation Details for Day 2:

• A chartered bus will provide transportation between the hubs, ensuring convenient travel for all participants.
• Networking sessions at each location will allow attendees to connect with startups and innovators.
• Participation Fee: Estimated at $100 per person to cover transportation and logistics.
  Sign up at https://lu.ma/ujmzo6ug to receive an invoice. Payment is required to confirm your attendance.

This exclusive tour expands on the insights from Day 1, offering hands-on exposure to NYC’s vibrant tech ecosystem and the chance to foster deeper collaborations with local innovators. Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged!

Expanding the Deep Tech Forum Series

Following the NYC event, the Deep Tech Forum continues its mission to foster global collaboration with upcoming forums:

• Boston (February 13, 2025): Exploring innovation in bio, life sciences, and medical technology. More details here.
• Yokohama, Japan (March 7, 2025): Highlighting advancements in Japan’s deep tech ecosystem and fostering cross-border partnerships.
• NYC (September 2025): Exploring cutting-edge innovations in climate technology, urban sustainability, and future mobility during Climate Week NYC. 

Reflecting on the forum’s growth, Nobuhiro Seki shared, “2024 was a successful year for the Deep Tech Forum, and we are thrilled to expand to new strategic locations like Boston and Yokohama in 2025. Looking ahead, we’re considering hosting future forums in cities such as the Great Lakes region, Austin, and LA to continue driving innovation globally.”

About the Deep Tech Forum

The Deep Tech Forum, founded by Monozukuri Ventures, is a platform dedicated to fostering partnerships between investors, startups, and corporations in the deep tech ecosystem. By connecting innovators across borders, the forum drives impactful collaborations that accelerate innovation and create a sustainable future.

Join Us

For more details and registration, visit Deep Tech Forum NYC 2025.

Media Contact

Sabrina Sasaki, Monozukuri Ventures, [email protected]

Deep Tech Forum will convene the world’s leading deep tech startup ecosystem of founders, startups, investors and supporting communities to address the barriers to growth and success. Deep Tech Forum’s inaugural year, 2024, will feature “RAAI in Manufacturing,” where RAAI stands for Robotics, Automation and AI, and will be held in January in three North American cities – Toronto, Canada; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and New York City, New York – known for their industrial backgrounds and emerging tech startup ecosystems beyond the San Francisco Bay Area.

Monozukuri Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on hardware and deep tech startups, today announced the launch of the Deep Tech Forum, where the world’s leading deep tech startup ecosystem of founders, startups, investors and supporting communities will come together to address the barriers to growth and success.

The Deep Tech Forum’s inaugural year, 2024, will feature “RAAI in Manufacturing”, where RAAI stands for Robotics, Automation and AI, and will be held in January in three North American cities – Toronto, Canada; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and New York City, New York – known for their industrial backgrounds and emerging tech startup ecosystems beyond the San Francisco Bay Area.

To connect to the world’s leading manufacturing companies with deep tech startups, the Deep Tech Forum will take place in March 2024 in Kyoto, a Japanese city known for its historical heritage as well as global manufacturing companies such as Kyocera, Maxell, Murata, Nidec, Nintendo, Omron, Rohm, Screen and Shimadzu. “Japanese manufacturing companies do business globally, but they are still shy about working with startups, especially outside of Japan,” said Nobuhiro Seki, Chief Investment Officer and Founding Partner of Monozukuri Ventures. “At the Deep Tech Forum in Kyoto, deep tech entrepreneurs, especially in the RAAI industries, will find strategic partners with global presence in supply and value chains, as well as essential resources to grow their business”.

The Deep Tech Forum in Kyoto is scheduled to be held on March 7th and 8th, 2024.

The deep tech sector is one with a high affinity for “open innovation,” in which companies collaborate with large corporations and others. Unlike software-as-a-service (SaaS) startups that dominate the current startup landscape, deep tech companies need to collaborate with other companies to become part of the supply and value chain, even in the early stages of the startup. The startup ecosystem is more willing to collaborate with the open innovation arms of large corporations.

Dave Mawhinney, founding executive director of the Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship at Carnegie Mellon University and also a serial entrepreneur, explained the importance of the Deep Tech Forum. “Accelerators and VC support alone are not enough for deep tech startups, especially those spun out of universities. Active collaboration with the open innovation departments of large corporations is one of the keys to success.”

Overview of Deep Tech Forum North America 2024
January 15, 2024 in Toronto, ON: Deep Tech Forum Toronto 2024

Keynote: “Why Toronto? What’s missing for global manufacturing corporations to add value in the deep tech ecosystem? What do startups need to grow from the early stage to the next steps?”
Speaker: Thomas Park, Lead Partner, BDC Deep Tech Venture Fund
The BDC Deep Tech Venture Fund is Canada’s largest VC fund ($200 million) dedicated to deep tech. Registration: https://deep-tech-forum-toronto-2024.peatix.com/

Excursion (optional): Visit to University of Toronto and the innovation hub “MaRS”

January 17, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA: Deep Tech Forum Pittsburgh 2024

Keynote: “Pittsburgh: The world’s leading ecosystem for robotics startups”
Speaker: Kevin Dowling, Managing Director of Robotics Factory, Innovation Works
Robotics Factory is a startup accelerator who creates, accelerates and helps scale robotics startups in the Pittsburgh region.
Guest speaker: Ilana Diamond, Managing Partner at 412 Venture Fund, Founder of Hardware Cup Pitch Competition and former Founding Managing Director of AlphaLab Gear
Registration: https://deep-tech-forum-pittsburgh-2024.peatix.com/
Excursion (optional): Visit to Carnegie Mellon University & Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship (planned on January 16)

January 19, 2024 in New York, NY: Deep Tech Forum New York 2024

Keynote Speaker: Duncan Turner, General Partner SOSV & Managing Director HAX
HAX is the first startup accelerator focused on hardtech. It was first founded in Shenzhen, China but SOSV, its parent, announced they selected Newark, NJ as its U.S. headquarters.
Registration: https://deep-tech-forum-nyc-2024.peatix.com
Excursion (optional): Visit to Newlab in Brooklyn Navy Yard. Newlab is one of the largest hardware incubators and Urban-X by BMW MINI.

Sponsorship opportunities are available to promote brands and showcase products. Contact details here.

About Monozukuri Ventures
Monozukuri Ventures is a company that provides investment and hands-on support to seed stage startups and also works on open innovation education in the deep tech sector. The firm was formed in 2020 through the business merger of Kyoto-based Darma Tech Labs and New York-based FabFoundry.

The company began venture investing in the U.S. in 2017, leveraging its predecessor FabFoundry’s close relationships with the startup ecosystem in the deep-tech space, particularly on the East Coast of North America and in the Great Lakes region, and has invested in more than 30 companies over the past seven years, with a focus on startups that leverage advanced manufacturing technologies.

For more information about the announcement, contact here.