OIST Forum 2019 "DEEP TECH Evolves the World"

Disruptive innovations based on cutting-edge research results produced at universities and research institutes are gathering worldwide attention by those who are involved in the areas such as drug discovery, biotech, new materials, renewable energy, robotics and IoT.  These innovations are referred to as “Deep Tech” as they often struggle to find initial funding because of their complex nature and the longer time scale necessary to produce results compared to the other types of startups.  Academic cities such as the areas around Boston and London area are rapidly gathering momentum and interests by venture capitals and startups to establish an innovation ecosystem based on “Deep Tech”.

In this forum the keynote speakers and panelists will discuss the visions, missions and roles of universities, and how hi-tech and cutting-edge scientific research can contribute to the establishment of a Deep Tech innovation ecosystem.

A networking event will follow the panel discussion, where participants who are interested in joining OIST's efforts to establish a Deep Tech innovation ecosystem in Okinawa are welcome to attend.

13:30-14:00 Opening

         Mr. Akira Sato, State Minister of Cabinet Office

         Mr. Izumiya, KEIDANREN Japan Business Federation Vice Chair of the Board of Councillors, Chair of Committee on New Business and Medium Enterprises Chairman and Representative Director, Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd.

         Dr. Robert Baughman, Executive Vice President for Technology Development and Innovation, OIST

14:00-14:30 Keynote 1 – Prof. Tsumoru Shintake, OIST

14:30-15:00 Keynote 2 – Mr. Tetsu Nakajima, Board of Director, Japan Deep Tech Association Operation committee, Hello Tomorrow Japan / Mistletoe CIO

15:00-15:15 Break

15:15-15:25 Ice Break Session - "What is Deep Tech?"

15:25-16:55 Panel Discussion

         Mr. Norihiko Sasaki, Moderator, CCO of NewsPicks

         Mr. Katsumasa Niki, President&CEO of DeepCore

         Ms. Shoko Takashi, founder and owner of Gene Quest

         Mr. Akihiko Nagata, founder&CFO of Eugrena

17:05-18:35 Networking Event

* English/Japanese Simultaneous interpretation will be provided for the keynote talks and the panel discussion.

Official website (in Japanese): https://newspicks.com/news/3647849/body/