The opening ceremony was officiated by Takeharu Yamanaka, Mayor of Yokohama, Koichi Hamano, Secretary General for Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy, Cabinet Office, The Drivery's Founder and CEO, Timon Rupp, Chika Yamamoto, General Manager of The Drivery Japan, Timothy Rowe, CEO of CIC, Atsushi Nakajima, President & CEO of Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd., marking a significant milestone in global mobility innovation.

This expansion reflects The Drivery’s commitment to fostering cross-border collaboration and innovation in the next-generation mobility sector. With its presence in Yokohama, a city renowned for its strong research and development ecosystem, The Drivery Japan aims to bridge European expertise and Japanese technological advancements to propel forward-thinking solutions in the mobility industry.

A HUB FOR INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION

The Drivery Japan offers a dynamic space that unites startups, SMEs, established corporations, research institutions, and governmental entities under one roof. Equipped with coworking areas, dedicated office spaces, and multifunctional event venues, this new TECH HUB YOKOHAMA center is tailored to inspire idea sharing, foster partnerships, and drive technological progress.

Strengthening Global Networks

Timon Rupp, speaking at the opening, highlighted, "Yokohama’s vibrant innovation landscape and strategic position as a hub for cutting-edge research make it the perfect location for The Drivery’s expansion in Asia. We are excited to collaborate with local and global innovators to transform ideas into sustainable solutions."

Chika Yamamoto emphasized the mutual benefits of this expansion, adding, "The Drivery Japan will not only support Japanese startups aiming for global markets but also facilitate European startups looking to tap into Japan. This is an exciting new chapter that will strengthen the global mobility ecosystem."

Services and Membership

The Drivery Japan provides comprehensive services including membership options that cater to startups and established companies alike. Members benefit from networking opportunities, high-level business delegation trips, overseas market entry support, business matching, and access to global trends and insights. Special programs such as seminars, joint events, and international training are designed to promote knowledge sharing and collaboration across borders.

Future Prospects

The opening of The Drivery Japan in Yokohama is expected to serve as a catalyst for innovation, driving Japan’s mobility sector to greater heights and reinforcing the city’s status as a key player in the global technology landscape. 

To meet and visit The Drivery Japan in person, attendees are encouraged to register for MOBILITY MATSURI YOKOHAMA event on November 15, 2024.

About The Drivery Japan

The Drivery Japan is a dynamic community at the intersection of mobility, technology, and innovation crossing borders.  We are a global network of entrepreneurs, startups, VCs, municipalities, research institutes, and established companies aiming to shape the future of mobility. We are looking for a seasoned event and community manager who is passionate about fostering community engagement and supporting the planning and execution of events that connect like-minded professionals for innovation and new business opportunities.

ABOUT TECH HUB YOKOHAMA

TECH HUB YOKOHAMA is a support base specializing in tech startups that aim to expand globally, to create unicorn-class startups in technology-related fields such as clean tech and mobility by making the most of Yokohama's strengths, such as the concentration of R&D and engineers at global companies.