#Japan #Tokyo #Deep Tech #01Booster Capital #Tongali GAP Fund

Tongali GAP Fund Program: A Catalyst for Innovation

In recent developments, the Tongali GAP Fund has been officially recognized as a business development agency, paving the way for a new wave of entrepreneurial initiatives in Japan. Established in 2015, the Tongali program, spearheaded by the Nagoya University, has evolved into a comprehensive platform aimed at enhancing entrepreneurship education and supporting startup activities across the Tokai region. This initiative has garnered attention for its significant contributions to nurturing deep-tech startups that aspire for global expansion.

The Genesis of the Tongali Program

The Tongali (Tokai Network for Global Leading Innovation) program originated as an entrepreneurship development project facilitating collaboration among various universities in the Tokai region. Over the years, it has transformed into a vital platform that brings together 16 universities and research institutions, uniting their efforts toward achieving a Tech Innovation Smart Society. Its mission is twofold: to significantly enhance both the quality and quantity of deep-tech startups and to create a sustainable ecosystem where human resources, knowledge, and capital circulate effectively, thus ensuring a continuous generation of deep-tech startups derived from academic research.

In 2023, the program was selected as part of the Startup Ecosystem Co-Creation Program, initiated by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), highlighting its critical role in driving innovation.

Support Mechanisms for Entrepreneurs

The Tongali GAP Fund is designed to support researchers aiming to commercialize their deep-tech innovations. This is facilitated through the provision of research and development funding and entrepreneurial support. Additionally, the program has established partnerships with business development agencies, including venture capital firms, to aid researchers throughout their commercialization journeys.

Expert Remarks

Speaking about this recognition, Masaharu Hamamiya, Director and Partner at 01Booster Capital, expressed, "The acknowledgment from the Tongali platform is a validation of our track record in navigating the deep-tech landscape originating from universities. By combining the expertise within Nagoya University's research network and our hands-on seed investment strategy, we aim to foster new industries from the Tokai region that ripple out to regional ecosystems across Japan."

Future Endeavors

With this newfound recognition, the Tongali program is set to embark on several new initiatives, including:

• - Seed Investment in University Projects: Focused primarily on projects awarded under the Tongali program, investments will be directed from the research phase to support capital policy and progressive execution.
• - Bridging Funding for Next Phases: As a business development agency, the program will support the acquisition of significant research funding and commercialization grants after Proof of Concept (PoC) completion, fostering an infrastructure for further expansion.

Company Overview: 01Booster Capital Inc.

Founded on March 22, 2022, 01Booster Capital Inc. is an independent venture capital firm situated in Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo. The company specializes in investing in seed-stage startups and spin-offs from established businesses. Emphasizing collaboration opportunities with these companies, 01Booster Capital provides crucial financial support while simultaneously facilitating growth through validation and partnerships.

Its overarching goal is to interlink startups, businesses, and the broader society to establish a new genesis for business creation in Japan. As the landscape of innovation continues to evolve, initiatives like the Tongali GAP Fund illustrate the vital synergy between academia and entrepreneurship, fostering a bright future for deep-tech innovation in Japan.