Abies Ventures, Real Tech Holdings, and UMI complete partnership agreement on Japan-UAE Coordination scheme for Advanced Technology (JU-CAT) activities

Abies Ventures, Inc. (“Abies Ventures”), Real Tech Holdings Co., Ltd. (“Real Tech Holdings”), and Universal Materials Incubator Co., Ltd. (“UMI”) have concluded a partnership agreement regarding the Japan-UAE Coordination scheme for Advanced Technology (JU-CAT), which was ratified between the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) in January 2023 (Yasutoshi Nishimura, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, and H.E. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology).

The goal of JU-CAT is to foster future innovations and nurture young talents in Japan and the UAE. Both countries benefit from this scheme, as investors in the UAE invest in Japanese startup companies that have motivation to develop business in the UAE and other parts of the world. JU-CAT is one pillar of the “Japan-UAE Innovation Partnership” announced by the leaders of both countries during Prime Minister Kishida’s visit to the UAE in July of this year. The two countries confirmed their intention to further strengthen collaborations in cutting-edge technology fields.

As a venture capital firm in the materials and chemical industries, UMI has served as a coordinator for JU-CAT since January 2023. Based on the agreement, two additional parties will join JU-CAT as coordinators: Abies Ventures, which will provide investment support to startups in a broad range of industries combining deep tech and data science, and Real Tech Holdings, which demonstrates knowledge and expertise based on an extensive track record of support and first-hand experience in the management of deep tech startups. With each playing a role as a coordinator, these three companies will strengthen relationships with the UAE, which holds an important position in Japan’s energy policies. Japanese startups will have the opportunity for technology demonstrations and business in the Middle East, and this in turn will serve as a call for investments from overseas, contributing to the creation of new innovations

Based on the needs of UAE companies, the three JU-CAT coordinators will seek out optimum Japanese startups, and collaborate with UAE companies in creating new business in the UAE. Collaborations among UAE companies and Japanese startups will leverage the three partner companies’ expertise to increase corporate value.

■ About JU-CAT

The Japan-UAE Coordination scheme for Advanced Technology (JU-CAT) is a bilateral collaboration scheme matching the UAE, where innovations and fostering young talent are important policy goals for future society, with Japanese startups striving to develop global business through innovative technologies. JU-CAT is one pillar of the “Japan-UAE Innovation Partnership” announced by the leaders of both countries during a visit to the UAE by Japanese Prime Minister Kishida in July of this year. The two countries confirmed their plans to further strengthen collaborations in cutting-edge technology fields.

[Key technology fields (not exhaustive)]

Clean energy, carbon capture and storage/utilization (CCS/CCU), recycling technologies, water related technologies, biotech, healthcare, food tech/agri-tech, and outer space development, etc.

[Key stages]

Mid-/late stages

https://ju-cat.org/

■ Abies Ventures, Inc.

Abies Ventures is a venture capital firm that seeks out worldwide startups with advanced and innovative science and engineering technologies (“deep tech”) that contribute to the further development of mankind and the creation of a sustainable world, and fosters the growth of these firms into global companies.

• Location: Minato-ku, Tokyo
• Representative: Fuyuki Yamaguchi, Representative Director and Managing Partner
• URL：https://abies.vc/

■ Real Tech Holdings Co., Ltd.

Real Tech Holdings Co., Ltd. is dedicated to addressing societal and environmental challenges through investmenting and supporting deep-tech startups. With bases in Tokyo and Singapore, it has invested more than JPY 23 billion in more than 90 startups worldwide.

• Location: Sumida-ku, Tokyo
• Representative Directors: Akihiko Nagata (Chairman), Yukihiro Maru (Chairman)
• URL：https://www.realtech.holdings/

■ Universal Materials Incubator Co., Ltd. (UMI)

UMI invests in outstanding new technologies and businesses in the fields of materials and chemicals that form the foundations for future industry, originating from both Japanese companies and academia, based on the vision of “Strengthening Japan’s engineering capabilities and cultivating an industry structure that can compete globally, by fostering outstanding material/chemical companies.”

• Location: Chuo-ku, Tokyo
• Representative Director: Shosuke Kiba
• URL：https://www.umi.co.jp/