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Switzerland and Japan deepen ties in strategic scientific fields
From 29 September to 5 October 2025, State Secretary Martina Hirayama led a scientific mission to Japan to strengthen bilateral collaboration in education, research, and innovation. The mission highlighted Swiss-Japanese cooperation in key areas such as life sciences, space, AI and quantum science, including the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation in quantum science and technology.
07.11.2025
Switzerland and Japan are internationally recognized for their pioneering achievements in science. The two countries maintain strong ties in education, research, and innovation, with Japan being Switzerland’s largest research partner in Asia. Like Switzerland, Japan is highly innovative and invests heavily in research, development and innovation (approx. 3.6% of GDP), with the private sector playing a key role as in Switzerland. Both countries share similar challenges, such as an aging population or energy transition.
During her mission to Japan to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, State Secretary Martina Hirayama was accompanied by an esteemed scientific delegation from various institutions (including ETH Zurich, University of Zurich UZH, Innosuisse, Swiss National Science Foundation SNSF, Swiss National Supercomputing Centre CSCS, and the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology CSEM).
Fostering cooperation in space research
The delegation began its program with a visit to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and its Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, discussing bilateral collaboration on international space missions. At the Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI) in Tokyo, they explored further collaboration with Swiss research institutions in space science. The delegation also visited Osaka University’s Institute of Laser Engineering (ILE), a globally recognised leader in laser science for space and fusion energy applications.
Enriching dialogue with Ministries and funding agency
Martina Hirayama held meetings with key Japanese government representatives, including Minister Toshiko Abe from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and the Vice-Minister Takehiko Matsuo from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Meetings at the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) covered the 2025 joint call on “inflammaging” with SNSF cooperation.
Besides AMED, meetings with other major research and innovation funding agencies took place, including the Japan Science and Technology Agency, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, and Japan’s innovation agency NEDO.
Bridging research and innovation: Artificial Intelligence, supercomputing and life-sciences
The delegation participated in the Zurich–Japan Innovation Dialogue, held in Tokyo. Moderated by Prof. Christian Schwarzenegger (UZH), the discussion focused on the societal implications of artificial intelligence.
The Swiss delegation also held meetings with industry actors, such as Mitsubishi Research Institute, Fujitsu and Rapidus. While visiting Osaka, AI was a central theme during the Swiss Alumni Symposium, hosted at Swissnex in Japan and the Swiss Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai. At Osaka’s Future Medicine Expo hosted by Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura at Nakanoshima Qross, State Secretary Hirayama gave opening remarks. These engagements underlined the great potential of Swiss Alumni in Japan and other Asian countries, as well as the importance of the Swiss expertise in AI,supercomputing and life sciences.
Quantum Cooperation Agreement
Quantum science was one of the central themes of the mission. At the WIRED Futures Conference, Thomas Schulthess (CSCS) and Alexandre Pauchard (CSEM) joined Japanese counterparts to discuss quantum ecosystems and practical applications. The delegation also visited IBM Quantum System One, the first commercial quantum computer installed in Asia in cooperation with the University of Tokyo.
On 5 October 2025, State Secretary Hirayama and Japan’s Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy Minoru Kiuchi signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in quantum science and technology. The agreement reaffirms both countries’ commitment to joint research, talent exchange, and innovation in this strategic field. This milestone reinforces Switzerland’s role as a global hub for quantum integration across academia, industry, and government.
Advancing innovation together
At the Science and Technology in Society Forum in Kyoto, State Secretary Hirayama participated in the Science and Technology Minister’s Roundtable, discussing innovation strategies for future societies and the ethical, social, and environmental dimensions of emerging technologies. Switzerland’s presence at Expo 2025 Osaka was another key moment, positioning Switzerland as a leading innovation hub, and promoting its scientific and economic interests.
Through high-level meetings, institutional visits, and the signing of a new Memorandum of Cooperation, the delegation reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to advancing innovation through international partnerships that are of strategic importance, including with Japan. The mission strengthened existing ties and opened new avenues for joint research, talent exchange, and cooperation in the field of innovation.
Contact
Authors
Anne-Mai Do (Science & Technology Office Tokyo)
