Social implementation of the research outcomes of universities and contribution to solving fundamental and high-impact challenges are the major missions of universities.

Industry-university collaboration aims to achieve this, and among its various forms, the creation of startups is attracting significant attention. So-called “deeptech startups” are entities that achieve significant growth and create socially and economically impactful businesses by commercializing cutting-edge scientific knowledge to solve fundamental societal challenges. Supporting the creation and growth of such startups is the role of the Office of Startup and Entrepreneurship Education in the Division of University Corporate Relations.

Therefore, the Division of University Corporate Relations offers various talent development programs targeting the university's students and researchers.

Representative examples include the Entrepreneur Dojo, an entrepreneurship education program primarily for students; the Hongo Tech Garage, a space supporting student development projects; and FoundX, which primarily supports entrepreneurs before and after founding their companies. The university also operates numerous other entrepreneurship education programs.

Furthermore, the Division of University Corporate Relations provides support both before and after startup formation. This includes direct support such as operating the GAP Fund to support R&D for commercialization and facilitating access to the University's incubation facilities. It also offers diverse support, such as consultations on legal and management matters. For startups to achieve significant growth, collaboration with external supporters is essential, not just relying on internal university resources. Through cooperation with UTokyo Innovation Platform Company, LTD., University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners Co., LTD., and The University of Todai TLO Ltd., we facilitate the strategic utilization of the university's intellectual property and connect it to the investment necessary for business growth.

Furthermore, by collaborating with acceleration programs at other universities and overseas, we connect the startup ecosystem centered on The University of Tokyo with other ecosystems, driving greater growth.

The Startup Promotion Department offers a variety of programs tailored to different phases for those seriously considering entrepreneurship as an option at the University, those just beginning to explore entrepreneurship as a solution to societal challenges, and those outside the University interested in our startup creation activities. Please feel free to consult with us.








NOZAWA Yasushi
General Manager, Office of Startup and Entrepreneurship Education