#United States #Cambridge #CIC #Biomedical #J-StarX

J-StarX's Biomedical Team Formation Course: A Gateway for Biotech Startups

In a strategic move to foster the growth of innovative biotech ventures, J-StarX is inviting applications for its Biomedical Team Formation course. Spearheaded by the CIC (Cambridge Innovation Center) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and supported by JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), this program is designed for startups aspiring to penetrate the US market.

Comprehensive Support for Startups

The program targets biomedical startups and entrepreneurs on the verge of launching in Japan who are eager to build teams robust enough for global expansion. By offering vital resources including team-building capabilities and practical networking opportunities, J-StarX aims to facilitate impactful connections in the biotech field.

Participants will have the chance to travel to the heart of the life sciences ecosystem in the United States, specifically in New York and Boston. Here, they will engage with universities, entrepreneurs, investors, and researchers, enhancing their search for co-founders and robust team formations.

Collaborations with prestigious institutions like MIT, NYU, and MassChallenge will empower selected companies to utilize top-tier innovation communities in the US, fueling their global business growth.

Program Details

Eligibility Criteria

The following criteria must be met by applicants wishing to participate:

• - Target Audience: Entrepreneurs and startups in the biomedical or drug discovery sectors aiming for global expansion.
• - Qualification: Established Japanese startups or those in early-stage formation (pre-seed equivalent) with decision-making authority regarding international operations and co-founder acquisition.
• - Language: Applicants must be able to partake in lectures and networking activities conducted in English.

Costs

While JETRO covers the program fees and local accommodation expenses in the US, participants are responsible for travel costs, local transportation, and meals.

Schedule Overview

• - Domestic Boot Camp: February 2nd (Mon) - February 6th (Fri), 2026
• - Online Program: February 9th (Mon) - February 20th (Fri), 2026
• - US Local Program: February 23rd (Mon) - March 6th (Fri), 2026 (one week in each city)

Key Benefits of Participation

• - Team Building Support: Find co-founders and core team members alongside expert knowledge in practical team formation within the biomedical sector.
• - Access to Top Ecosystems: Connect with academic institutions like MIT and industry accelerators for networking opportunities with local investors and entrepreneurs.
• - Hands-On Networking: Spend time in New York and Boston, immersing in the local life sciences community to foster valuable partnerships.

About J-StarX

J-StarX is a program initiated by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, aiming to develop startups that can compete on a global scale through sending ambitious entrepreneurs overseas. This initiative focuses on providing various courses that support the launch and business expansion of entrepreneurs with a global vision across innovation hubs worldwide.

Commitment to Innovation

CIC's mission through the Japan Desk emphasizes deriving solutions to global challenges through innovation. By facilitating the growth of entrepreneurs, CIC operates collaborative workspaces and programs while maintaining a strong global network. The CIC has served around 11,000 organizations across North America, Europe, and Asia, and specifically, the Japan Desk enhances Japanese innovators' connections to the Boston market for smoother international business ventures.

How to Apply

Interested startups can find more information and submit their applications through the J-StarX Biomedical Team Formation Course Application Form.

Application Deadline

The application deadline is January 7, 2026, at 23:59 (Japan time), and a maximum of ten companies will be selected to participate in this distinctive program.

For further inquiries, please contact the CIC Japan Desk (J-StarX Team) at [email protected].