Institute for Open Innovation

For Corporate Partners

Key Initiatives of the Institute for Open Innovation
 
  • Formation of collaborative research projects that integrate technology matching with intellectual property strategies and commercialization models.
  • One-stop, rapid, and flexible support for industry-academia collaboration across multiple university departments
  • Support for large-scale joint research and value-chain collaborations involving multiple companies and research institutions.
  • Facilitation of global partnerships with overseas companies and research organizations.
We go beyond traditional industry-academia joint research focused solely on technology development. Our goal is to create a competitive ecosystem based on a network-oriented approach that seeks overall optimization of businesses and industries. In addition to technology matching, we organize collaborative research projects that incorporate intellectual property strategies and commercialization models from the outset. Our institute provides one-stop, agile support not only for joint research handled at the departmental level but also for cross-departmental collaborations. Furthermore, we assist projects that involve not only individual corporate R&D divisions but also business units engaged in strategic initiatives, as well as large-scale joint research involving multiple companies across the value chain.
If you are interested, please contact us through the inquiry page of our institute.

 

Message from the Director

Since its establishment in 2018, the Institute for Open Innovation has been committed to creating new models of industry–academia collaboration and delivering value to society as its mission. We go beyond traditional joint research on individual themes, promoting ecosystem-based collaborations involving multiple companies and modular architecture models that generate synergies among business elements. Innovation is not merely technological advancement; it is a means of solving challenges directly linked to social sustainability and the future of humanity. To address major global transformations such as carbon neutrality and digitalization, it is essential for universities and companies to enhance each other, design the future together, and implement it.
Our institute brings together the knowledge of the University of Tokyo and the strength of industry, serving as a hub for open innovation that  drives international competitiveness. We strive to transform industrial structures, create new industries, and revitalize regional economies. We sincerely hope to work with you to create new value for building a sustainable society.
 

 
Takao Someya, Ph.D., Director
The Institute for Open Innovation, The University of Tokyo             
 

 

Message from the Executive Creative Manager

The Management Division of the Institute for Open Innovation is composed of a team of experts dedicated to facilitating the smooth formation and operation of industry-academia collaborative research. With advanced expertise in intellectual property strategy, legal affairs, planning, and coordination, we deliver comprehensive support from the earliest stages of innovation through to successful exit strategies. Our mission is not limited to simple technology matching. We design joint research projects with commercialization as a core premise, enabling business transformation and the creation of new ventures that companies cannot achieve alone—by leveraging the knowledge and expertise of universities. Through these efforts, we aim to build a competitive industrial ecosystem. In addition, we actively address social challenges such as regional revitalization and sustainability, promoting industry-academia collaboration that harnesses the diverse knowledge within universities. We welcome you to share your vision with us. We are committed to supporting you every step of the way toward making it a reality.



Takeshi Kamijo, Ph.D., Executive Creative Manager
The management office of Institute for Open Innovation, The University of Tokyo
 

 

Our Vision

The Institute for Open Innovation supports the creation of innovations that align with corporate business and growth strategies. By connecting the knowledge and technologies of universities with industry, we combine technology strategies, intellectual property strategies, and competitive strategies to tackle the challenge of implementing new technologies in society. From collaborative research and development to building frameworks for commercialization, we provide a platform where companies and universities can work together to create value.
 
 





 

Promotion Structure and Organization

The Institute for Open Innovation provides robust support for collaborative research through a highly specialized management system, covering everything from intellectual property and contract negotiations to conflict-of-interest management. We go beyond conventional frameworks by designing innovation models that drive business growth and create new ventures. Through this unique and advanced support structure, we build an open innovation platform that enables organization-to-organization collaboration between companies and universities. Furthermore, by generating positive feedback from these partnerships, we aim to establish autonomous and sustainable management foundations for both sides, fostering continuous collaboration and mutual growth.




 


 

Organizational Structure







 

Management Team Member

Takeshi KAMIJOH, Ph.D. Executive Creative Manager
Mieko MIO, attorney-at-law Legal and Intellectual Property Strategy Manager
Minoru TAKENO Chief Coordinator, Strategic Planning & External Relations
Nobuhide AOYAMA Coordinator
Shohei SEKI Coordinator
Yoko KATO Business Support Specialist
Kouichi OGAWA, Ph.D. Executive Advisor
Takeshi YAMAUCHI(Concurrent Appointment) Security Export Control Advisor
   
 

For Internal Use 

 
(Under Preparation)
 
 

■Contact


【For inquiries, please contact:】

The Institute for Open Innovation, The University of Tokyo.
<ioi-info.adm@gs.mail.u-tokyo.ac.jp>