UTokyo Innovation Platform Company

Founded in 2016, UTokyo Innovation Platform Company is a venture capital investment firm based in Tokyo, Japan. The firm seeks to invest in Japanese university-affiliated companies operating in the life sciences, healthcare, agricultural technology, space, robotics, hardware, information technology and services, and artificial intelligence sectors. The firm also runs an incubation program.

Akihiko Asami

Partner

Takashi Furukawa

Managing Partner

Kazuhiko Kakehi

Partner

Gavin Kuziel

Venture Partner

Naohiro Mizumoto

Partner, Investments and Incubation

Hideki Nagasaka

Partner and First Round Director Head of Venture Creation and Accelerator Program

44 past transactions

Logomix

Seed Round in 2023
Logomix Inc is a synthetic biology company specializing in mammalian cellular genome engineering. Its proprietary platform, Geno-Writing™, enables large-scale genetic modifications, allowing for the creation of versatile human cells and microbes tailored for drug development and cell and gene therapy. Unlike many competitors focused solely on optimizing gene clusters, Logomix addresses the complexities of mammalian genomes, providing innovative solutions for various applications in human health, biomaterials, and agriculture. The company actively collaborates with partners, maintaining 11 ongoing research partnerships, and is particularly seeking industry collaborators to tackle unmet needs in neurodegenerative diseases. Through its advanced technology, Logomix aims to reshape the landscape of genome engineering and facilitate groundbreaking advancements in regenerative medicine and cell therapy.

DEM BioPharma

Series A in 2022
DEM BioPharma is an immuno-oncology company focused on developing innovative therapies aimed at eradicating cancer by targeting the innate immune system. The company has created a platform that specializes in the next generation of macrophage immunotherapies, which work by activating macrophages and immune phagocytes to effectively eliminate tumors. By researching and harnessing these immune responses, DEM BioPharma aims to provide healthcare researchers with advanced treatments that specifically target signals on both cancer cells and macrophages, offering new hope in the fight against cancer.

Carbon Biosciences

Series A in 2022
Carbon Biosciences develops genetic medicines for the treatment of devastating diseases. They develop their vector using industrial-scale viral production platforms and can be used to deliver a wide-range of therapeutic modalities.

Modulus Co., Ltd.

Series C in 2022
Modulus Co., Ltd., established in 2016 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in drug discovery with a focus on developing small-molecule therapeutics for oncology, chronic inflammation, immune disorders, and rare genetic conditions. The company employs advanced computational techniques, including virtual screening and machine learning algorithms, to facilitate the rapid design and generation of drug candidates targeting high-value diseases. Modulus Discovery's innovative platform integrates biological insights with computational drug discovery expertise, allowing for dynamic simulations of proteins in solvated environments. The firm also has an office in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and boasts a team of experts in drug design and disease biology, many of whom have extensive research and development experience in leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms.

Axial Therapeutics

Series C in 2021
Axial Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapeutics for central nervous system (CNS) diseases and disorders. The company leverages its microbiome discovery platform to explore the gut-brain axis, which presents opportunities for creating innovative therapies aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals affected by neurological conditions. Founded in 2013 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, Axial Therapeutics aims to address significant unmet medical needs within the CNS therapeutic landscape.

TAGCyx Biotechnologies

Venture Round in 2021
TAGCyx Biotechnologies is a company focused on developing innovative nucleic acid-based drugs for therapeutic purposes. Founded in 2007 and based in Tokyo, Japan, TAGCyx has established its proprietary Xenoligo technology platform. This platform employs genetic alphabet expansion through unnatural base pairs, allowing for the creation of customized nucleic acids tailored for specific therapeutic applications. By leveraging this advanced technology, TAGCyx aims to enhance drug discovery and facilitate the efficient treatment of various diseases.

VividQ

Seed Round in 2021
VividQ Limited is a deep tech software company based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, specializing in 3D holography. Founded in February 2017 by a team of Ph.D. graduates, VividQ has developed a comprehensive software platform that enables the generation, compression, and transmission of 3D holographic images and video using standard computing power. Its key products include VividQ Capture, which standardizes 3D data for holographic display; VividQ Squeeze, a solution for compressing point cloud data; and VividQ Core, which facilitates multi-user interactions with holograms. The company also offers VividQ View, an API for integrating spatial light modulators into its holographic systems. VividQ's technology is applicable in a variety of fields, including augmented reality, virtual reality, automotive displays, and consumer electronics. By collaborating with chipmakers and manufacturers, VividQ aims to make holography a commercially viable display solution.

