UTokyo IPC Joins Innovation Catalyst Program as an Advisor to Promote the Cabinet Office’s Global Startup Campus Initiative
PrintUTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd. (UTokyo IPC) announced its role as an advisor in the Innovation Catalyst Program, a key initiative commissioned by the Cabinet Office as part of the Global Startup Campus Initiative. The program aims to nurture globally proficient professionals to advance Japan’s deep tech startup ecosystem.
Program Overview and Objectives
The Innovation Catalyst Program seeks to build a robust ecosystem for research-based startups by fostering talent with global expertise. By partnering with U.S.-based venture capital firms and startup support organizations, the program develops translational support specialists skilled in business development and intellectual property management. These efforts aim to position Japan’s deep tech startups on the global stage and foster a well-connected international ecosystem.
Strengthening Japan’s Startup Ecosystem
Aligned with the government’s Startup Development Five-year Plan, the program emphasizes creating a robust talent pipeline and international networks to drive innovation. Despite the growing global trend in investment in deep tech sectors, Japanese startups still face challenges in expanding beyond domestic markets. The program addresses these challenges by equipping participants with world-class practices and linking them to global networks.
UTokyo IPC serves as a comprehensive advisor to the program, which is carried out under the Cabinet Secretariat’s Global Startup Campus Initiative. As a partner to Arc Communications Inc. and Collective Souls inc., the project’s lead implementer, UTokyo IPC contributes its expertise to the program’s successful execution.
Commitment to Global Innovation
UTokyo IPC is committed to fostering academia-driven startups through investments in over 75 startups. In addition to financial support, UTokyo IPC offers hands-on guidance and operates 1stRound, Japan’s largest academia-accelerator program, co-hosted by 22 academic institutions. By collaborating with academia, corporations, venture capitalists, and government stakeholders, UTokyo IPC seeks to elevate Japan’s startup ecosystem to global prominence.
Through its involvement in the Innovation Catalyst Program, UTokyo IPC aims to enhance Japan’s deep tech ecosystem, positioning it as a leader in global innovation.
Innovation Catalyst Program Details
- Start Date: Spring 2025 (tentative)
- Program Duration:
- Part-time: Up to 6 months
- Full-time: Up to 24 months
- Eligibility: Candidates with industry-specific expertise, international experience, and a high commitment to leveraging global practices and networks.
The program also seeks to establish sustainable frameworks for reciprocal talent exchange and network building, delivering value beyond individual learning experiences.
About Arc Communications Inc.
Arc Communications facilitates global business through HR placement services, translation/interpretation, and Web solutions. By combining local insights with global strategies, the company delivers high-quality communication services tailored to its clients’ needs.
- CEO: Mariko Ohsato
- Location: 3-9-9 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Website: https://www.arc-japanese-translation.com/
About UTokyo IPC
- Founded: January 2016
- Mission: To advance academia-related startup ecosystems
- Ownership: The University of Tokyo (100% ownership)
- Location: 261 Entrepreneur Lab, South Research Building, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
- Website: https://www.utokyo-ipc.co.jp/
Contact Information
UTokyo IPC
261 Entrepreneur Lab, South Research Building, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3830-0200
Email: info2@utokyo-ipc.co.jp
Contact: Junji Takaoka, Incubation Partner