From Japanese Labs to the World – How Academia Is Powering the Next Wave of Growth Industries

Deep Tech investment by VCs has increased tenfold over the past decade, now accounting for 30% of companies with a market capitalization of over 100 billion yen in the growth market. AI, Bio, Space, Quantum—Japan's next growth engine undoubtedly lies dormant within Academia (universities and research institutions). The question is: How can world-class research achievements be successfully converted into businesses that can win globally, continuously generating the next wave of growth industries? This session brings together an unparalleled lineup on the front lines of this grand and urgent challenge. The session will be moderated by Mr. Nagata of UntroD, a leader in Deep Tech investment across Japan and Asia. The speakers include Professor Ishikawa of the Institute of Science Tokyo (Tokyo Tech & TMDU), Japan's most powerful comprehensive science university—newly established in 2024 through the merger of Tokyo Institute of Technology and Tokyo Medical and Dental University—who spearheads the social implementation of world-class research. He is joined by Mr. Yamamoto, who has been at the forefront of the social implementation of Japanese science and technology for over 20 years as the TLO (Technology Licensing Office) head at the University of Tokyo and RIKEN. These professionals will explore the potential and reality of Deep Tech that will shape Japan's future.