The International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) Asia & Australasia programme concluded its Urban Innovation Deep Dive Webinar Series with a forward-looking session on start-ups, investments, and technologies. The event gathered 65 participants and highlighted six cities—Grenoble-Alpes, Warsaw, Leuven, Tallinn, Nagoya, and Kaohsiung—each presenting their unique strategies for fostering resilient and innovative urban economies.
Grenoble-Alpes – Boosting Entrepreneurship
Amélie Dupraz-Canard introduced the iVenture programme, which has supported more than 178 start-ups and created over 5,000 jobs. The initiative demonstrates how Grenoble’s strong innovation ecosystem drives local and regional economic growth.
Warsaw – Innovation and Talent
Karolina Charchuła highlighted Warsaw’s role as a Central European innovation hub. With over 250,000 students and a strong R&D base, the city is positioned as a magnet for talent and investment. Initiatives like the Startup Guide Warsaw further strengthen its global profile.
Leuven – Global Partnerships in Deep Tech
Patricia Schoolmeesters emphasized Leuven’s expertise in deep tech, nanotechnology, and health technology. She also showcased its collaboration with India through the India House and highlighted Leuven’s recognition as both a climate-neutral city and the EU’s Cultural Capital for 2030.
Tallinn – Digital Twin Collaboration
Kalle Killar presented Tallinn’s advanced digital twin platform and innovation testing hub, enabling cross-border collaboration. Projects include a hackathon with Valencia and initiatives in green technologies, reflecting Estonia’s leadership in digital innovation.
Nagoya – Japan’s Start-up Hub
Toshio Sumi showcased Nagoya as Japan’s largest start-up hub, with more than 800 start-ups. The city is pioneering projects in autonomous vehicles and flying cars, while hosting flagship events like the Tech Gala to accelerate growth and visibility.
Kaohsiung – Toward a High-tech, Sustainable City
Stanley Wang described Kaohsiung’s transformation from heavy industry to a sustainable, tech-driven metropolis. Current projects include smart water management, AI-based transport, and real-time evacuation systems supported by a digital twin platform. Wang also invited partners to the Smart City Expo in March 2026.
The session concluded with reflections on how to track the long-term impact of innovation policies and events. By fostering dialogue across regions, the IURC continues to provide a platform for cities to co-create sustainable and inclusive urban futures.
For more information, contact Urban Innovation Cluster Manager Ms. Yookyung Oh at yoh@iurc.eu.
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