Lower Austria's delegation in Japan: Future visions for our children!

Lower Austria's delegation in Japan: Future visions for our children!

Yamanashi, Japan - The Lower Austrian delegation, led by Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner, recently visited Japan to strengthen the existing connections between Lower Austria and the Asian country. Under the motto "The best future for our children", the focus during the trip was on competitiveness, innovative strength and the exchange in the areas of business, science, research and culture. This exchange was supplemented by the shooting of several working convention during the stay in Japan, which sets the course for future collaborations.

An important highlight was the presentation of Lower Austria as an economic and cultural country at the Expo in Osaka. There the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Lower Austrian startup Hydrosolid and the Japanese company Sumida took place. This partnership aims at the commercialization of low-pressure hydrogen stores based on RSH2 technology. Managing Director Lukas Renz and his uncle Franz Renz emphasized the importance of this cooperation that combines European memory innovation with Japanese manufacturing competence.

technology and exchange

The delegation also visited the Yamanashi Prefecture, known for its similar requirements and challenges in the field of tourism, viticulture and research. There you were particularly interested in the exchange of experiences with regard to efficient administration and digitization. A highlight of the program was a visit to the Maglev Super Express Train Exhibition Center, where innovative magnetic lifts are developed. Talks with Toyota Industries in Nagoya showed promising approaches for future projects, especially in the field of hydrogen technology.

Cooperation with Sumida, which had already started about a year and a half ago, is of great relevance for hydrosolide, since Japan is considered a pioneer in the hydrogen sector. The patented hydrogen technology of hydrosolide, which stores hydrogen at 35 bar, represents a safer and cheaper alternative to conventional methods.

sustainability in focus

A visit to Japan is also an example of the growing trend towards the circular economy, in which resource consumption, waste production and energy waste are minimized. The Fraunhofer Society supports such approaches through research on necessary innovations for the transition from linear to circular economic systems. This includes maximizing the reuse and the recycling of materials in order to promote more sustainable solutions. Cooperation between the two countries could help develop such promising concepts.

Finally, Mikl-Leitner emphasized the need to actively implement the concluded contracts and agreements. Their conviction is that more intensive cooperation between Japan and Lower Austria benefits both sides and forms the basis for innovative developments in the field of hydrogen technology and environmental and climate protection strategies.