Kyoto Deep Tech Commercialization Support Project Begins Recruiting Researchers—Creating University-Based Startups Through Co-Creation Led by Aspiring Entrepreneurs—

Lifeness Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo; President and CEO/CCO: Kiyoshi Inoue) has been implementing the “Kyoto Deep Tech Commercialization Support Project” in collaboration with the City of Kyoto and the Kyoto Advanced Technology Research Institute (a public interest incorporated foundation) since April 2026.

Reference:Awarded a contract by the City of Kyoto to plan and manage the Reiwa 8 Kyoto Deep Tech Commercialization Support Project

We have now begun accepting applications from university researchers in Kyoto City for a program within this project designed to support the commercialization of research findings.

With the goal of fostering deep tech startups in Kyoto, this program brings together prospective entrepreneurs and teams based on research findings from universities and other institutions, aiming to create new businesses in the deep tech sector. The application deadline for this program is Tuesday, June 30, 2026. We encourage researchers in Kyoto City to consider applying.

In addition to offering individual consultations—either online or in person—for prospective applicants, we will also hold an online seminar on Thursday, June 11, to provide further information.

■ Background: Challenges in Commercializing University-Based Deep Tech

While there are numerous promising research opportunities at universities, a key challenge is the lack of management talent and commercialization expertise needed to translate them into practical applications for society. In particular, it is often difficult to address key questions in the early stages—such as “How should we proceed with commercialization?” and “With whom should we partner?”—and as a result, there are cases where the potential of these research opportunities is not being fully realized.

Rather than the conventional approach of “matching entrepreneurs with researchers,” this project employs a “matching process centered on prospective entrepreneurs.” By having prospective entrepreneurs select research opportunities based on their own visions and collaboratively develop technical and business hypotheses with researchers, we aim to form teams with greater execution capabilities. Furthermore, by offering individual consultations with Ribance and the Kyoto Advanced Technology Research Institute even before the application stage, we provide an opportunity to specifically evaluate the commercialization potential of research findings in a way that is tailored to each researcher’s circumstances.

■ Project Features

1. Matchmaking Based on Aspiring Entrepreneurs

By having researchers and aspiring entrepreneurs collaborate on an equal footing from the very beginning—starting with the formulation of technical hypotheses—we expand the possibilities for creating new businesses.

2. Designing Programs Based on Co-Creation and Collaborative Learning

Throughout this five-session program, researchers and aspiring entrepreneurs will work together to explore business development opportunities while learning from one another.

3. Opportunities for Individual Consultations Before Applying

We offer opportunities to discuss the direction of commercialization and your suitability for the program based on your research and interests.

■ Call for Applications (For Researchers)

・Eligibility: Researchers affiliated with universities and research institutions based in Kyoto City
・Field: Researchers in the deep tech field (*)
* Technologies based on scientific discoveries made through research in specific fields of the natural sciences, with the potential to have a significant impact on society—such as by addressing economic and social challenges that require solutions at the national or global level.
・Number of openings: Approximately 5
・Application Deadline: Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
・Event Details:
　- Forming Teams with Aspiring Entrepreneurs
　- Participation in the Deep Tech Entrepreneur Development Program (5 sessions total)
　- Participation in the final presentation session

This program is designed to help participants develop concrete plans for commercialization over the course of multiple sessions, so ongoing participation is essential.

[Eligibility Requirements]
If selected, you must be able to attend all of the following events

・1st Deep Tech Entrepreneur Development Program (Kickoff Event)
　Sunday, November 1, 2026, 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. / Kyoto (In-person)

・The 2nd Deep Tech Entrepreneur Development Program
　Thursday, November 19, 2026, 6:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m. / Online

・The 3rd Deep Tech Entrepreneur Development Program
　Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 6:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m. / Online

・4th Deep Tech Entrepreneur Development Program
　Wednesday, January 20, 2027, 6:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m. / Online

・5th Deep Tech Entrepreneur Development Program
　Wednesday, February 3, 2027, 6:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m. / Online

・Final Presentation Session
　Sunday, February 14, 2027, 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. / Kyoto (In-person)

For reference (last year's selection results):Six researchers selected for the "Deep Tech Entrepreneurship Development Program" to create teams for social implementation.

■ Information Sessions

We will be holding an online information session to provide an overview of this project.

[Online Information Session #1]
・Date and Time: Thursday, June 11, 2026, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
・Format: Online event
・Agenda: Program overview, presentation of last year’s results, information to assist with applications, and a Q&A session

[Online Information Session #2]
・Date and Time: Thursday, June 18, 2026, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
・Format: Online event
・Agenda: Program overview, presentations by researchers who participated last year, information to assist with applications, and a Q&A session

■ Future Developments

Through the formation of teams comprising selected researchers and aspiring entrepreneurs, this project aims to generate multiple commercialization projects by the end of fiscal year 2026. We will provide funding and company formation support to promising teams, with the goal of fostering the creation of deep-tech ventures based in Kyoto.

In addition, we will compile the insights gained through this initiative into a model for creating university-based startups, with a view to expanding it to other regions.

■ About the Kyoto Deep Tech Commercialization Support Project

This project, conducted in collaboration with the City of Kyoto and the Kyoto Advanced Technology Research Institute (a public interest incorporated foundation), supports the creation of new businesses by connecting the university’s research findings with business management talent. By fostering collaboration among a diverse range of stakeholders—including researchers, aspiring entrepreneurs, companies, and investors—the project aims to build a sustainable ecosystem in the deep tech sector.

Reference Press Release:Awarded a contract by the City of Kyoto to plan and manage the Reiwa 8 Kyoto Deep Tech Commercialization Support Project

■ Company Overview (Lifeness Co., Ltd.)

With a vision of “advancing science and technology and contributing to the planet,” Ribane Co., Ltd. operates as a “knowledge manufacturer,” connecting researchers, companies, and educational institutions to promote the creation of new knowledge and its implementation in society. Through support for university-based startups, the development of educational programs, and support for industry-academia collaboration, the company is committed to nurturing the next generation of researchers and entrepreneurs and fostering the creation of new businesses.

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Leave a Nest
Lifeness Co., Ltd.: Nakaema, Tachibana, Shigenaga
TEL: 03-5227-4198
Mail：[email protected]