Telexistence

Series A in 2021
Telexistence Inc. is a Japanese company established in 2017, specializing in robotics and cloud data services. The company focuses on developing remote control technologies, exemplified by its production prototype, MODEL H. This technology integrates virtual reality, telecommunications, cloud computing, and haptics to allow users to interact effectively in remote environments. Telexistence aims to enhance human presence and capabilities through its innovative robotic solutions, which transmit and analyze visual, auditory, and tactile information. By pursuing systematic innovation in robotics, Telexistence seeks to create scalable and reproducible methodologies that advance the field.

Heartseed

Series C in 2021
Heartseed Inc., founded in 2015 and based in Tokyo, Japan, focuses on developing myocardial regeneration medicine utilizing induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The company aims to advance the clinical application of regenerative medicine specifically for treating heart disease. Heartseed is dedicated to creating cardiomyocyte replacement therapies derived from iPS cells to address advanced heart failure, aspiring to transform the treatment landscape for patients suffering from this condition.

LiberoThera

Venture Round in 2021
LiberoThera Co., Ltd., founded in 2018 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in drug discovery with a focus on membrane proteins, particularly G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The company develops medicinal drugs using innovative technologies, including cell-free membrane protein preparation and the incorporation of non-canonical amino acids, to ensure that target proteins maintain their natural structure and function. LiberoThera also offers drug discovery services, aiming to provide therapeutic candidates that effectively target physiologically significant membrane proteins, thereby contributing to advancements in medical care.

Sonas

Venture Round in 2021
Sonas Inc., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in the planning, design, manufacturing, and sale of hardware and software solutions focused on sensing and measurement technologies. The company is developing "UNISONet," a wireless sensing technology aimed at enhancing the Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure. This innovative solution seeks to improve upon existing mesh network technologies by integrating features such as power saving, multihop communication, time synchronization, lossless data collection, high-speed acquisition, and low-latency bidirectional communication, all simultaneously. By prioritizing high-quality wireless sensing, Sonas aims to establish itself as a fundamental component of modern societal infrastructure.

ARAV

Seed Round in 2021
Manufacturer of construction equipment using robotics intended to ensure the safety of the site and reduce risks as soon as possible around the world. The company's equipment can be operated from a distance with a smartphone or laptop and can be retrofitted regardless of the model of the construction machine, enabling workers to reduce the burden on the site.

RIN Institute

Venture Round in 2021
RIN Institute Inc. engages in research and development of medicines and external diagnostic drugs based on monoclonal antibodies. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

HarvestX

Venture Round in 2021
Developer of robotic pollination and harvesting technology designed to realize fully automatic cultivation of fruits and vegetables in plant factories. The company's technology recognizes flowers and fruits using a depth camera and an image processing algorithm and helps in pollination and harvesting, enabling clients to overcome the problem of the shortage of agricultural human resources and have stable food production.

UrbanX Technologies

Seed Round in 2020
UrbanX Technologies, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2020 that specializes in developing artificial intelligence solutions for road inspection. The company's technology identifies and detects road damage points, enabling local governments to monitor and maintain road conditions more efficiently. By utilizing AI for spatial recognition and digitization of real assets, UrbanX Technologies enhances the accuracy and speed of inspections, reducing reliance on traditional visual assessments. This innovative approach not only streamlines the inspection process but also aids in optimizing traffic flows and improving urban management.

UrbanX Technologies

Seed Round in 2020
UrbanX Technologies, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2020 that specializes in developing artificial intelligence solutions for road inspection. The company's technology identifies and detects road damage points, enabling local governments to monitor and maintain road conditions more efficiently. By utilizing AI for spatial recognition and digitization of real assets, UrbanX Technologies enhances the accuracy and speed of inspections, reducing reliance on traditional visual assessments. This innovative approach not only streamlines the inspection process but also aids in optimizing traffic flows and improving urban management.

BionicM

Series A in 2020
BionicM is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in the research, development, and commercialization of advanced mobility devices that integrate robotics with human anatomy. The company focuses on creating high-performance robotic prosthetic devices, specifically ankle-foot and knee joints, aimed at enhancing mobility for individuals with disabilities. BionicM began its innovative research in 2015 at the University of Tokyo's Information Systems Engineering Laboratory under the guidance of Professor Inaba, leveraging cutting-edge robotics technology. In 2016, it was selected by the Japan Science and Technology Agency for a program designed to foster startups emerging from advanced research, and in 2018, BionicM was officially established as a joint-stock company.

