T-Hub, OKI shortlist eight Indian deep-tech startups for Japan market access

T-Hub and Japanese manufacturer OKI have launched a programme to help Indian deep-tech startups enter the Japanese market, validate technologies, and explore opportunities.

The programme received more than 150 applications from deep-tech startups across India, following which eight startups were shortlisted to work with OKI through T-Hub’s PACE programme, a solution accelerator for corporate-startup collaboration.

The collaboration focuses on Water Infrastructure and Logistics and Supply Chain, sectors identified by T-Hub and OKI as areas where Indian startups can address industrial challenges and create long-term business value. T-Hub worked with OKI to translate its business priorities into problem statements and design outreach to deep-tech startups aligned with those priorities.

The shortlisted startups are developing solutions for water infrastructure and logistics and supply chain, areas of strategic importance for India and Japan. They will engage with OKI’s business and technical teams, receive mentorship on product-market fit for industrial use cases, and explore opportunities for pilot projects and co-development.

The partnership comes as India and Japan seek to expand cooperation in technology, innovation and industrial partnerships, ahead of the India–Japan Year of Shared Horizons 2027, which will mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.

Kavikrut, CEO, T-Hub, said, “As OKI expanded its presence in India, it sought a meaningful way to co-build with startups across India and Japan. We worked closely with their leadership to translate business priorities into problem statements that founders could solve and create long-term value. This collaboration reflects our commitment to creating meaningful market access opportunities that enable Indian startups to scale globally.”

Yusuke Takahashi, Global Marketing Center, Executive Professional, OKI, said, "The startups participating in the program demonstrated strong technical depth and market readiness. The discussions reinforced India’s growing strength in addressing complex challenges across water infrastructure and logistics. Together with T-Hub, we look forward to advancing discussions with the shortlisted startups and exploring opportunities that create long-term value for both sides.”

The programme is part of T-Hub’s effort to help founders build and scale globally. Its Japan engagement includes collaborations with Panasonic, Suzuki, Toyota, JETRO, JICA and Beyond Next Ventures, creating opportunities for startups to engage with industry leaders and access overseas markets.