Messages from Division of University Corporate Relations
Koichi Yamada, Managing Director
Ever since the University of Tokyo was established, the fine results of research conducted on this campus have
contributed to society and have been a driving force in societal development.
However, globalization has made the world a more complex place, fraught with issues of resources, environment,
economics and population. It is now more desirable than ever that universities provide solutions to these issues and
bear a part in constructing a sustainable society. The Division of University Corporate Relations was created in
April 2004 to address the society's demands that the results of research conducted at universities contribute to
society efficiently and effectively. As its name suggests, this department plays a pivotal role in university
corporate relations.
Our mission is to make the intellectual properties of the University available to society and to see that practical
applications of these properties are realized, all the time striving to accurately communicate the demands of society
to our University, which aims to be the pinnacle of intellectual wisdom, so that these properties contribute to
furthering education and research. The organization that is the foundation of these activities is strongly backed up
and maintained by the government. Currently, our division has a staff of 41, and TOUDAI TLO (CASTI) Ltd.
and the University of Tokyo Edge Capital Co., Ltd., that are allied external organizations that support us from the
perspective of promoting intellectual properties and the Department of Science Entrepreneurship and Enterprise
Development, have a staff of 23. This means we have a highly specialized team of 64 members.
Expansion of our external network has also increased the probabilities of even greater achievements.
We would like to fortify this well-maintained groundwork, promote activities, and improve and extend our service
functions to organizations outside our university,
all the while enhancing our adaptability to internationalization.
Koichi Yamada
Managing Director, University Corporate Relations
The University of Tokyo
Takafumi Fujita, Director
The Division of University Corporate Relations follows the basic ideology and philosophy that study results returned
to society must not be pursued for simplistic reasons but should aim to contribute to an academic structure that is
perpetual and universal.
At the same time, the results should reflect research that is relevant to society in its fundamental studies as
expounded in the charter of the University of Tokyo and should aid and promote the activities of the Division of
University Corporate Relations that drive toward more practical objectives.
This division has a three-departments structure composed of the Department of Collaborative Research Development,
which helps implement new forms of collaborative research; the Department of Intellectual Properties,
which helps manage intellectual properties and provides support in applying it practically;
and the Department of Science Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development,
which supports businesses and helps promote start-up businesses and assists in the practical application of research
results.
We cooperate fully with the Research Management and International Affairs Department and Department of the University
Corporate Relation to support and promote the activities of the Division of University Corporate Relations.
Furthermore, the Department of Intellectual Properties cooperates closely with TOUDAI TLO (CASTI) Ltd.,
and the Foundation for the Promotion of Industrial Science. Science Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development is a
cooperative effort with the University of Tokyo Edge Capital Co., Ltd. (UTEC).
This division was established in April 2004 when the University of Tokyo began operating as a privatized corporation. The organization and system are almost completely set up, and we will soon be implementing various activities in anticipation of beneficial results. We have already seen some promising signs and expect to see some clear results soon. However, for this to come to pass, the cooperation of friends inside and outside the university will be essential. We therefore ask for the understanding and kind support of our friends in the future.
Takafumi Fujita
Professor and Director
Division of University Corporate Relations
The University of Tokyo
