Pitch Event “DeepTech Innovations: Japanese University Showcase” Held in Silicon Valley

The University of Osaka, with support from NINEJP*, held the “DeepTech Innovations: Japanese University Showcase” on March 11 (local time) at the Japan Innovation Campus in Silicon Valley, USA.
*NINEJP: A project under the National Network Development Support for the Startup Ecosystem Co-creation Program, part of the University-Based New Industry Creation Fund Project administered by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).

The University of Osaka has been active in Silicon Valley since the year before last, with the aim of fostering global startups. This initiative, held with the support of NINEJP and the participation of other universities, was organized to strengthen local networks and to help build an ecosystem that connects research achievements with society.

At the event, Specially Appointed Professor SONE Ichiro provided the opening remarks. This was followed by a presentation on Japan’s startup strategy—including NINEJP—by Professor KITAOKA Yasuo (Executive Assistant to the Director, Co-Creation Bureau) and an introduction to activities at Osaka University Venture Capital (OUVC) by TAGA Yuki (Investment Director, Osaka University Venture Capital Co. Ltd.). Next, presentations from two promising startups at UOsaka and seven researchers aiming to implement their research achievements into society were delivered (details below).

Each presentation introduced groundbreaking technologies and initiatives aimed at addressing social challenges, creating an enthusiastic atmosphere throughout the event. To conclude the program, ISHIHARA Takeshi, Deputy Consul-General of the Consulate-General of Japan in San Francisco, delivered closing remarks, encouraging the global expansion of innovative technologies emerging from Japanese universities.

By bringing together groundbreaking research achievements not only from the University of Osaka but also from other leading Japanese universities, the event attracted a larger number of participants than the previous one. Approximately 100 individuals, including representatives from corporate venture capital (CVC) of Japanese businesses and venture capital (VC) in Silicon Valley, as well as UOsaka personnel, participated in this event, where some people had to stand with no seats. In the networking session after the program, participants expanded their professional networks. Some participants gave favorable comments, such as “Learning about technology and startups at the universities in Japan was very interesting. I hope they hold this event every year.”

The University of Osaka will continue to leverage the network established at this event to promote the globalization and international expansion of its university-based startups.

Event Program
＜Presentations from UOsaka Startups＞
[The University of Osaka]
●"Development of Medical Devices and Wellness Services for the Early Detection of Musculoskeletal Disorders Using AI-Powered Gait Analysis" – MORIGUCHI Yu (CTO, ayumo Inc.)
[Kyoto University]
●"Manufacturing and Sales of Fully Visualized Gamma Ray Cameras" – TANIMORI Toru (CTO, ERRAI Corporation/Professor Emeritus at Kyoto University)

＜Presentations by UOsaka Researchers ＞
[The University of Osaka]
●"Practical Application of Silicon-Based Nanoparticle Manufacturing Technology for Lithium-Ion Batteries" - Professor KAMBARA Makoto (Graduate School of Engineering)
●"Practical Application of Green Hydrogen Production from Seawater" – Associate Professor KATAYAMA Yu (SANKEN)
●"Development of a Foot-Specific Infectious Wound Treatment System" – Assistant Professor MIYAKE Keisuke (The University of Osaka Hospital)
●"Development of a Treatment for Osteoarthritis of the Knee Using iPS Cell-Derived Cartilage Particles" – Assistant Professor NEGISHI Takahiro (Graduate School of Medicine)
[Kyoto University]
●"Development of SiC Devices for Integrated Circuits Designed to Operate in Harsh Environments" – Associate Professor KANEKO Mitsuaki (Graduate School of Engineering, Division of Electronic Science and Engineering)
[Nagoya University]
●"Development of an AI-Based Pancreatic Cancer Prediction Test Based on Comprehensive Analysis of Urinary Metabolites" – Assistant Professor BABA Taisuke (Nagoya University Hospital/Department of Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine)
[Kyushu University]
●"A Novel Alkaline Water Electrolysis System with an Anodic Reaction Conversion Mechanism for High-Efficiency Hydrogen Production and Generation of Raw Materials for Metal Recovery" – NAMBA Suguru (EIR)

This event was held in cooperation with the following organizations:
・Japan Society of Northern California
・NINEJP (National Innovation Network for Entrepreneur Japan）
This event was supported by the following organizations:
・Consulate-General of Japan in San Francisco
・Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) San Francisco
・NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization), Silicon Valley Office
・KSAC (Kansai Startup Academia Coalition)

Related Links:
〇Co-Creation Bureau, The University of Osaka
https://www.ccb.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/
〇Osaka University Venture Capital (OUVC)
https://www.ouvc.co.jp/en/