How Elephantech is Bringing Japanese Green Tech Manufacturing Innovation to Germany

As industries worldwide are increasingly seeking to decarbonize and reduce waste, Japanese green tech startup Elephantech is expanding – bringing its environmentally friendly printed circuit board (PCB) technology to Europe, starting withGermany.

Founded in 2014as a spin-off from the University of Tokyo, Elephantech specializes in mass-producing PCBs using metal inkjet printing and an additive manufacturing process that reduces environmental impact.

“We minimize both material and water waste,” says Mr. Satoshi Konagai, Executive Officer for FPCSales and Marketing.

“Compared to conventional PCB manufacturing, we reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 70%to 75% and water consumption by around 95% compared to conventional methodologies,” he explains.
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Germany, a good fit for advanced manufacturing

With its robust automotive sector, deep industrial expertise, and ambitious sustainability goals, the German market was a strong strategic match. That’s why Germany was already on Elephantech’s radar before joining the Market Access program byStart2 Group — a global expansion initiative supported by the TokyoMetropolitan Government under the SUTEAM project. The program aims to helpJapanese startups like Elephantech enter and scale in international markets.

“Many of the world’s top module manufacturers are based in Germany – especially in the automotive and heavy industry, which use PCBs on a large scale. That’s why theGerman market was very attractive to us,” Mr. Konagai explains.

While Elephantech had conducted early web-based research on its own, the Market Access program gave them deeper insights into the German market by connecting them with local stakeholders and giving them firsthand exposure to the German business environment.
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Finding the right people and the right approach

Elephantech knew that entering a mature industrial market like Germany would not be easy.Factors such as cultural nuances, language barriers, and different business environments were some challenges the team faced as they worked on expansion.

“Also, Germany’s business culture is quite similar to Japan’s — traditional and cautious about adopting new tech. However, once you reach the right person, though, things can move quickly. The thing is, finding that right connection is the biggest challenge for a Japanese startup like us,” says Mr. Konagai.

Like any startup entering a mature market, Elephantech was aware that it would need a strong local partner to help it navigate the German market. That was where Start2Group came in, with its expertise, wide industry network and local insights.

“Cultural nuances, business etiquette, language – those things are harder to learn from afar. Start2 Group helped us see what we couldn’t find online, such as how decisions are made, who the stakeholders are, and how to approach them,” he adds.

“We also gained access to valuable programs, including startup accelerators for automotive companies, and we’ve already applied to several of them.”

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“Be courageous.If your product makes sense globally, go for it. Don’t overthink the barriers –just start. With the right support, like what Start2 Group offers, it’s absolutely possible.”
Satoshi Konagai, CEO of Elephantech

Laying the groundwork for European growth

Since completing the program, Elephantech has its feet firmly planted in the German market.

“One of our major achievements is that we have a three-party PoC project with a PCB customer and a major German end-user — one of the biggest companies in Germany. Next, we plan to sell our printing equipment directly to PCB manufacturers in Germany orEurope so they can produce PCBs using our technology,” shares Mr Konagai.

Over the next three to five years, the startup is looking at directly engaging with moreSmall and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Germany.

“To do that, we’ll need local representatives and definitely German-speaking talent. That’s one of our key challenges that we need to think about right now.”

Mr. Konagai expresses his strong support for the Market Access program by Start2 Group and encourages other Japanese startups to consider participating in similar overseas initiatives.

“Such on-the-ground opportunities are essential for better understanding the local culture and business environment,” he explains. “Tools like AI can help with communication, but understanding cultural nuances and decision-making processes is critical — and you only get that by being there.”

Participating in the program enabled the team to spend time in Germany, interact directly with local stakeholders, and refine their market approach accordingly.

Mr. Konagai also highlights the importance of face-to-face discussions and local expertise.

“Talking to people in the market helps you gain insights you just can’t get remotely. And the next step, of course, is hiring local employees who can help navigate those nuances.”

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To Japanese startups looking beyond borders

For Japanese startups considering going global, Mr. Konagai shares a few reflections for those that see potential in venturing beyond the country.
“First, understand your product. If your solution addresses a globally relevant need, then of course, the global market should be your next step.”

Once a company decides to go global, the next steps are surprisingly similar to domestic business development. “There’s no major difference in process,” Mr. Konagai explains. “Do the market research, build your target list, send cold emails, approach the right people, and eventually hire the right local talent.”

With that mindset, geographical borders become less intimidating.

“Be courageous.If your product makes sense globally, go for it. Don’t overthink the barriers –just start. With the right support, like what Start2 Group offers, it’s absolutely possible.”

Start2 Group has already supported Japanese innovators like Elephantech in Europe, but its expertise extends far beyond a single market. By connecting startups with local stakeholders, guiding them through cultural and business nuances, and opening doors to accelerators and industry networks worldwide, Start2 Group empowers founders to scale with confidence. Whether the destination is Germany, other parts of Europe, or high-growth markets across Asia and beyond, Start2 Group can help Japanese thrive on the global stage.

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Thinking about expanding beyond Japan? Discover how Start2 Group can support your global journey through our Start2 Asia Accelerator program