#Innovation #Okayama University #PSI GAP Fund

Okayama University's Faculty Selected for PSI GAP Fund

In a significant stride towards research commercialization and startup creation, nine faculty members from Okayama University have been approved for the PSI GAP fund. This initiative, spearheaded by the Peace & Science Innovation (PSI), is designed to bridge the gap between promising research at universities and practical societal applications, fostering an environment conducive to innovation.

Overview of the PSI GAP Fund

The PSI GAP fund operates in two steps. In the first step, researchers are encouraged to elevate their foundational research outcomes to a level where business potential can be assessed—an endeavor lasting up to a year with funding capped at 5 million yen. The second step expands on this foundation, focusing on refining business viability and addressing challenges that must be overcome prior to launching a startup. This phase can extend upto three years, providing up to 60 million yen in support.

The recent cohort includes six projects that successfully secured funding for Step 1 and three for Step 2, spanning fields such as agriculture, healthcare, artificial intelligence, and materials science. The ability of researchers to gain recognition for their innovative work will not only contribute to the academic community but also enhance local economic development.

Upcoming Event: Demo Day 2026

As a platform for disseminating the results and potential of the funded projects, the PSI GAP Fund Demo Day 2026 is set to take place on April 13 at the Hotel Granvia Hiroshima. This event aims to foster connections between researchers and industry stakeholders, showcasing the research outcomes and their pathways to societal integration. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with successful teams, potentially gaining insight into viable research themes and commercialization strategies.

Focus on Future Initiatives

Okayama University remains committed to nurturing high-quality research outputs that address pressing social challenges and foster the establishment of new industries and startups. By collaborating with businesses, they are positioning themselves at the forefront of global innovation, contributing to a shared future for both the local community and the planet.

The Startup and Venture Creation Department within the Okayama University Research and Innovation Co-Creation Organization is available for consultations on securing GAP fund support. Researchers interested in pursuing commercialization of their findings or starting a new venture are encouraged to reach out for guidance and assistance.

Highlighted Projects

Among the noteworthy projects approved for Step 2 funding are:

• - Professor Tsuyoshi Hodata (Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences): *Research and development towards the international expansion of