UTokyo IPC and MassChallenge Partner to Fuel U.S. – Japan Startup Collaboration -Bridge To MassChallenge UTokyo IPC 2024 Kicks Off with Two U.S. Startups Advancing Market Expansion in Japan –
PrintBOSTON & TOKYO—UTokyo IPC, the venture investment arm of the University of Tokyo, and MassChallenge, a leading global startup accelerator, have joined forces to launch Bridge To MassChallenge UTokyo IPC 2024. This initiative provides high-potential U.S. academia-driven startups with critical resources, funding, and strategic connections to accelerate market entry and commercialization in Japan. The program has already selected two U.S. startups for a four-month intensive support program, with both securing preliminary Proof of Concept (PoC) agreements with major global Japanese corporations.
Building a Cross-Border Innovation Hub
UTokyo IPC and MassChallenge are united in their mission to empower entrepreneurs and advance deep-tech innovation, with a strong emphasis on academia-driven startups. MassChallenge, a global nonprofit committed to supporting bold entrepreneurs who drive disruptive innovation, operates in five cities worldwide, has accelerated more than 4,400 startups across 24 countries, and has provided over $18 million in equity-free grants.
Through this partnership, both organizations are working together to strengthen pathways for U.S. academia-affiliated deep-tech startups looking to scale in Japan, leveraging UTokyo IPC’s deep academic, corporate, and investment networks alongside MassChallenge’s global accelerator expertise. By bridging the innovation ecosystems of Tokyo and Boston, the collaboration creates new opportunities for entrepreneurs in both markets.
Empowering U.S. Academia-Driven Startups in Japan Through Bridge To MassChallenge UTokyo IPC 2024
Selected through a competitive process, Freshean Corp. and Stroma Vision, Inc. will participate in the Bridge To MassChallenge UTokyo IPC 2024 program, which offers:
- $50,000 in non-dilutive funding to accelerate initial market entry.
- Direct engagement with Japanese corporate leaders, investors, and regulators to facilitate business expansion.
- Guided PoC support to validate technology and business models in collaboration with leading Japanese enterprises.
- Four-month mentorship and business development support tailored for Japan’s innovation landscape.
Applications for the program opened in September 2024, and selected startups began receiving hands-on support in December 2024. The program provides unparalleled access to Japan’s academia-driven deep-tech and corporate innovation ecosystem, offering a strategic landing pad for global startups.
Scaling Global Academia-Driven Innovation: A Shared Vision for the Future
UTokyo IPC and MassChallenge share a commitment to fostering globally competitive academia-driven deep-tech startups through academia-industry collaboration. Bridge To MassChallenge UTokyo IPC 2024 is the first of many initiatives aimed at expanding reciprocal market access for startups between Japan and international innovation hubs.
By strengthening Japan’s startup ecosystem and integrating world-class research and technology with global commercialization strategies, UTokyo IPC and MassChallenge continue to drive innovation forward. Through this and future initiatives, both organizations are paving the way for academia-driven startups to thrive on the world stage.
Leadership Perspectives
Sunanda Narayan, Senior Director of Global Partnerships at MassChallenge
“Bridge To MassChallenge UTokyo IPC is more than a program—it’s a launchpad for deep-tech startups to forge long-term, strategic relationships with leading Japanese corporations. Through this collaboration with UTokyo IPC, we’re not only supporting U.S. startups in navigating Japan’s dynamic innovation ecosystem, but also strengthening cross-border collaboration between Japan and the broader MassChallenge global community.”
Hideki Nagasaka, Partner & Director, 1stRound, UTokyo IPC
“Through our collaboration with MassChallenge, we are enabling academia-driven deep-tech startups to scale internationally while fostering stronger connections between Japan and the global startup community. Together, we are building a robust cross-border innovation network.”
About UTokyo IPC
Founded in 2016, UTokyo IPC is a venture investment company dedicated to advancing academia-driven startups. As a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Tokyo, 1stRound, an accelerator program operated by UTokyo IPC provides early-stage funding, hands-on mentorship, and corporate partnerships to accelerate the commercialization of groundbreaking technologies.
Headquarters: 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
CEO: Kosuke Ueda
Website
About MassChallenge
MassChallenge is the global network for innovators. Headquartered in the United States with five locations worldwide, the non-profit’s mission is to help bold entrepreneurs disrupt the status quo and create sustainable change. Since launching in 2009, MassChallenge has run programs in 24 countries, supported more than 4,400 startups from around the world, and awarded over $18M in equity-free cash and prizes. Learn more about MassChallenge at masschallenge.org.
Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Website
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UTokyo IPC
Email: info2@utokyo-ipc.co.jp
Phone: +81-3-3830-0200