On Friday, August 14, 2026, we co-hosted the “Co-creation Kickoff for Researchers and Future Business Leaders” with Musashino Valley Co., Ltd. Following the success of the first event, we will hold the second event on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. This event aims to foster the creation of new deep-tech startups by bringing together the science and technology developed by researchers and the business leaders who create and drive these ventures.

Universities and research institutions are home to numerous research findings and technologies with the potential to bring about significant societal change. At the same time, in order to bring these innovations to society, it is essential not only for researchers but also for them to connect with business leaders who can help conceptualize new ventures and create new value.

Lifeness has been selected for NEDO’s “Support Program for Securing Management Talent in University-Based Startups (MPM)” and is currently working to establish a new framework in which researchers and management professionals form teams from the early stages to create university-based startups.

"I want to start my own business someday."
"I want to start a new business."
"I want to work with researchers to create value that doesn't yet exist in the world."

For those who share this sentiment, we’ll introduce the cutting edge of university-based deep-tech startups and new approaches to business creation where researchers and business leaders tackle challenges together.

On the day of the event, Kiyoshi Inoue, President and CCO of Lifeness Co., Ltd., will speak about the current state and potential of university-based startup creation. He will also participate in a discussion with Yoichi Ito, Representative Director of Musashino Valley Co., Ltd. and Dean of the School of Entrepreneurship at Musashino University, on the themes of “challenges worth betting your life on” and “co-creation with researchers.”

Your field of expertise or entrepreneurial experience is not a requirement. If you’re interested in building businesses that solve social issues or would like to take on new challenges alongside researchers, we encourage you to join us.

Event Overview

Program for the Day

🔳The Potential of University-Spun-Off Deep Tech Startups
・Kiyoshi Inoue, President and CCO of Ribance Co., Ltd., will discuss the environment surrounding university-based startups and the potential that deep tech holds for society.

🔳 How Can Researchers and Entrepreneurs Work Together to Create a Business?
・Yoichi Ito, Representative Director of Musashino Valley Co., Ltd. and Dean of the School of Entrepreneurship at Musashino University, will hold a discussion with Kiyoshi Inoue, President and CCO of Ribance Co., Ltd.
・We will discuss the creation of new businesses based on research findings, focusing on the themes of “challenges worth risking your life for” and “collaboration with researchers.”

🔳 Introduction to the Management Talent Acquisition Support Program (MPM) for University-Based Startups
・Here is an introduction to the NEDO “Management Personnel Acquisition Support Program for University-Based Startups (MPM),” which is being implemented by Ribane.
・We will explain the program’s content, including how researchers and business leaders connect and the process through which they build a business.

🔳Networking Event (In-Person Attendees Only)
・After the presentation, we’ll set aside some time for speakers and participants to mingle.

Recommended for people like this

• ・People who want to start a business but are looking for a business idea
• ・People who want to be involved in new business ventures or startups
• ・People interested in developing businesses that address social issues
• ・People who want to create new value alongside researchers and engineers
• ・People interested in deep tech or university-based startups
• ・People who want to take on new challenges, regardless of whether they have a science or humanities background
• ・Those who want to find a cause worth dedicating their lives to

▶ Registration Form
(URL)https://forms.gle/tudpXmshUj8Jc5dh6

Speakers

Mr. Yoichi Ito

Representative Director, Musashino Valley, Inc.
Dean, School of Entrepreneurship, Musashino University

A specialist in fostering challengers with an entrepreneurial spirit who strive to make the world a better place. In 2021, he established the Faculty of Entrepreneurship at Musashino University (Musashino EMC) and assumed the position of dean. In 2023, he founded the startup studio “Musashino Valley” to support aspiring entrepreneurs taking their “next step.”

Kiyoshi Inoue

President and CEO, CCO, Ribanes Co., Ltd.

Ph.D. (Pharmacy), Pharmacist. Founded Ribance Co., Ltd. in 2002 while pursuing graduate studies. While working as a researcher, he has led numerous collaborative research projects with universities and research institutions and has been instrumental in launching many university-based startups. He currently serves as a faculty member at several universities and is involved in launching and supporting numerous deep-tech startups.

About the Management Talent Acquisition Support Program (MPM) for University-Based Startups

This event is being held as part of NEDO’s “Support Program for Securing Management Talent at University-Based Startups (MPM).”

Universities and research institutions are home to numerous research findings with the potential to bring about significant societal change. However, in order to translate these findings into practical applications in society, researchers need to connect not only with one another but also with business leaders who can help bring these ideas to life.

At Ribane, rather than following the traditional division of roles—where researchers provide the technology and business professionals handle commercialization—we are conducting a pilot program for a new university-based startup creation model. In this model, researchers and business professionals engage in discussions as equals from the earliest stages, jointly defining social challenges, markets, and business hypotheses while forming a founding team.

At this event, we will also introduce our philosophy and initiatives.

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Sign Up

If you would like to participate, please register using the form below.

▶ Registration Form
(URL)https://forms.gle/tudpXmshUj8Jc5dh6