JUIDA Sponsors and Speaks at Finland-Japan Seminar: Driving Social Resilience through Next-Generation UAVs and Stronger Cross-Border Collaboration

On May 21, 2026, the “Finland-Japan Critical Technology Seminar,” hosted by the Embassy of Finland in Tokyo, was held at the Hibiya International Building Conference Square, with JUIDA participating as a supporting organization. Focusing on “Quantum Computing” and “Next-Generation UAVs (Unmanned Aircraft Systems),” which serve as critical technologies supporting social infrastructure, leaders from industry, academia, and government from both nations gathered to discuss the potential for co-creation aimed at building a highly reliable industrial ecosystem. The venue was filled to capacity and remained charged with vibrant energy throughout the event.

To open the seminar, H.E. Mr. Sakari Puisto, Minister of Economic Affairs of Finland, and Mr. Toshiro Ino, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, took the stage. With a view toward economic security and building resilient supply chains, both speakers expressed strong expectations for strategic partnership between the two countries based on innovation and high reliability.

The first half of the seminar featured the “Quantum Technology Session,” highlighting Finland’s world-class, advanced ecosystem. Presenters introduced the national quantum strategy driven by Business Finland, an agency under the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland, alongside a robust infrastructure bridging industry, government, and academia including Aalto University and the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, demonstrating the path to implementing cutting-edge technology into society. As an example of partnership within Japan, Toyo Corporation reported on its recent order of an advanced quantum computer manufactured by IQM Quantum Computers, a leading Finnish company. The subsequent panel discussion went beyond technical details to focus on practical topics, such as how corporate management can understand the technology and adapt it to business. Rather than focusing on technical operations or explanations of the technology itself, the panelists engaged in a free and lively exchange of ideas centered on how to create specific business use cases looking ahead to future market trends.

The second half shifted to the “UAV Session,” outlining Finland’s national strategy to become a leading drone nation by 2030. Presenters showcased UAV technologies equipped with “high autonomy and robust reliability” that ensure dependable operations even under various extreme environments, alongside cyber security and next-generation communications (6G). They also demonstrated a powerful framework for agilely applying these technologies to civil-use solutions for social challenges, such as forest management monitoring and smart logistics.

Following this, Mr. Kakuya Iwata, Executive Director of JUIDA, delivered a presentation in English on “Japanese UAV Industrial Activity.” He used the main screen to deliver a compelling presentation on Japan’s progress toward solid social implementation. This included safety guidelines and the training school certification system that JUIDA has championed since its inception, JUIDA’s contributions to international standardization (ISO), its track record of providing disaster relief support following events such as the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, and industrial promotion through “Japan Drone,” one of the largest drone exhibitions in Asia, which is set to take place early next month.

The subsequent panel discussion featured representatives from leading Finnish UAV-related companies and organizations, alongside Mr. Shigeru Furuichi, Director of the Next Generation Air Mobility Policy Office at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and JUIDA’s Executive Director Mr. Iwata. During the discussion, participants shared Finland’s approach to applying insights and proven expertise gained from various practical operations into dependable civil use, while exchanging information on Japan’s diverse range of civil use cases, such as emergency cargo transport during disasters, infrastructure inspection, and solutions for labor shortages. The session reinforced the conviction that a win-win, mutually complementary relationship can be forged by blending Finland’s “advanced robustness and security technologies” with Japan’s “precision manufacturing and field-proven operational expertise.”

The seminar concluded with a networking reception attended by numerous key figures and professionals from government and industry from both nations, including Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto. Inside the crowded room, attendees could be seen standing side by side with smiles and glasses in hand, while others earnestly exchanged business cards and engaged in dialogue. The session sparked enthusiastic exchanges that ran well over the scheduled time, providing a highly valuable platform for future co-creation, with direct dialogue opening up regarding specific joint projects and technical collaborations.

Since its establishment, JUIDA has collaborated closely with the Embassy of Finland and key Finnish organizations, including VTT, with whom JUIDA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for comprehensive cooperation in 2020. Committed to its mission of promoting the “safe and peaceful civil use” of drones, JUIDA will continue to contribute to industrial development through international partnerships.

■For more information, please contact:
JUIDA International Relations and Development:ohzora@uas-japan.org