In a significant move to foster international collaboration in the fields of longevity, agetech, and health technology, Living Best and Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR) have introduced the Living Best Japan Gateway. This initiative is designed to facilitate the entry of global companies into the Japanese market by offering them a platform to test their solutions, form partnerships, and expand their reach. The Gateway will make its debut at the Kyoto Smart City Expo, which is slated to take place on October 8-9, 2026, at Keihanna Plaza. Selected companies will have the chance to showcase their innovations, engage with Japanese corporate partners through ATR’s business-matching network, and participate in ATR’s KGAP+ business-development accelerator, whose next cohort is set to commence in December.
At the heart of this initiative is Living City Keihanna, an innovation hub focused on longevity. This hub is a product of collaboration between ATR and Living Best, designed to connect international ventures with a network of researchers, businesses, investors, care providers, and local communities in Japan. The platform aims to support companies beyond merely making introductions or conducting short-term pilot projects, providing a comprehensive pathway from market validation to commercial expansion. Living Best plays a crucial role in assisting these ventures by evaluating Japanese market demand, identifying potential partners for implementation and funding, validating products with local users, and developing evidence to support broader market growth.
Since 2021, Living Best has appraised over 2,000 ventures from more than 40 countries, generating over 17,000 assessments from Japanese consumers and receiving feedback from clinicians, care operators, investors, and policy experts. Dominic Carter, CEO and co-founder of Living Best, emphasized that the partnership is structured to provide international companies with support throughout their journey into Japan, from initial market validation to eventual expansion. Hiroyuki Suzuki, ATR Senior Executive Vice President and Representative Director, highlighted the advantages of Keihanna’s combination of research capabilities, infrastructure, and networks across various sectors, which can bridge overseas innovation with practical application in Japan.
The Gateway is currently open to applications from international longevity, agetech, and health-technology ventures that have either market-ready products or those at an advanced stage of development. Participation will be determined through a selection process carried out by Living Best and ATR. Interested companies must apply by the deadline of September 25, 2026, to be considered for the October 2026 intake. For more information, potential applicants can visit the Living Best website or schedule introductory calls through the provided links.
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