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Ayano Kagami Takes the Helm at CIC Institute

CIC Japan LLC, based in Minato-ku, Tokyo, is thrilled to announce that Ayano Kagami has been elevated from assistant director to director of the CIC Institute as of October 1. This change comes as the CIC Institute continues its mission to foster deep tech startups and cultivate a robust innovation ecosystem.

Ayano Kagami brings with her a wealth of experience in enhancing Japan's science and technology policies. After earning her Ph.D., she has been actively involved in planning and implementing life science research and development strategies, establishing research support organizations, and studying startup ecosystems overseas. Since joining CIC in July 2021, she has played a significant role as assistant director, contributing to the support of deep tech startups and helping them expand internationally.

With her new role, Kagami aims to leverage her extensive knowledge and experience to further the CIC Institute’s mission of promoting Japanese innovations globally. She expresses her commitment to strengthening startup support in the deep tech sector, enhancing collaboration with global ecosystems, and ultimately contributing to the overall growth of Japan's startup ecosystem.

Kagami stated, “I am honored to take on the role of director at CIC Institute. Since joining CIC, I have been involved in various support programs for the growing deep tech startup scene and the burgeoning needs for international expansion and ecosystem development. I look forward to advancing our vision from locations such as Fukuoka (Tenjin) and Osaka (Nakanoshima) while fostering innovations that soar from Japan to the world.”

Under her leadership alongside assistant director Mizote Midori, the CIC Institute is poised to enhance its support systems for startups aiming for global success. As former director Katsu Nagura steps back to pursue new challenges, he will continue to advise CIC, sharing his vast experiences and insights until he departs in March next year.

Nagura’s journey with CIC began during his time studying in Boston in 2016, where he met CEO Tim Row. He was a founding member of CIC Tokyo in May 2020 and has since been instrumental in establishing Japan's first CIC hub and laying the groundwork for startup support through the CIC Institute.

Takaaki Umezawa, Chairman of CIC Japan, commented, “As CIC expands its presence from Tokyo to Fukuoka and Osaka, the CIC Institute is also broadening its scope and impact. With Kagami, who has been a significant force alongside Nagura in growing the CIC Institute, stepping into this new role, I expect her leadership to further evolve our initiatives, bringing substantial benefits to Japan’s industrial landscape.”

About Ayano Kagami

Kagami is a graduate of the University of Tokyo, where she pursued her Ph.D. in biochemistry, later completing her Master’s at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in System Design and Management. She began her career in 2012 at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, working on life science policies and helping to establish the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED). After researching startup ecosystems at MIT in 2017, she returned to Japan, where she held significant positions at the Cabinet Office and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology before joining CIC in 2021.

CIC Institute plays a vital role in constructing innovation ecosystems and supporting startups, particularly in the deep tech sector. Collaborating with government agencies, local authorities, and universities, the CIC Institute aims to facilitate the growth of globally successful startups and contribute to economic development through innovation. Going forward, it will continue to execute numerous projects to further enhance its impact and collaboration with CIC Tokyo and the entire CIC network.