Tokyo (SCCJI) – The new Consulate of Switzerland in Osaka has officially commenced its operations. This “Swissnex in Japan” is the first science consulate in Japan and belongs to Swissnex, the Swiss global network connecting Switzerland and the world in education, research, and innovation.
The opening of Switzerland’s first science consulate in Japan was celebrated in Japanese style in Osaka.
Grand Opening
The new consulate in the Kansai region which is devoted to science, research, and innovation as the first Swissnex location in the country aims to increase Switzerland’s foothold in Japan. This effort is supposed to reflect the country’s strengths and the large potential of Japan in those critical fields.
The official Grand Opening had the theme ‘Breakthrough Trends in Sustainability’. Dr. Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, a high-level academic delegation, and nine start-ups joined. Demonstrations included solar fuels, carbon capture from the air, ambient PET recycling, autonomous-legged robots, and drones.
As stated by Ms. Hirayama, “Our presence in Osaka will be an important step to further strengthen Switzerland’s already excellent bilateral research cooperation with Japan. The new Swissnex location will help to further promote projects between universities, research institutions, and startups.”
(from left) Dr. Felix Moesner, the new Swiss Consul in Osaka and CEO of Swissnex in Japan, Dr. Andreas Baum, Ambassador of Switzerland in Japan, Dr. Martina Hirayama, Swiss State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, Hideyuki Yokoyama, Mayor of Osaka, Osaka City Government, and Nobuhiko Yamaguchi, Vice Governor, Osaka Prefectural Government, together with the emblem “Consulate of Switzerland”.
Swissnex achievements
In Kansai, Japanese and Swiss universities already have concluded around 20 collaboration agreements. Since 2022, Swissnex has been managing a new university mobility program in Japan, the second most sought-after destination for Swissnex programs.
In strategic areas such as quantum science, AI, or robotics, Switzerland is increasingly collaborating on a systemic level with like-minded countries, including Japan. The country’s high-level technology and quality standards also benefit startups. Last year, Swissnex supported 53 startups exploring expansion opportunities in Japan.
The new Consulate’s presence in the Kansai region is closely tied to the upcoming World Expo 2025 in Osaka, themed “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” The Swiss Pavilion will present innovations for a sustainable future with the themes “Life” – life sciences, health, and nutrition; “Planet” – environment, sustainability, climate, and energy; and “Augmented Human” – robotics and artificial intelligence, which align with the mission of Swissnex.
Two Swiss Presidents have shown their support for the new consulate during past visits to Japan. Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin announced the establishment in August 2021 in Tokyo, and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis officiated the groundbreaking ceremony in April 2022 in Osaka.
Text: Text: SCCIJ based on material of the Consulate of Switzerland in Osaka, Pictures: © Consulate of Switzerland Osaka
