Colorado Welcomes Delegation from Japan, Showcases Leadership in Photonics, Quantum, and Semiconductors

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DENVER – This week, the Global Business Development division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) welcomed a delegation of business and economic development leaders from Japan. Led by the Japan External Trade Organization and supported by the Japan America Society of Colorado, the three-day visit showcased Colorado's photonics, semiconductor, and quantum sectors to business leaders interested in expanding in the state.

"Japan and Colorado are close friends and allies. Colorado's strong relationship with Japan boosts our thriving economy by creating new investment opportunities and jobs for Coloradans. Our strong mutually-beneficial relationship with Japan has increased growth in advanced sectors in Colorado's economy, expanded quantum computing technology, and strengthened our friendship. I look forward to growing our partnership," said Governor Polis.

"Japan is home to one of the world's most advanced economies and a significant foreign investor in Colorado. Welcoming this delegation is a crucial step in strengthening our state's global position," said OEDIT Executive Director Eve Lieberman. "These visits are vital for identifying new business and investment opportunities, and our partnership with Japan drives innovation, creates good-paying jobs for Coloradans, and contributes to a robust and diversified economy."

Over three days, the delegation had impactful engagements at the Colorado School of Mines, CU Boulder and the laboratory for Advanced Lasers and Extreme Photonics at Colorado State University. They also met with Atom Computing, Coorstek Academy, and The National Institute for Standards in Technology. The delegation was also hosted by CSU and the City of Fort Collins for a networking lunch with businesses and ecosystem partners, attended a Colorado and Japan quantum showcase at MSU Denver and met with leading Colorado companies such as LongPath Technologies, Mesa Quantum, Xairos, and Maybell Quantum.

"We are already aware that Colorado has long been a hub for advanced industries such as aerospace, IT, renewable energy, and biotechnology. However, this mission has strengthened our belief that Colorado is also one of the leading states in quantum computing, photonics, and semiconductors, with exceptional talent and strong research and development capabilities. We are grateful to the Colorado Governor's Office for arranging such an extensive and well-structured mission. Colorado is an excellent partner for Japanese companies pursuing cutting-edge technologies. We look forward to seeing Japanese companies generate concrete business opportunities through this collaboration in the future. JETRO is committed to actively supporting these endeavors," said Akira Kajita, Chief Executive Director, JETRO Los Angeles.

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The visit is part of an ongoing commitment to grow Colorado's partnership with Japan and identify new business and investment opportunities. In 2023, Gov. Polis, officials within OEDIT's Global Business Development division, and a Colorado delegation of businesses and universities visited Japan to explore investment opportunities. In July 2024, Gov. Jared Polis hosted a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the United States, Shigeo Yamada, at the Governor's Mansion to discuss opportunities in aerospace, quantum, and climate-resilient technologies.

"OEDIT's Global Business Development division strategically positions Colorado for economic growth and job creation. Hosting foreign delegations offers Colorado companies and institutions critical exposure to foreign markets, increasing foreign investment and enhancing our state's global competitiveness. This visit promotes deep tech—transformative technologies like photonics, quantum and semiconductors where Colorado excels. Working together, we can ensure both of our regions remain leaders in these high-growth fields," said Michelle Hadwiger, OEDIT's Director of Global Business Development.

Japan is at the heart of the Asian-Pacific market, contains one of the most advanced economies in the world, and is well-connected with the U.S. and global commerce. The country is Colorado's seventh largest export market, including meat, optical, and electrical equipment. Japanese firms have roughly $3.4 billion invested in Colorado's business community, directly employing around 10,000 Coloradans. This makes Japan a significant source of foreign investment for the state.

"I was thrilled to welcome the delegation of Japanese quantum business leaders," said Claudine Locascio, Executive Director of the Japan America Society of Colorado (JASC). "This collaboration with the state reflects exactly what JASC strives for—programs that are relevant, forward‑looking, and aligned with our state's economic priorities. This visit has been an opportunity to deepen ties between Colorado and Japan, which is at the heart of JASC's mission, and support the state's goal of attracting even more Japanese investment in Colorado."

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OEDIT's Global Business Development Division regularly hosts foreign delegations visiting Colorado and participates in trade and investment missions around the world to strengthen global awareness of the state. Last year, GBD supported over 30 foreign government delegations visiting Colorado, including elected and appointed officials, ambassadors, trade commissioners, and consul generals. This includes diplomatic meetings with Governor Polis, site visits to promote Colorado's key industries, and meetings with local business communities across the state.

About OEDIT's Global Business Development Division

Global Business Development (GBD) is a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. GBD supports Colorado businesses and communities by using a data-driven approach to recruit, support, and retain businesses that contribute to a robust and diversified economy. We align our portfolio of programs, services, and incentives with industries that benefit Colorado companies and elevate the state's national and international competitiveness. GBD also hosts foreign delegations and participates in trade and investment missions around the world to strengthen global awareness of Colorado. With a highly educated and motivated workforce, a thriving innovation economy, and nation-leading entrepreneurial spirit, Colorado is a top market for business development.

About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado's economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire—and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT.

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