UTokyo IPC and University of Helsinki Sign MOU to Foster Bilateral Startup Growth Between Japan and Europe. Joint Webinar to Be Held on May 27–28 Showcasing Helsinki and Tokyo Startup Ecosystems
PrintUTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd. (UTokyo IPC), the venture investment arm of the University of Tokyo, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Helsinki, a key player in Finland’s deep tech innovation landscape. The agreement marks the beginning of a strategic collaboration aimed at supporting the cross-border growth of startups between Japan and Europe.
As part of this initiative, UTokyo IPC and the University of Helsinki will co-host a two-day webinar on May 27–28, spotlighting key players in the startup ecosystems of both Tokyo and Helsinki.
Helsinki: A Gateway to European Deep Tech Innovation
Helsinki is gaining prominence as a European hub for deep tech and entrepreneurship, underpinned by robust research-commercialization support from the government and academia, and a thriving startup ecosystem. The city is also home to SLUSH, the largest startup and tech conference in the Nordics, making it a vital entry point for founders seeking European expansion.
At the heart of this innovation landscape is the University of Helsinki, which boasts globally recognized research excellence in fields such as medicine, AI, and cleantech. With a strong track record of producing globally active startups through its incubation and accelerator programs, the university plays a central role in advancing Finland’s innovation agenda.
Deepening Cross-Border Collaboration
Under the new partnership, startups affiliated with either organization will gain access to each other’s programs—subject to rigorous evaluation—allowing them to tap into market networks, business partnerships, and venture capital connections across Japan and Europe. The collaboration aims to accelerate international growth and enhance local presence through mutual support and ecosystem integration.
The upcoming joint webinar will feature key ecosystem stakeholders from both Helsinki and Tokyo and provide a platform for startups exploring cross-border expansion opportunities.
Register here: https://universityofhelsinki0527.peatix.com
A World-Class Startup Acceleration Framework: 1stRound
1stRound is one of Japan’s largest academia-backed startup acceleration initiatives, which UTokyo IPC initiated in 2017. The program awards non-equity funding, as well as hands-on business support and partnerships with leading corporations and venture capitals. To date, 1stRound cohort, consisting of 102 teams over nine years, continues to exhibit a fundraising success rate exceeding 90% and a grant acceptance rate of over 50%. The program also promotes collaboration with major corporations, with more than half of past awardees securing partnerships.
Competitiveness of the program has naturally paved its way beyond the border. Several alumni have been selected by globally recognized programs such as StartX and Berkeley SkyDeck, with many launching operations in the United States. In April 2024, UTokyo IPC announced a strategic collaboration with Cyber Valley, Europe’s largest research consortium in the field of artificial intelligence. These initiatives aim to foster venture creation and growth that transcends both university and national boundaries, further solidifying UTokyo IPC’s role in building globally connected startup ecosystems.
Moving forward, 1stRound is now a global acceleration framework, bridging Japanese university-born startups to international arenas and, vice versa, foreign university-based ventures into the Japanese market—merging world-class academic technology with global insights and entrepreneurial ambition.
UTokyo IPC, the secretariat of 1stRound, remains committed to building a university-leveraged deeptech startup ecosystem from and around Tokyo capable of nurturing ventures that compete on the global stage.
Comments
Mikael A. Malmivaara, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Services, University of Helsinki
This collaboration has been a long time in the making. Ever since we first met with Hideki years ago, we’ve been following the inspiring work that he and the rest of the UTokyo IPC team have been doing with 1stRound, supercharging the growth of the next generation of academia-born startups.
At the same time, it’s been great to see that the UTokyo IPC team shares our view that to truly maximise the impact of our innovative startups, we have to work to help them reach global markets and bring the benefits of their solutions to as many people as possible.
Nevertheless, international expansion can be tough for a startup, which is why having a friendly partner at your side when entering a new region is invaluable. This is why we’re happy to be able to open up our doors and share our knowledge and support networks with 1stRound startups looking to enter the European market, and are delighted to know that when our founders are ready to take on Japan and Asia, they’ll have a second home waiting for them in Hongo.
We can’t wait to see the kinds of success stories that this collaboration will create, and we’re looking forward to all the great opportunities that working with our friends at UTokyo IPC will offer to all the world-class startups our ecosystems support.
Hideki Nagasaka, Partner & Director (1stRound), UTokyo IPC
This collaboration began with a simple but powerful idea. When I first sat down with Mikael, we quickly connected over a shared belief: if a technology or vision truly holds value, it shouldn’t be limited by the place it comes from. That belief has now taken shape through a partnership between UTokyo IPC and the University of Helsinki, created to help startups grow beyond their local ecosystems.
For deep tech startups emerging from academia, the journey from research to real-world impact is rarely straightforward, especially when crossing borders. Success often depends on navigating cultural differences, regulatory systems, and local business practices. Technical excellence alone isn’t enough. Trusted partnerships and local insight make all the difference.
Through this collaboration, we’re linking our support networks and communities to give founders access to the knowledge, connections, and infrastructure they need to succeed in new markets. It’s not just about expanding abroad — it’s about making sure founders are welcomed, supported, and able to thrive wherever they go.
At UTokyo IPC and 1stRound, we’re committed to helping academic entrepreneurs take bold steps onto the global stage. We’re deeply thankful to our partners at the University of Helsinki for building this path with us, and we look forward to the new stories and successes that will grow from here.
About the University of Helsinki
Established in 1640, the University of Helsinki has been the cradle of Finnish civilization for centuries and is the country’s leading research institution. The alma matter of seven presidents, four Nobel prize winners, and thousands of leaders in politics, science, culture, and economics, the University has deep connections throughout Finnish society. In addition to being a beacon of knowledge, the university has, since 2020, also committed itself to taking a more active role in helping bring the science and research conducted within its walls to the benefit of mankind through the development of innovations and startups that leverage the output of the university’s remarkable community. Leveraging its deep networks, resources, and rapidly growing innovation functions, the University of Helsinki seeks to take all that it has and bring the power of knowledge to the world.
Address: Yliopistonkatu 3, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
University President: Sari Linblom
Website: https://www.helsinki.fi
About UTokyo IPC
UTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd. (UTokyo IPC) was established in 2016 as the University of Tokyo’s wholly owned venture investment company. In addition to early-stage funding, UTokyo IPC provides business development support and facilitates industry collaboration to accelerate the commercialization of academia-born technologies.
Address: 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
President & CEO: Kosuke Ueda
Website: https://www.utokyo-ipc.co.jp
Media Contact
UTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd.
Entrepreneur Lab 261, South Research Building, The University of Tokyo
Tel: +81-3-3830-0200 / Fax: +81-3-3830-0183
Email: info2@utokyo-ipc.co.jp
Contact: Hideki Nagasaka