UTokyo IPC Launches “Launch1000,” a Commercialization Program for Researchers’ Technology Seeds
— Selected for MEXT’s “Project for Formation of Next-Generation Open Innovation Model”
Print
UTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Kosuke Ueda; hereinafter “UTokyo IPC”) has been selected for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)’s “Next-Generation Open Innovation Model Development Project” and is pleased to announce the launch of “Launch1000,” a new program designed to accelerate the commercialization of researchers’ technology seeds.
Maximizing the Value of Technology Seeds through Non-equity Funding and Hands-on Commercialization
As part of its mission to foster innovation ecosystems around academia, UTokyo IPC has supported startups from inception by creating companies based on university-originated technologies and providing early-stage investment through its funds. In addition, UTokyo IPC has supported researchers and entrepreneurs through hands-on programs such as the “Startup Building Program” and 1stRound, Japan’s largest academia-led accelerator co-hosted by 25 universities and research institutes. These initiatives have helped accelerate fundraising, recruitment, and business partnerships for startups.
Through these activities, however, a persistent challenge has emerged: while many researchers possess outstanding technologies, they often lack the expertise, resources, and practical experience required for commercialization. As a result, valuable technologies remain uncommercialized, leading to significant missed opportunities.
Furthermore, Japan’s startup market remains largely centered on domestic IPOs, with few sizable exits achieved through other channels such as global M&A. To strengthen international competitiveness, startups need to shape their commercialization process from the very beginning with a global perspective in mind.
To address these challenges, Launch1000 will provide researchers with both “funding” and “practical commercialization expertise,” supporting the creation of globally competitive startups and driving the commercialization of promising technologies.
About the “Launch1000” Program
The program aims to maximize the value of outstanding technology seeds through commercialization and enhance the global competitiveness of startups. Its key features include:
・Provision of non-equity commercialization funding of up to JPY 10 million
Each team will receive up to 10 million yen in non-equity funding to support activities such as proof-of-concept, prototyping, and market research.
・Provision of six months of intensive commercialization execution
For up to six months following selection, UTokyo IPC’s Startup Creation team will work closely with researchers to provide in-depth commercialization support, going beyond conventional mentoring.
This includes developing and validating business and financial plans with global expansion in mind, as well as building founding teams.
In FY2025, up to five teams will be selected. Based on the program’s outcomes, UTokyo IPC will further develop a sustainable operating model to accelerate commercialization and venture building, helping establish an environment where Japan’s world-class technologies can thrive in global markets.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet all of the following conditions:
・Core members must include researchers or students affiliated with a university or national research institution.
・Core members must aspire to start a business based on technologies related to their research (Patent filing or registration is not required).
※ Core members who cannot commit full-time post-incorporation may also apply.
※ Applications are particularly encouraged before company incorporation.
Application Process
Details regarding the application process are available at:
https://www.utokyo-ipc.co.jp/incubation/Launch1000
（Only Japanese）
Contact
UTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd.
Entrepreneur Lab 261, South Research Building, The University of Tokyo
7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
Tel: +81-3-3830-0200 / Fax: +81-3-3830-0183
Email: info2@utokyo-ipc.co.jp
Contact: Kojiro Takayama