# Singapore firm plans startup hub in Japan to bridge SE Asia and Tohoku

> Singaporean venture firm launches Tohoku startup academy to connect Southeast Asia and Japan.
- Title: Singapore firm plans startup hub in Japan to bridge SE Asia…
- Summary: Singaporean venture firm launches Tohoku startup academy to connect Southeast Asia and Japan. Singaporean venture capital firm Insignia Ventures Partners…
- Keywords: insignia ventures partners, iwate prefecture, tohoku region, startup academy, venture capital, se asia, japan, news, world, Singapore, firm, plans
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/singapore/2026/10/14/singapore-firm-plans-startup-hub-in-japan-to-bridge-se-asia-and-tohoku/239047
- Published: 2026-10-14T13:19:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: insignia ventures partners, iwate prefecture, tohoku region, startup academy, venture capital, se asia, japan, news, world
## Singaporean venture firm plans Tohoku startup hub
A Singaporean venture capital firm is planning to launch an academy in northeastern Japan to develop startup talent in and around Asia.

> A Singaporean venture capital firm is planning to launch an academy in northeastern Japan in partnership with a local Japanese government to develop startup talent in and around Asia, according to people familiar with the project.
## Insignia Ventures Partners and Iwate government collaborate
Insignia Ventures Partners and the Iwate prefectural government are crafting a plan to create a startup hub in Iwate Prefecture by drawing international talent into the broader Tohoku region.

> Insignia Ventures Partners and the Iwate prefectural government are crafting a plan to create a startup hub in Iwate Prefecture by drawing international talent into the broader Tohoku region, a development the two sides hope will lead to increased investment in Japan by fast-growing Southeast Asian economies.
## Signing agreement at Iwate International Convention
Yinglan Tan and Iwate Gov. Takuya Tasso are scheduled to sign an agreement for the project on the sidelines of the Iwate International Convention in Morioka.

> Yinglan Tan, founding managing partner of Insignia Ventures Partners, and Iwate Gov. Takuya Tasso are scheduled to sign an agreement for the project on the sidelines of the Iwate International Convention, set to take place from October 29 to 30 in Morioka, the prefectural capital.
## Iwate campus at former Towa High School site
The academy will be housed at the former Towa High School site in Hanamaki, Iwate Prefecture, which is south of Morioka.

> According to prefectural officials, Iwate hopes the project will spur regional revitalisation and ease the impact of its ageing population.
## Iwate government plans to sell property
The Iwate government plans to sell the 41,900-square-metre Towa High School property to Insignia Ventures Partners for the academy.

> The Iwate government plans to sell the 41,900-square-metre Towa High School property, which closed in 2010, to the Singaporean firm.
## Insignia's Singapore academy produces graduates
Insignia Ventures Partners' Singapore academy has produced more than 250 graduates through its 12-week core programme on venture investment fundamentals.

> Insignia Ventures Partners reports that the Singapore academy has produced more than 250 graduates through its 12-week core programme on venture investment fundamentals.
## Iwate campus aims to address regional challenges
The Iwate campus will help address regional demographic challenges and spur investment from Southeast Asian economies into Japan.

> According to prefectural officials, Iwate hopes the project will spur regional revitalisation and ease the impact of its ageing population.
## Key takeaway

Singaporean venture capital firm Insignia Ventures Partners will establish a startup academy in Iwate Prefecture, Japan, to bridge Southeast Asian and Japanese business talent.