#Japan #Tokyo #Tokyo University #TUSIDE #Start-up Support

Tokyo University of Science's Latest Venture into Start-up Support

The Tokyo University of Science Investment Management Company, headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is proud to announce its selection as a partner for the 'TOKYO SUTEAM' start-up support initiative, organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government for the fiscal year 2026. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the start-up ecosystem in Tokyo, specifically focusing on advanced scientific fields.

In collaboration with the Tokyo University of Science Startup Ecosystem, known as TUSIDE—which consists of the Tokyo University of Science Educational Foundation, Tokyo University of Science Innovation Capital, and Tokyo University of Science Investment Management—and Axis Consulting, we are set to develop an acceleration program designed to foster innovation and bring cutting-edge research to the market.

Understanding TOKYO SUTEAM

In November 2022, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government launched a strategy to nurture entrepreneurship called 'Global Innovation with STARTUPS.' This plan outlines a bold vision aiming to increase the number of unicorns in Tokyo, enhance the entrepreneurial activity, and foster collaborative practices among key stakeholders by a factor of ten over five years. To achieve this, the TOKYO SUTEAM initiative has been created. Organizations selected as partners will utilize their strengths and networks to support start-ups over a period of approximately 18 months.

Through working closely with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and other partners, selected organizations will enhance the start-up ecosystem, ensuring that innovative solutions emerge from Tokyo—a global hub for start-ups.

The TUSIDE Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program

TUSIDE is committed to leveraging the abundant resources and expertise of Japan's largest group of science and engineering universities to support a greater number of start-ups and improve their quality. We have crafted the TUSIDE Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program (TUSIDE EAP), which focuses on cutting-edge technologies like AI, machine learning, and deep tech.

Through this program, we aim to select approximately 20 aspiring entrepreneurs, providing them with essential resources, information, connections, and funding opportunities to help them realize their business ideas. Interested applicants will be able to apply starting January 2026.

Leadership Insights

Hiroshi Katayo, CEO of the Tokyo University of Science Investment Management Company and also a co-founder of the Tokyo University of Science Innovation Capital, expressed enthusiasm about the new venture: 'Being selected as a partner in the TOKYO SUTEAM initiative empowers us to strengthen our role as an accelerator in deep tech and other advanced scientific fields. We are committed to collaborating with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and our partner organizations to foster an innovation-driven ecosystem that continuously supports and propels start-up growth.'

Makoto Yamamoto, Director of the University Industry Collaboration Organization at the Tokyo University of Science, stated: 'Our university's mission is to contribute to society through science and technology. With the support of TOKYO SUTEAM, we will maximize the potential of our research resources and technical capabilities to create new value in the advanced scientific sectors.'

Hisatake Takada, a founding member of Tokyo University of Science Innovation Capital also highlighted the collaborative spirit: 'Our goal is to create both economic and social value by connecting diverse stakeholders in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, both domestically and globally.'

Collaboration with Axis Consulting

Axis Consulting, a significant player in the start-up support space, underlined its excitement about joining the TOKYO SUTEAM initiative. Fumitaka Ito, representative director, remarked, 'We believe that our experience in supporting start-ups from concept to execution will assist greatly in nurturing innovative projects in collaboration with TUSIDE.'

Conclusion: A Vision for Tomorrow

The Tokyo University of Science and its partners are dedicated to implementing a sustainable innovation framework in Tokyo, aimed at creating a plethora of opportunities for entrepreneurs in advanced scientific disciplines. The TUSIDE initiative stands as a testament to their commitment to fostering an environment where innovation can thrive, benefiting society at large.

We invite interested entrepreneurs and innovators to stay tuned for the upcoming application phases for the TUSIDE EAP and become a part of this exciting journey into the future of scientific entrepreneurship.