A delegation from Scotland's world-leading health technology
sector, led by Health Secretary , will visit Japan next week to
strengthen trade and innovation ties and promote Scottish
expertise on the global stage.
The trade mission will showcase Scotland's strengths in digital
health and life sciences at a series of events, including Japan
Health 2025 in Osaka and a programme at the UK Pavilion at Expo
2025.
Organised by the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise, the
visit aims to raise international awareness of Scotland's health
innovation ecosystem, build long-term relationships with Japanese
industry partners, encourage inward investment and share best
practice in global healthcare collaboration.
Scotland has a long history of medical innovation – from the
invention of the hypodermic syringe to pioneering the use of
artificial intelligence in diagnostics. Today, the country is
home to one of Europe's most dynamic life sciences clusters,
driven by collaboration between government, academia, and
industry.
As part of the mission, the Scottish delegation will visit Canon
Medical Systems Inc. in Tokyo – a key partner in Scotland's
growing medtech network – to explore opportunities for deeper
technical cooperation. The visit will also feature panel
discussions and networking events at the British Embassy in Tokyo
and the UK Pavilion at Expo 2025, showcasing Scotland as a
strategic partner in global health innovation.
Health Secretary said:
“Scotland has earned a strong international reputation for
pioneering health technologies that improve outcomes and enhance
care.
“This trade mission is an opportunity to demonstrate our
strengths to new audiences, deepen our relationships with
Japanese innovators and investors, and share how Scotland's
integrated approach to healthcare and innovation is delivering
real-world benefits. By supporting Scotland's healthcare
innovation sector we can help to encourage the kind of
technologies that will ultimately benefit patients in Scotland.
“Strengthening international partnerships like this supports
economic growth, attracts inward investment and jobs, and
ultimately helps us tackle some of the biggest challenges facing
health systems at home and across the world.”
Managing Director of International Operations at Scottish
Enterprise, Reuben Aitken said:
“Life sciences and healthtech generate over £10 billion annually
for the Scottish economy and international events such as Expo
2025 provide opportunities for trade, export, and collaboration
across these key industries. The companies heading to Japan are
at the forefront of their fields in medical devices, AI and
robotics. They are exhibiting their products and connecting with
new markets in Japan. Our analysis from our previous Expo 2025
trade mission has forecast sales worth over £7 million and here
at Scottish Enterprise we're continuing to back ambitious
companies to internationalise.”
Managing Director of Talking Mats Ltd, Margo Mackay said:
“Talking Mats Ltd is delighted to be travelling to Japan with the
support of Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government. We
look forward to extending our partnership with SDM Japan;
networking with peers in healthtech and forging wider connections
at Expo and Japan Health. Talking Mats' ambition is to grow our
community internationally and supply innovative solutions to
support our vision of accessible and inclusive communication for
all. We see Asia as a key market for expansion.”
Background
Key engagements in Mr Gray's programme will include:
- Leading Scotland's presence at Expo Osaka:
-
- Delivering a keynote speech on ‘Scotland's health system
and legacy of innovation'
- Sitting as a panellist on ‘bridging innovation between
Japan and Scotland – a collaborative future'
- Chairing a company pitching session
- Hosting a networking reception
- Visit to Canon Medical Systems Inc.
- Meeting the Japanese Ministry of Health to discuss the shared
challenges of caring for a growing ageing population and
understand possible areas for collaboration.
- A keynote address at Japan Health on Scotland's health system
overview and Scotland's legacy on innovation
- A keynote address at the Global Healthcare Challenge on
health longevity society in Scotland
The healthtech mission follows the first ‘Scotland Day' in April,
when a delegation of companies from the gaming and consumer
industries took part in Expo 2025 Japan organised by Scottish
Enterprise and Scottish Government on the UK Pavilion. This
activity helped Scottish companies access new markets, strengthen
trading relationships and build international networks. Feedback
from the gaming start-ups was positive as they were able to
explore new markets in Japan and generate new business leads with
early data from consumer-focused companies forecasting sales of
over £7 million. A third event, focusing on offshore wind, will
take place in September.
Further information on Scotland's healthtech
presence at Expo.
