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AbbVie Japan Innovation Award 2026: Call for Entries

AbbVie LLC, based in Minato City, Tokyo, has announced the launch of the AbbVie Japan Innovation Award in partnership with BioLabs. This marks the second edition of the award, designed to foster the development of Japan’s life science innovation ecosystem. The award aims to support promising biotech startups and academic institutions working on groundbreaking research and development in AbbVie’s core disease areas: autoimmune diseases, cancer, mental and neurological disorders, obesity, and aesthetic medicine.

The award particularly welcomes proposals focusing on gene therapy, biologics, pain management, migraines, mental and neurological conditions, and obesity/metabolism issues, as well as respiratory diseases. Participants will compete for two distinctive prizes: the Golden Ticket Program and the AbbVie Special Mentoring Program.

Golden Ticket Program Details

The Golden Ticket Program offers an exceptional opportunity, enabling awardees to utilize the cutting-edge BioLabs Tokyo incubation facility, founded by AbbVie, at no cost for one year. This includes access to one lab bench, state-of-the-art research equipment, and various entrepreneurial support services. Awardees will also gain entry to BioLabs' extensive global network and the scientific community, along with expert mentoring from AbbVie’s research and development specialists.

The application period for this prestigious award runs from June 15, 2026, to August 14, 2026. Following a thorough evaluation and selection process conducted by AbbVie and BioLabs, winners will be announced in October 2026. Detailed application information can be found on the BioLabs Golden Tickets website.

Views from the Leaders

Tiago Campos Rodrigues, President of AbbVie LLC, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with BioLabs: “We are thrilled to launch the AbbVie Japan Innovation Award again this year under our strategic partnership with BioLabs. This initiative is crucial in empowering innovative ideas and technologies from Japanese researchers and startups, contributing to the discovery of new treatment methods for the future. Previous awardees have made steady progress in their research and business development activities, and this program serves as a solid opportunity for their next phase of growth. As a founding sponsor of BioLabs Tokyo, we are committed to enhancing the infrastructure needed for innovation, cultivating talent through this award, and supporting market entry and commercialization efforts to further advance Japan’s innovation ecosystem.”

Johannes Fruehauf, CEO of BioLabs, also shared his perspective: “Providing the Golden Ticket Program in collaboration with our reliable partner AbbVie and opening a new lab in Tokyo presents an incredible opportunity for early-stage startups. This award aims to support high-potential startups by offering them access to well-equipped research facilities, expert advice, and connections to the scientific entrepreneurial community both domestically and internationally. We want applicants to meet directly with the teams at BioLabs and AbbVie to learn how we can accelerate innovation into tangible results.”

About BioLabs

BioLabs is a global company dedicated to providing the foundation for life sciences innovation. Through its expanding network of high-quality shared laboratories and coworking spaces around the world, BioLabs offers access to cutting-edge research facilities, entrepreneurial support programs, and strong connections with industry stakeholders and investors. This integrated ecosystem allows innovators, from early-stage founders to established R&D teams, to swiftly translate their ideas into execution without the constraints of traditional lab ownership. BioLabs’ network currently stretches across major innovation hubs in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, serving as a launching pad for breakthroughs that enhance public health and sustainability.

About AbbVie

AbbVie’s mission is to create and deliver innovative medicines that address serious health challenges while tackling difficult medical issues of the future. The company strives to enrich lives by focusing on major areas such as autoimmune diseases, mental and neurological disorders, cancer, and aesthetics through its Allergan aesthetic portfolio. For more information, visit AbbVie’s website and follow them on social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. In Japan, AbbVie is primarily engaged in the development and provision of products in areas including autoimmune diseases, liver diseases, mental and neurological disorders, cancer, and eye care, alongside its Allergan aesthetic portfolio. For local insights, check out AbbVie Japan’s website.