UTokyo IPC Launches “Berkeley SkyDeck x UTokyo IPC Startup Bootcamp” in Collaboration with Berkeley SkyDeck

UTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd. (UTokyo IPC) has launched the Berkeley SkyDeck x UTokyo IPC Startup Bootcamp, an immersive, in-person startup bootcamp program jointly developed with Berkeley SkyDeck, one of the world’s leading university-based accelerator programs operated by the University of California, Berkeley.

 

Designed for researchers and aspiring entrepreneurs aiming to build global startups based on academic research and advanced technologies, the program seeks to expand the range of entrepreneurial pathways available across the University of Tokyo and the broader academic community.

 

This bootcamp represents an original program collaboratively planned and structured by UTokyo IPC and Berkeley SkyDeck. It incorporates the core elements of Berkeley SkyDeck’s entrepreneurship programs developed in the United States and globally, reconfigured to align with the Japanese academic and innovation environment.

 

A Five-Day, Immersive Program Developed with a Leading Global Accelerator

 

Berkeley SkyDeck is a university-affiliated accelerator operated by the University of California, Berkeley, and has supported the growth of numerous technology-driven startups by leveraging its extensive network of advisors, mentors, investors, and industry experts.

 

The Berkeley SkyDeck x UTokyo IPC Startup Bootcamp is a five-day, immersive program for researchers and entrepreneurs seeking to translate research outcomes and technologies into real-world commercial and societal impact.

 

Advisors and mentors from Berkeley SkyDeck will travel to Japan to deliver practical insights grounded in global startup best practices, drawing on their experience supporting startups in the U.S. and international markets. The program will address key perspectives and decision-making frameworks required to move from research or early-stage development toward scalable startup execution, including:

 

・Key perspectives and decision-making criteria when considering startup formation based on research outcomes
・Startup growth processes and fundraising strategies in the U.S. and global markets
・Approaches to achieving product–market fit
・Effective communication of research and technology to investors and corporate partners
・Networking strategies with a global outlook

 

 

Hands-On Learning at 1stRound BASE Hiraku Gate

 

Hosted at 1stRound BASE Hiraku Gate in Tokyo, the bootcamp combines structured workshops with personalized, hands-on support. In addition to lecture-style sessions, the program features small-group discussions, one-on-one advisor meetings, and pitch refinement workshops.

 

Through this highly interactive and practice-oriented format, participants will systematically strengthen their business development capabilities and pitching skills, supporting their transition from academic research to real-world startup execution.

 

 

A Gateway for Academia-Based Innovators to Take Their First Global Step

 

This initiative is designed not only for already-established startups, but also for researchers who are considering entrepreneurship as a future career path. By providing direct exposure to global startup perspectives and hands-on learning, the bootcamp serves as a practical gateway for academia-based innovators to take their first step toward global markets.

 

UTokyo IPC has long been engaged in supporting the creation and growth of university-affiliated startups, as well as building innovation ecosystems through collaboration with diverse domestic and international partners. This bootcamp is positioned as part of those broader efforts, offering a practical learning opportunity through direct collaboration with a globally recognized accelerator.

 

 

Application Details

 

・Application Period: January 15 – February 28, 2026
・Selection Process: Conducted jointly by UTokyo IPC and Berkeley SkyDeck
・Program Format: In-person, highly interactive program
・Application Deadline: February 28, 2026 11:59 PM (JST, UTC+9)

 

For further details and application information, please visit:
https://skydeck.berkeley.edu/utokyostartupbootcamp/

 

Through this customized, intensive, and immersive program developed in partnership with Berkeley SkyDeck, UTokyo IPC aims to support researchers and founders in translating academic research into globally scalable ventures, generating real-world impact and fostering the next generation of globally minded entrepreneurs.

 

 

About Global DeepFusion Tokyo

 

Global DeepFusion Tokyo is a comprehensive support initiative designed to help deep-tech startups originating in Tokyo achieve global success. Addressing the challenge of innovative technologies failing to reach the market, the initiative provides integrated support from the research stage through global business expansion.

 

By offering a three-pronged approach—technology development, commercialization, and international expansion—Global DeepFusion Tokyo aims to enable Japanese deep-tech startups to address global challenges and generate meaningful impact.

 

The initiative includes academia-focused education programs developed in collaboration with global partners such as Berkeley SkyDeck, supporting the enhancement of English-language communication and pitching capabilities, as well as collaboration with overseas accelerators and leading institutions to facilitate international expansion.

 

This project is implemented with support from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s “Startup Support Program by Diverse Entities (TOKYO SUTEAM)”, under which UTokyo IPC has been selected as a partner organization for the Deep Tech Course for Fiscal Year 2025.

 

About UTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd. (UTokyo IPC)

 

UTokyo IPC works in collaboration with universities, corporations, venture capital firms, government agencies, and local authorities to strengthen Japan’s industrial competitiveness by fostering globally competitive startups and innovation ecosystems.

 

Established in 2016 as a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Tokyo, UTokyo IPC invests in and supports university-affiliated startups and venture capital funds in Japan and overseas. Through its two funds, UTokyo IPC has invested in more than 80 university-related startups and private VC funds.

 

In parallel with its investment activities, UTokyo IPC operates a range of hands-on programs, including the Startup Building Program supporting the commercialization of academic research and Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) initiatives, 1stRound, Japan’s largest academia-wide growth program co-hosted by multiple universities and research institutions, and talent development initiatives such as DeepTech Dive.

 

In 2024, following selection through a public call by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, UTokyo IPC established the Academic Startup Acceleration Fund (ASA Fund), aiming to build new hubs for deep-tech startup creation through collaboration with domestic and international partners.

 

 

Company Overview

 

Company Name: UTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd.
Established: January 2016
Shareholder: The University of Tokyo (100%)
Head Office: Entrepreneur Lab 261, South Research Building,
7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Representative: Kosuke Ueda, President & CEO
Website: https://www.utokyo-ipc.co.jp/

 

Contact:

UTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd.
Email: info2@utokyo-ipc.co.jp
Contact Person: Ayako Fujita