Adriakaim

Series B in 2020
Adriakaim Inc. is a Tokyo-based company established in 2018 that specializes in the research, design, development, manufacture, and sale of medical and health-related equipment. In addition to its product offerings, the company provides consulting services focused on management and technology strategy within the medical device sector, as well as support for research and development projects. Adriakaim aims to enhance healthcare solutions through its innovative approach to medical device technology.

Spectronix Japan

Venture Round in 2020
Spectronics is a development of new technologies and new applications to bring about innovation, focusing on the future of laser technology.

Fimecs

Series A in 2020
FIMECS, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Fujisawa, Japan, founded in 2018. The company specializes in drug discovery focused on protein degradation, aiming to develop first-in-class therapeutics for cancers and other challenging diseases. FIMECS utilizes a unique platform that employs ubiquitin E3 ligase binders to create small molecules capable of inducing the degradation of specific proteins. This approach targets the approximately 1,500 proteins associated with various diseases, of which around 300 are considered druggable by conventional small molecule methods. Through its innovative technology, FIMECS seeks to address the limitations of current drug discovery by targeting previously undruggable proteins, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients.

Onedot Inc.

Venture Round in 2020
Onedot Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2016 that operates an online platform providing resources related to childcare. The company specializes in offering easy-to-understand baby food recipes, one-minute instructional videos, and information on childcare practices. Additionally, Onedot provides guidance on making handmade goods, along with introductions to childcare products and educational toys. One of its key services is Babily, a video platform designed to assist parents in navigating childcare challenges.

Modulus Co., Ltd.

Series B in 2020
Modulus Co., Ltd., established in 2016 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in drug discovery with a focus on developing small-molecule therapeutics for oncology, chronic inflammation, immune disorders, and rare genetic conditions. The company employs advanced computational techniques, including virtual screening and machine learning algorithms, to facilitate the rapid design and generation of drug candidates targeting high-value diseases. Modulus Discovery's innovative platform integrates biological insights with computational drug discovery expertise, allowing for dynamic simulations of proteins in solvated environments. The firm also has an office in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and boasts a team of experts in drug design and disease biology, many of whom have extensive research and development experience in leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms.

TAGCyx Biotechnologies

Venture Round in 2020
TAGCyx Biotechnologies is a company focused on developing innovative nucleic acid-based drugs for therapeutic purposes. Founded in 2007 and based in Tokyo, Japan, TAGCyx has established its proprietary Xenoligo technology platform. This platform employs genetic alphabet expansion through unnatural base pairs, allowing for the creation of customized nucleic acids tailored for specific therapeutic applications. By leveraging this advanced technology, TAGCyx aims to enhance drug discovery and facilitate the efficient treatment of various diseases.

Aidemy

Series A in 2020
Aidemy Inc. provides online artificial intelligence (AI) programing services for individuals to learn AI technology and a Software as a service product for companies to manipulate AI technology using their accumulated data on their own. The company’s platform is used to learn about block chain through practical applications, such as mining, adding transactions, and consensus algorithms. Its solutions are used by corporations primarily in the manufacturing industry, such as companies listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange and small companies and university laboratories. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

AccuRna

Series B in 2019
AccuRna, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 2015. The company specializes in the research and development of nucleic acid-based drugs, focusing on innovative drug delivery system technologies. AccuRna aims to address refractory diseases that currently lack effective treatments by utilizing its advanced drug delivery systems. The company offers two platforms for delivering various types of nucleic acids, including short chain and long chain RNA, which encompass siRNA, ASO, miRNA, mRNA, and CRISPR-Cas. Through these technologies, AccuRna seeks to provide safe and efficient therapeutic solutions for patients suffering from challenging medical conditions.

WealthNavi

Series D in 2019
WealthNavi Inc. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2015 that specializes in online asset management and risk management services. Through its cloud-based platform, WealthNavi offers robo-advisory services designed to help users find diversified investment opportunities on an international scale. The platform provides comprehensive asset management solutions, including the automatic construction of optimal portfolios, automatic ordering, reserve management, rebalancing, and tax optimization. By leveraging advanced risk management algorithms, WealthNavi aims to assist users in making informed investment decisions while managing their assets effectively.

