As part of its mission to foster innovation ecosystems around academia, UTokyo IPC has supported startups from inception by creating companies based on university-originated technologies and providing early-stage investment through its funds. In addition, UTokyo IPC has supported researchers and entrepreneurs through hands-on programs such as the “Startup Building Program” and 1stRound, Japan’s largest academia-led accelerator co-hosted by 25 universities and research institutes. These initiatives have helped accelerate fundraising, recruitment, and business partnerships for startups.
Through these activities, however, a persistent challenge has emerged: while many researchers possess outstanding technologies, they often lack the expertise, resources, and practical experience required for commercialization. As a result, valuable technologies remain uncommercialized, leading to significant missed opportunities.
Furthermore, Japan’s startup market remains largely centered on domestic IPOs, with few sizable exits achieved through other channels such as global M&A. To strengthen international competitiveness, startups need to shape their commercialization process from the very beginning with a global perspective in mind.
To address these challenges, Launch1000 will provide researchers with both “funding” and “practical commercialization expertise,” supporting the creation of globally competitive startups and driving the commercialization of promising technologies.
