#Japan #Tokyo #Deep Tech #Startup Class #TeSH

Overview of the Project

The partnership between TeSH (Tech Startup Hokuriku) and Startup Class, based in Tokyo, aims to address Japan's structural challenges in deep tech startups, particularly the scarcity of management talent in regions rich in innovative research.

The project commenced with a noteworthy event held on November 28, 2025, at the TOKYO MIDTOWN YAESU Innovation Field in Yaesu, Tokyo. This event brought together five selected researchers from Northern Japan and approximately twenty management candidates from the Tokyo area. The purpose was to facilitate direct interactions and discussions on potential business opportunities. The event was designed to identify substantial business ventures based on the impressive research capabilities of participating universities.

Following the event, the team from Startup Class took an active role in supporting the participating researchers and management professionals through a process of discussions and relationship building. This acute focus led to the successful matching of four pairs within approximately four months after the event, involving six individuals who collectively stand to benefit from this partnership.

Voices from Researchers and Management Professionals

Prof. Takeshi Akasaka, Kanazawa Institute of Technology:
"Collaborating with management professionals who share a passion for using logistics drones in disaster relief has significantly accelerated our path to commercialization. Without Startup Class's support, these valuable connections would have been incredibly challenging to establish."

Prof. Daisuke Uta, Toyama University:
"My goal has always been to help alleviate the suffering of patients worldwide who endure itching. However, as a researcher, I faced significant challenges securing management talent for our startup. Through the partnership with TeSH and Startup Class, I was fortunate to connect with experienced individuals who resonate with our vision, paving the way for the establishment of our startup. I look forward to driving commercialization with these motivated individuals."

Kuroda, Management Professional:
"I am deeply invested in the expansion of the university-based deep tech entrepreneurial ecosystem. Connecting with researchers through the Startup Class matching events has opened up exciting new avenues that I never could have encountered normally. I aim to carefully cultivate business needs and support them incrementally."

Sato, CEO, Michiterasu Inc.:
"Establishing connections with researchers goes beyond merely assessing experience and skills. It’s essential to build a partnership where we can face challenges together. My experience with Startup Class highlighted the importance of forming a foundational relationship as a cohesive team aimed at turning research into business ventures. I am excited about the vast potential of university-based deep tech to create new societal value."

Testimonials from TeSH

Shinbo, TeSH Operations Bureau:
"This collaboration with Startup Class marks an innovative attempt to match management personnel through an external agency. Initially, both researchers and supporters experienced a mix of expectancy and anxiety. However, thanks to Startup Class's extensive talent network and thorough selection process, the results exceeded our expectations. This endeavor signifies a substantial step forward for TeSH as we continue to support startup creation."

Quality Matchmaking via Startup Class

Unlike typical matchmaking events, this project by Startup Class focused exclusively on connecting individuals genuinely motivated to participate in university-originated startups. With fifteen years of expertise in supporting core personnel for startups, Startup Class brought forward a network consisting of about 40,000 registered talents, with approximately 26% expressing a strong desire to embark on entrepreneurial ventures. This network, built over time, has fostered a robust ecosystem for business development and successful commercialization.

The significant outcome of four pairs successfully matched within four months of the event underscores the potency of years of expertise and established connections by Startup Class.

Future Prospects

Inspired by the success of this project, both Startup Class and TeSH plan to further accelerate the societal implementation of university-based deep tech innovations. They are also set to expand similar management talent matching initiatives across universities and local governments across Japan.

University officials and regional industry promotion representatives who believe they have outstanding technologies but lack management talent are encouraged to reach out to Startup Class for support.

About Startup Class

Founded with the vision of creating 100 startups that illuminate the next century, Startup Class specializes in selective hiring and support services for startups. To date, they have assisted over 1,700 startups, with around 170 achieving IPOs, demonstrating the effectiveness of their services. They remain committed to fostering entrepreneurship and supporting vision-driven individuals in realizing their dreams.