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HiPro University Startup DEMODAY 2026: Innovations from Academia

On July 9, 2026, the HiPro University Startup DEMODAY 2026, organized by Persol Career Co., Ltd., will take place at the Tokyo Venture Capital Hub. This unique event, supported by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), aims to highlight the entrepreneurial spirit born from university research and development.

The HiPro DEMODAY will feature university-originated startups that have been nurtured over six months by experienced part-time CXOs who will present their business concepts to investors and support organizations. These startups, which are formed to commercialize university research results and technology seeds, will seek to establish valuable connections for future funding and collaboration.

Event Background

NEDO has been actively promoting the Management Personnel Matching Program (MPM) since July 2023, aiming to ensure the availability of management talent and stimulate the creation of research-driven startups. Persol Career has been entrusted with the responsibility of facilitating this program until the fiscal year 2025, handling matchmaking between universities and part-time CXOs, managing project progression, and establishing networks with support organizations.

The DEMODAY serves as a platform not only to present the results of these collaborations but also to foster future discussions on funding and partnerships.

Event Details

• - Date and Time: July 9, 2026, from 16:00 to 18:30
• - Format: Hybrid (In-person and online participation)
• - Venue: Tokyo Venture Capital Hub, located at 4th and 5th floors, Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza, 5-9-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo.
• - Participation Fee: Free
• - Capacity: 20 in-person participants (lottery if oversubscribed) / Unlimited for online participants
• - Target Participants: Investors, corporate venture capitalists, startup support organizations, and those interested in commercializing university research outputs.
• - Presenters: Teams of researchers and part-time CXOs formed through the MPM (seven teams expected)
• - Application: Interested participants can register through a special application page. Apply Here
• - Organizer: Persol Career Co., Ltd.

Program Overview

The event will showcase teams formed through MPM who will present their business concepts based on their research findings. There will be opportunities for feedback and interaction with attendees, aiming to establish future funding routes and build meaningful relationships.

About HiPro

HiPro is a multifaceted support service designed to connect companies with part-time and freelance professionals, encapsulated in the motto "Unlocking skills to diversify society." As companies face challenges in talent acquisition in an evolving work landscape, HiPro enables individuals to find projects aligned with their skills. Through services like HiPro Biz, HiPro Tech, and HiPro Direct, it caters to both entities seeking to tackle challenges and individuals looking to expand their professional horizons.

HiPro Biz

HiPro Biz focuses on providing leadership support services by connecting companies with high-level individuals capable of resolving complex issues.

HiPro Tech

This service specializes in unlocking talent in the IT and technology sectors, offering companies access to skilled individuals in engineering, IT consulting, and more.

HiPro Direct

HiPro Direct functions as a matching platform, connecting businesses directly with freelance professionals who can address their immediate project needs.

About Persol Career

Persol Career is committed to empowering individuals to take ownership of their work journeys. With services like doda and doda X, the company provides recruitment support alongside innovative solutions for flexible working arrangements, thereby creating societal value focused on individual careers. The launch of HiPro exemplifies their dedication to addressing evolving workforce demands and contributing to a society where all types of work lead to happiness.