#Japan #Innovation #Tokyo #STORIUM #Deep Sync

Deep Sync by STORIUM: Uniting Research and Business

Introduction

The innovative event, Deep Sync by STORIUM, took place on September 18-19, 2025, at Tokyo Midtown Yaesu. Organized by Grand Story Inc., led by CEO Takeyuki Ochi, this invitation-only conference was part of the esse-sense Future Forum 2025, aimed at bridging the gap between research and business.

The Objective

The primary goal of Deep Sync was to accelerate the practical implementation of scientific and technological advancements by facilitating optimized encounters between research-based startups and investors or corporate business units. By focusing on individual discussions, the program aimed to create opportunities for co-creation, investment, and collaborative research.

Event Highlights

With a database of over 800 startups, STORIUM’s unique matching design identified top-tier startups across various sectors, including AI, biotechnology, cleantech, quantum technologies, materials science, and healthcare. Participants engaged in one-on-one meetings with leading companies and investors interested in social implementation of cutting-edge technologies. The atmosphere was vibrant, buzzing with potential for future funding and business collaborations.

Meeting Overview

Eighteen companies and 22 innovative startups took part in the program, resulting in 80 one-on-one meetings that were impactful in discussing practical cooperation and investment. Each session was designed to maximize the quality of conversations despite the limited time of 25 minutes per meeting.

Pre-Conference Preparation

To ensure meaningful discussions, STORIUM implemented a structured workflow, which included:
1. Pre-Mentoring for Startups: Selected startups received mentoring from STORIUM's team, focusing on pitch material refinement and business strategy organization.
2. Information Sharing with Investors: Investors received vital information about the startups a week prior to the event, enabling them to dive directly into substantive dialogue.
3. Thoughtful Matching Design: By analyzing the compatibility of investment strategies and business areas, STORIUM effectively matched startups with appropriate investors and corporate representatives, fostering high-quality engagements.

Feedback from Participants

Post-event surveys indicated a strong satisfaction rate among participants, highlighting favorable evaluations of the program.

Voices from Participating Startups

• - Ryo Funakoshi, CEO of AOZORA: He emphasized the high barriers in the space industry due to the complexity of hardware and the importance of robust capital strategies. The Deep Sync event offered valuable discussions on funding strategies tailored to the unique phase of each startup.
• - Yoshihisa Nagasaki, CEO of NERON: He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate, noting that the event’s format allowed for a focus on essential discussions rather than preliminary context-setting. The experience facilitated deeper connections that are critical for future actions.
• - Takeshi Hayami, CEO of Meibio: Representing a biotech startup from the University of Tokyo, he mentioned the importance of the program in finding potential partners and investors to further their mission of advancing bio-manufacturing technologies and achieving carbon neutrality.

About esse-sense Future Forum 2025

This initiative, started in 2023, aims to create a foundation that connects the realms of research and business to generate new value. The conference gathered 170 speakers and over 1,000 participants, delving into multifaceted discussions on topics like humanity's future risks and the sustainable implementation of science and technology.

About STORIUM

STORIUM serves as an innovation platform operated by Grand Story Inc. It connects various stakeholders, facilitating funding, business collaboration, and joint research while striving to eliminate information asymmetries and support next-generation industrial creation.

Conclusion

The Deep Sync program showcased the power of collaboration between research and business sectors, with hopes for increased opportunities for startups in the future. The essential dialogues initiated during the event lay the groundwork for evolving partnerships and innovative advancements.