MaRS and NTT DATA Partner to Connect Canadian Startups to Japanese Market

TORONTO/TOKYO, Nov. 28, 2016 /CNW/ - MaRS Discovery District, a Toronto-based innovation hub, and NTT DATA, a leading IT services provider headquartered in Tokyo, today announced a partnership to provide a new platform for Canadian startups seeking to grow their market share in Japan.

NTT DATA has named MaRS its first partner in a global initiative to engage technology centres around the world that scout promising new companies. Under this agreement, MaRS will facilitate introductions between NTT DATA and MaRS' roster of ventures seeking export opportunities in Asia.

"This is Japan's first collaboration with MaRS, a global centre for technology, and we are confident this initiative will help innovative businesses accelerate sales in our market," said Kotaro Zamma, head of open innovation and business incubation business strategy at NTT DATA.

Under this agreement, Canadian entrepreneurs in the fintech, energy and artificial intelligence spaces will be invited to participate in a global business challenge aimed at startups that offer solutions to major economic problems such as population decline and aging, environmental destruction, depletion of energy resources and the rising cost of healthcare.

In addition to partnering on its global innovation business contest—one of nine contests to be held worldwide—NTT DATA will support other events throughout the year, including demo days and hackathons.

"We are actively looking to connect Canadian innovators with business opportunities and customers in Japan and other key global markets," said Salim Teja, executive vice president of ventures at MaRS. "Our ventures will benefit immensely from the ability to tap into NTT DATA's industry and market expertise."

The partnership was announced during a startup showcase at NTT DATA's headquarters in Tokyo, organized for Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne's trade mission to Japan and South Korea.

"Ontario recognizes that innovation is the key to thriving in the increasingly competitive global economy," said Premier Wynne. "MaRS and NTT DATA's work to connect innovators from Ontario and Japan will drive innovation and pave the way for the next generation of technological breakthroughs while also delivering economic growth. I am thrilled this partnership has been forged during my mission to Japan."

As a global innovation hub, MaRS facilitates market access for Canadian companies, and its growing list of international partners provides connections and expert knowledge to Canadian entrepreneurs seeking to expand globally.

About MaRS Discovery District
MaRS Discovery District (@MaRSDD) in Toronto is one of the world's largest urban innovation hubs. MaRS supports promising young ventures that are tackling key challenges in the health, cleantech, finance & commerce, as well as work & learning sectors. In addition to helping startups launch, grow and scale, the MaRS community is dedicated to cross-disciplinary collaboration, commercialization of discoveries and driving ideas to impact.

About NTT DATA
NTT DATA (TOKYO: 9613) is a leading IT services provider and global innovation partner headquartered in Tokyo, with business operations in over 40 countries. Its emphasis is on long-term commitments, combining global reach with local intimacy to provide premier professional services varying from consulting and systems development to outsourcing. For more information, visit www.nttdata.com.

SOURCE MaRs Discovery District

MaRS Discovery District: Danielle Klassen, Acting Manager, Community & Media Relations, 416-673-8152, [email protected]