FDSFJapan Tour in Okinawa: Envisioning a sustainable future from Okinawa through the lens of science and finance.

The FDSF Japan Tour supports innovation and startup creation through science to address regional issues, with the power of finance backing these initiatives. Every year, FDSF, the Future Design Initiative for Science & Finance holds events nationwide to promote science-based innovation and future-oriented financing.

This year, the tour will be held in Okinawa, which has unique regional challenges. The event will bring together Okinawa’s industrial, academic, and financial communities to explore new collaborative possibilities and share the latest knowledge on GX (Green Transformation), circular economy models, and startup support.

IP Mentoring Hours for Researchers: YANAGINO IP, P.C.

During Mr. Yanagino’s visit—President and attorney at YANAGINO IP, P.C.—we’re excited to offer free mentoring sessions for startups!
If you’re looking for advice on intellectual property or just want to chat about Japan’s IP system—especially patents and trademarks—feel free to book a slot! (Registration is required)

Career Talk: Navigating Different Pathways

As part of Researcher Appreciation Month, join us for a special Career Talk featuring three inspiring speakers who will share their diverse professional journeys. Hear from Dr. Shunichi Kasahara (Sony & OIST), Dr. Shivani Sathish (Atierra founder and OIST alumna), and Dr. Paola Butler-Zanetti (OIST Innovation) as they reflect on paths spanning academia, startups, and industry. The session will include short presentations, an interactive panel Q&A, and plenty of time for informal discussion.

VC Mentoring Hours: ON&BOARD

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.

AI-Based Entrepreneurial Projects at OIST

As part of Researcher Appreciation Month, join us for a special event on AI-based entrepreneurial projects. Speakers include Dr. Shunichi Kasahara (Sony & OIST) on Cybernetic Humanity, Andrew Bruhacs (OIST) on his AI tool connecting industry with researchers, and Melika Sadeghi Tabrizi (POC project) on an Edge AI system detecting invasive frog species. The session will showcase how AI is being applied across fields from human–computer integration to biodiversity protection.

OIST Innovation Open Hour

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 the Proof of Concept (POC) Program? We welcome your ideas and questions!

OIST Innovation Open Hour

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!

VC Mentoring Hours for Researchers: UTokyo IPC

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.

OIST Innovation Open Hour

Come out to Open Hours this Friday the 19th from 14:00–15:00 to meet Josh Green, the instructor for the upcoming Innovator's Toolbox program. This will be a great opportunity to get to meet Josh and discuss your research area. Enjoy snacks and drinks while you learn how this program will help you better understand how to get your work out into the world and make an impact! 

OIST Innovation opens its doors to the OIST community every Friday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

OIST Innovation Open Hour

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!