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In collaboration with leading venture capital firms, OIST Innovation offers startups and entrepreneurial researchers or students the opportunity to connect directly with venture capitalists for one-on-one mentoring and discussion.
Each round begins with an open seminar-style introduction, where participants can learn about the VC firm's investment focus and characteristics. This is followed by private, closed-door mentoring sessions between startups/researchers/students and the VC representatives.
The featured VC for this round is UTokyo IPC.
Since UTokyo IPC focuses on supporting pre-founders and researchers, this time we are prioritizing researchers who have not yet established a company for the mentoring sessions.
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The Round 14 call for application of the OIST Innovation Proof of Concept (POC) Program ends on 1 October. Apply to receive funding, training, and a supportive community to help you turn your groundbreaking research idea into a technology, product or service.
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OIST Innovation will host a seminar on “Smart Work with Generative AI” as follows.
Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2025, 13:30–15:30
Venue: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Conference Center, Meeting Room
Admission: Free (pre-registration required)
Simultaneous interpretation will be provided
No online streaming
Date
In collaboration with leading venture capital firms, OIST Innovation offers startups and entrepreneurial researchers or students the opportunity to connect directly with venture capitalists for one-on-one mentoring and discussion.
Each round begins with an open seminar-style introduction, where participants can learn about the VC firm's investment focus and characteristics. This is followed by private, closed-door mentoring sessions between startups/researchers/students and the VC representatives.
The featured VC for this round is ON&BOARD.
Registration is required.
If the number of applicants exceeds the available slots, OIST Innovation will select participants based on the information provided in the registration form and the strategic fit with the VC.
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Join us for the launch of the Innovator’s Toolbox, a new pilot program helping researchers explore pathways from lab to market. The kick-off session is Thursday, Sept 25, 10:00–11:30 in C210. Led by trainer Josh Green, sessions cover tech transfer, licensing, team roles, and business basics. Open to the whole OIST research community—no registration required, just come by!
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Come meet a special delegation of innovators from Nigeria (West Africa) along with JICA Specialists, Nigerian government representatives, and three trailblazing women entrepreneurs driving digital transformation in HealthTech, FemTech, and Women’s Health at OIST Innovation.
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All the teams selected for the 2025 OIST Innovation Accelerator are coming together!
Meet the promising startups tackling pressing social challenges as they present their projects and visions for the future.
Don't miss this opportunity to witness their bold journey firsthand—join us at the venue and be part of the excitement!
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DISCOVER THE LEAN STARTUP METHODOLOGY
Learn to identify commercial opportunities that come from your academic research. Apply the Lean Startup methodology to real OIST technologies, guided by instructors from the NSF I-Corps™ network. Teams (3–4 people) will conduct interviews, validate their ideas, and explore real-world commercialization.
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Your science isn't finished until you communicate it! We're offering a special pitch training opportunity with communications expert Scott Morgan, who has helped past Accelerator, Technology Pioneer Fellowship (TPF) and Proof of Concept (POC) teams strengthen their storytelling for non-scientific audiences. The training includes one onlien group session followed by 3-4 personalized one-on-one sessions tailored to your needs. It's a unique chance to receive expert feedback and make your pitch more impactful in just a few sessions.
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OIST Innovation opens its doors to the OIST community every Friday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Have you ever wondered if your discoveries could lead to a patent or startup? Curious about what happens at OIST Innovation? Have an idea for a product or service? Want to apply for Round 14 of the Proof of Concept (POC) Program? We welcome your ideas and questions!