UTokyo IPC Co., Ltd.

UTokyo IPC Co., Ltd.
  • PoC
  • Overseas Development
  • Pre-founding
  • STEM Talent
  • Seed
  • Deep Tech
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Overview

UTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd. (UTokyo IPC) was founded in 2016 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the University of Tokyo. It collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders, including universities, corporations, venture capital firms, and government entities, to contribute to strengthening Japan's industrial competitiveness in the world through the creation of world-class startups and the development of an ecosystem. As a public-private investment firm, UTokyo IPC has invested in over 70 university-affiliated startups and private VC funds through its two investment funds. In parallel, the company actively supports the commercialization of research-based technologies and the establishment of startups through its Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) program. UTokyo IPC also operates "1stRound", one of Japan’s largest accelerator programs co-hosted with academia, and provides hands-on support for deep-tech talent through initiatives such as "DeepTech Dive". In 2024, UTokyo IPC launched the "ASA Fund" after being selected through the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s public solicitation process. This fund aims to establish a new hub for deep-tech startup creation, fostering innovation through domestic and international collaboration.

Initiative details

“Global DeepFusion Tokyo” is a comprehensive support program designed for Japanese deep tech startups to achieve global success. It addresses the challenges revolutionary technologies face, often remaining untapped or unscaled, by providing integrated, end-to-end support from the research phase through to global business expansion. Through a three-pronged approach, the program aims to position Japanese deep tech startups to compete globally and create significant impact.

1. Technology Translation: “Communicating” to the World
We conduct an “Entrepreneurship Support Bootcamp” jointly designed with entrepreneurship support organizations such as UC Berkeley’s (USA) “SkyDeck.” Participants acquire skills to transform technology into business and “communicate” it, including English communication methods and pitch structures resilient enough for global expansion. Founders themselves gain communication skills that resonate with the global market.

2. Business Hypothesis Refinement: Developing Business Models for Global Applicability
Working with leading innovation organizations such as “MassChallenge,” we meticulously refine business hypotheses. Through 1-on-1 sessions with experts and comprehensive reviews, we help startups brush up their market fit and monetization strategies. This ensures their business propositions are refined to a level that is highly valued by global investors and corporations.

3. Direct On-site Verification: A Real Bridge to the World
To overcome the hurdles of overseas expansion, such as establishing local entities, understanding regulations, and building networks, we provide support across five regional tracks: the U.S., Europe, and Asia. We collaborate with top-tier local support organizations to facilitate PoC, fundraising, and establishing local bases. By leveraging local insights and fostering collaboration with real demand-side companies, we strongly promote the global growth and social implementation of Japanese deep tech startups.

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