Backgrounder - Canadian companies and organizations succeeding in Japan
Backgrounder
The Minister witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Canada’s Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM) and Japan’s Forum for Innovative Regenerative Medicine to collaborate on the translation of Canadian and Japanese stem cell discoveries into revolutionary new medical products and economic benefits for both countries.
An increase in the commercialization of stem cell research, regenerative medicine and cell therapy will encourage future investments and will support Canada’s economic growth, benefiting the middle class. Stem cell research and regenerative medicine form one of the four priority areas under the Agreement Between the Government of Canada and the Government of Japan on Cooperation in Science and Technology.
The mission of the Toronto-based CCRM is to create and sustain regenerative medicine commercialization by mobilizing business and scientific expertise while leveraging funding and infrastructure.
“Japan is a leader in regenerative medicine science and recently it has demonstrated leadership on the regulatory front related to cell-based therapies. CCRM looks forward to having a presence in Japan and working with our partners here to promote global collaboration. That will be essential to maximize the health and economic benefits of these revolutionary ‘living therapies.’”
- Michael May, President and CEO of the Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine
The Minister witnessed the signing of an agreement between Vancouver-based AppBridge Software Inc. and its Japanese partner, Densan System Co., which was facilitated by a Government of Canada contribution through the CanExport program and attended by Google Japan. Under the agreement, Densan System Co. will sell AppBridge’s technology platform in Japan.
AppBridge is an award-winning Google Premier partner that develops applications used to power the world’s largest Google Apps migrations.
The company was founded in 2014, and with the support of CanExport and the Government of Canada, has expanded internationally with offices in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Kyoto, Japan.
“Thanks to the support of the Government of Canada through the CanExport program and the partnership with Google Japan, we are now expanding into the Japanese market. This is an exciting and growing space. We’re looking forward to growth in Canadian hiring this will allow us to pursue.
“I’m really looking forward to partnering with CanExport again to help us support more Google customers around the world.”
- Cameron Wallin, President and CEO, AppBridge
The Minister also witnessed the signing of an agreement between Vancouver-based Terramera and ACA Investments, an affiliate of Sumitomo Corporation, for a commitment of $5 million toward an international round of financing. The financing will fund the commercialization of products based on Terramera’s Inspirium technology, which replaces synthetic chemical pesticides and fertilizers with high-performance plant-based solutions that are more efficient.
Terramera’s products improve sustainability in agriculture, household pest management, public health and bee health. This agreement demonstrates Canada’s ongoing collaboration with Japan on clean technologies.
“We have had a great deal of international interest in what our company is doing, and we are extremely grateful for the services and programs of Canada’s Global Affairs department and the many Canadian trade commissioners who support us both domestically and in many corners of the world.”
- Karn Manhas, Founder and CEO of Terramera
CanExport
CanExport was launched by the Minister in January 2016 to help increase the competitiveness of Canadian companies so they can develop new export opportunities, particularly in high-growth priority markets and sectors. Since CanExport was announced, 230 Canadian companies have been approved for more than $7 million in contributions to explore new markets.
The program will provide up to $50 million over five years in direct financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises. CanExport is managed by the Government of Canada’s Canadian Trade Commissioner Service in partnership with the National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Program.
Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) provides Canadian companies with on-the-ground intelligence and practical advice on foreign markets to help them make better, more timely and cost-effective decisions in order to achieve their goals abroad. The TCS has representatives in 161 cities around the world.
Search for related information by keyword
Hon. Chrystia Freeland Global Affairs Canada Economics and Industry