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Supporting University-Driven Startups in Tokyo

Tokyo is embarking on an ambitious initiative aimed at fostering startups driven by the power of universities, under the banner of its "10x10x10 Innovation Vision for the Future." This initiative is designed to expand the ecosystem for startups, making Tokyo a breeding ground for innovative companies that can compete on a global scale.

As part of this endeavor, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has decided to launch the "University-Origin Startup Creation Support Project." This project aims to leverage the knowledge and resources concentrated in Tokyo's universities, providing essential support for the commercialization of research ideas and innovations. The program is set to run from October 1 to November 6 this year, during which time nine universities have been selected to participate in this groundbreaking initiative.

Project Overview

The project focuses on providing tailored support to universities based on their specific situations and needs, facilitated by coordinators with expertise in fostering university-driven startups. The support will be administered over two years, and it includes the following two key components:

1. Business Step-Up Support (6 universities)
This component aims to assist universities that are either seeking to actively pursue the commercialization of research outcomes or have already begun to create startups. These institutions will work collaboratively with other universities and utilize funding from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to enhance their startup initiatives. The goal is to capitalize on research seeds and enhance internal environments conducive to startup development.

2. Internal Structure Support (3 universities)
This support focuses on helping universities to clarify their visions and strategies, establish organizational frameworks, and build networking connections with experts. Through the involvement of coordinators, universities will develop structures that are conducive to the creation and nurturing of startups.

The Role of Coordinators

Coordinators play a crucial role in this project, as they work with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to provide support tailored to universities and ensure the effective implementation of the startup support initiative. They will serve as liaisons, helping to connect universities with resources, funding, and networks that are vital for success.

Agreement Duration

The duration of the agreement is set from the date of signing until March 31, 2027.

Participating Universities

A detailed list of the universities participating in this initiative can be found in the annex.

This project aligns with Tokyo's "2050 Tokyo Strategy," specifically targeting Strategy 10, which aims to create an environment where startups can grow and thrive. Through these supportive measures, Tokyo is dedicated to becoming a leading hub for innovation and emerging businesses, making significant strides toward a more prosperous future.