Plug and Play Japan's Rising Biotech Challenge 2025 Supports Startups and Research

Plug and Play Japan Launches Rising Biotech Challenge 2025

In a significant initiative to foster innovation in biotechnology, Plug and Play Japan has unveiled the 2025 edition of the Rising Biotech Challenge. This accelerator program, developed in partnership with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, aims to support growth for domestic biotech startups and research seeds. This year's selection features 13 innovative startups validated for their potential in the field of drug discovery and biotechnology, marking an increase from the previous year's 10 participants.

Overview of Rising Biotech Challenge

Beginning in 2024, this program serves as part of the broader TOKYO SUTEAM initiative, designed to support startups through collaborative efforts. Plug and Play Japan acts as an agreement partner, working closely with various stakeholders to provide a platform for startups to venture into global markets. The Rising Biotech Challenge includes mentoring, workshops, and pitching opportunities, helping startups refine their business strategies and attract funding.

Selected Startups and Research Seeds

The cohort of the Rising Biotech Challenge 2025 includes a diverse selection of startups, reflecting the innovative spirit of Japan's biotech landscape:

- Graphene Japan Co., Ltd.
- Gel Coat Biomaterials, Inc.
- Tokyo Nucleic Synthesis Corp.
- NOVIGO Pharma, Inc.
- BFACT, Inc.
- Radena Science, Inc.
- Miranda Corporation
- Atsushi Miyajima, Institute of Quantitative Life Science, University of Tokyo
- Tatsuya Murakami, Toyama Prefectural University / Visiting Professor, Kyoto University
- Keisuke Goda, Professor, Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo
- Masahiro Anno, Head of New Drug Development Division, National Cancer Center
- Hideyuki Kobayashi, Professor, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University
- Ayuko Hoshino, Professor, Advanced Molecular Science Division, University of Tokyo

These selected entities will benefit from mentorship by established pharmaceutical companies and investors, enhancing their growth opportunities and facilitating networking essential for future development.

Program Details

The Rising Biotech Challenge targets startups and research seeds engaged in pharmaceutical activities within Japan. Specifically, it focuses on maintaining global competitiveness and supporting startups from pre-venture stages up to Series B funding.

Key Components of the Program:

- Mentorship from healthcare experts to assist in drug development and fundraising efforts.
- Pitch mentoring led by Plug and Play's Health sector director to facilitate networking.
- Workshops conducted by various field experts on growth strategies.
- Opportunities for introductions to industry partners, venture capital firms, and events for pitching.
- Exploration of joint research initiatives with associated partners.

Timeline

The program will run from June 2 to November 28, 2025, culminating in a presentation event scheduled for December. During this event, all selected projects will showcase their pitches, and featured presentations will be delivered by partnering organizations.

Related Events

In collaboration with LINK-J, Keio University, and Capital Medica Ventures, a community event will be held to present the selected startups and research seeds.

Event Details:

Name: Startup Crossroads Tokyo: A Night Where Encounters Create the Future
Date: August 4, 2025, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Venue: Nihonbashi Life Science Hub
Target Audience: Entrepreneurs, support agencies, researchers, students, venture capitalists, corporate representatives
Admission Fee: Free (Pre-registration required)
Capacity: 120 participants (first-come, first-served)
Registration: Event Registration

About TOKYO SUTEAM

TOKYO SUTEAM represents Tokyo's startup support strategy, aiming for a tenfold increase in unicorn startups within five years. By forging partnerships, this initiative strives to empower local entrepreneurs and startups by leveraging various strengths across networks and fields, offering diverse forms of support over an 18-month period.
More on TOKYO SUTEAM

About Plug and Play Japan

Plug and Play Japan operates as the Japan branch of one of the world's leading accelerators and venture capital platforms, originating from Silicon Valley. It is a catalyst for innovation, partnering with over 40 leading organizations across various industries. Plug and Play Japan fosters collaboration between startups exhibiting cutting-edge technologies and major enterprises, emphasizing global market strategies.
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