Startup Elevate / OIST Innovation Day 2026

Beyond Academia: Startup Careers at OIST

Four OIST-connected startups—GenomeMiner, Ekei Labs, Surzen Biotherapeutics, and Qubitcore—describe their journeys from initial ideas to growing companies and share what it is really like to build or work for a startup. The event is open to all and it will close with a networking session; please sign up here.

Innovation from Okinawa to the World: Lessons for the Next Chapter of Innovation ―A Farewell Talk with Gil Granot-Mayer－

Please join us to celebrate Gil, who has served as OIST's Executive Vice President for Innovation and Outreach, as he prepares to conclude his role at OIST at the end of October.

Call for Applications: OIST Sustainable Energy Testbed Validation Program

OIST is inviting applications for the FY2026 pilot of the Sustainable Energy Testbed Validation Program. The Program supports startups and SMEs, in Japan or overseas, in validating energy-centered technologies in real-world or field-like settings, and in turning the results into credible evidence for their next technical, business, partnership, or deployment decision.

Up to two projects will be selected. Each will receive up to JPY 2 million, and up to an additional JPY 1 million may be considered for meaningful collaboration with an OIST Research Unit or Core Facility. Projects must be completed by the end of March 2027.

Applications may be submitted in Japanese or English from 9 October 2026, 10:00 JST, to 28 October 2026, 17:00 JST.

OISTは、Sustainable Energy Testbed Validation Program（パイロット）のFY2026公募を実施します。本プログラムは、国内外のスタートアップおよび中小企業を対象に、エネルギー関連技術を実環境またはそれに近い環境で検証し、その結果を次の技術開発、事業、連携、導入に関する意思決定につながるエビデンスとして活用することを支援するものです。

採択件数は最大2件で、1件あたり最大200万円を支援します。OISTの研究ユニットまたはコアファシリティとの実質的な連携がある場合は、最大100万円の追加支援を検討します。プロジェクトは2027年3月末までに完了する必要があります。

応募は日本語または英語で受け付けます。応募期間は2026年10月9日 10:00から10月28日 17:00まで（いずれも日本時間）です。

Lean Startup Entrepreneurial Training

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 (2–3 people) will conduct interviews, validate their ideas, and explore real-world commercialization.

[Fireside Chat] Backing the unproven

VC Mentoring Hours: INSPiRE Corporation

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 INSPiRE Corporation.

[Event] Coffee & Serendipity: A TOYOTA Perspective

Discover how coffee can spark unexpected connections and innovation. Experience a live demonstration of Matsuyashiki Coffee, a unique brewing style from Nagoya featured at Toyota's Café Black Hole.

[Calling for Startups] Pitch Elevate 2026

We are now accepting applications from healthcare and deep-tech startups for the OIST-Lifetime Pitch Elevate 2026, a VC-mentored pitch competition for idea-stage to seed/early-stage startups. The competition will take place as part of the OIST-Lifetime Startup Elevate 2026 on November 4 and 6 at OIST.

As this is a highly competitive pitch competition, not all applicants will be selected. However, if you are a local startup based in Okinawa or a spin-out from PARKS, you may still have the opportunity to present at a dedicated local startup pitch event held alongside the main program.

We encourage all eligible local startups to apply and look forward to receiving your applications.

Mō Ashibi - OIST Innovation Meetup

Mō Ashibi | OIST Innovation Meetup

OIST Innovation is hosting “Mō Ashibi,” a casual networking event. Enjoy snacks and drinks while connecting with OIST Innovation Incubator tenants, startups, members of the OIST community, and others you may not usually have the chance to meet.

Participation is free, and no registration is required. Feel free to drop by after work!

Date and Time: Friday, August 21, 2026, 17:00–18:30

Venue: OIST Innovation Core 1

Please do not drive or ride a motorcycle after consuming alcohol.