Synspective

Series A in 2019
Synspective Inc., based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in satellite data technology that integrates synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellations, big data, and machine learning. The company offers remote sensing and satellite imagery services using small-sized SAR satellites, which can monitor human activity across vast areas regardless of time or weather conditions. Its technology is designed to support various sectors, including urban design, infrastructure, energy, insurance, and finance, helping clients meet their sustainable development and resilient urban development objectives. Synspective stands out with its high frequency, resolution, and responsiveness in satellite data provision.

Connected Robotics

Series A in 2019
Connected Robotics Inc, founded in 2014 and based in Koganei-shi, Japan, specializes in designing and manufacturing robotic arms tailored for the food service industry. Their flagship product, OctoChef, addresses labor shortages in restaurants by utilizing advanced artificial intelligence and deep learning technologies to streamline cooking processes. The company's solutions are aimed at a diverse clientele, including individual restaurants, shopping malls, service areas, amusement centers, and large-scale events. By enhancing kitchen efficiency and enabling the provision of healthy meals, Connected Robotics aims to improve the work environment for staff and contribute positively to society.

Astroscale

Series D in 2019
Astroscale is a company focused on the development of technologies for the removal of space debris, addressing a growing concern in the aerospace industry. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Tokyo, with additional offices in Singapore and the United Kingdom, Astroscale offers services such as End-of-Life (EOL) solutions for satellite operators and Active Debris Removal (ADR) services. Among its notable projects is the ELSA (End-of-Life Service by Astroscale) spacecraft, designed to retrieve defunct satellites. The company also works on innovative projects like the Lunar Dream Capsule, a time capsule intended for future lunar exploration. By collaborating with national space agencies, international organizations, and various stakeholders, Astroscale aims to establish norms and regulations that promote responsible practices in space, contributing to the long-term sustainability of orbital environments.

EdiGENE Inc.

Series B in 2019
EdiGENE Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in developing therapeutics for genetic disorders. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with additional offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company leverages its proprietary technologies, including clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and guide nucleotide directed modulation (GNDM), to create innovative treatments. EdiGENE's focus is on addressing unmet medical needs through its advanced therapeutic solutions, supported by a strong foundation of intellectual property licensed from the University of Tokyo.

QD Laser

Venture Round in 2019
QD Laser, Inc. is a manufacturer of quantum dot semiconductor lasers and wafers, utilizing GaAs substrate for various applications in communications and industry. The company produces a range of products, including picosecond short-pulse DFB lasers for precision processing, current injection-type lasers in green, yellow-green, and orange for biological sciences, and quantum dot laser arrays for silicon optical circuits. Additionally, it offers broadband gain chips for ophthalmic testing equipment and retinal imaging laser eyewear. QD Laser's technology is applied in areas such as silicon photonics, sensing, and precision machining. The company serves a diverse clientele across telecommunications, manufacturing, medicine, and consumer products. Established in 2006, QD Laser is headquartered in Kawasaki, Japan.

CREWT

Series D in 2018
CREWT Medical Systems, Inc., established in 2013 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in the manufacture of innovative medical devices. The company is recognized for developing the world's first head-mounted visual field analyzer, which incorporates advanced lens design techniques and software engineering. This device is tailored for ophthalmologists, providing accurate and efficient visual field testing for patients with various eye conditions. CREWT, an acronym for "CREation Weave Technologies," aims to create new value by integrating existing technologies to enhance healthcare solutions. The company's mission emphasizes the development of human-centric medical devices to improve quality of vision for patients.

Astroscale

Series D in 2018
Astroscale is a company focused on the development of technologies for the removal of space debris, addressing a growing concern in the aerospace industry. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Tokyo, with additional offices in Singapore and the United Kingdom, Astroscale offers services such as End-of-Life (EOL) solutions for satellite operators and Active Debris Removal (ADR) services. Among its notable projects is the ELSA (End-of-Life Service by Astroscale) spacecraft, designed to retrieve defunct satellites. The company also works on innovative projects like the Lunar Dream Capsule, a time capsule intended for future lunar exploration. By collaborating with national space agencies, international organizations, and various stakeholders, Astroscale aims to establish norms and regulations that promote responsible practices in space, contributing to the long-term sustainability of orbital environments.

Axelspace

Series B in 2018
Axelspace Corporation is a Tokyo-based company specializing in the design, manufacture, and sale of micro-satellites and their components. Founded in 2008, Axelspace develops various micro-satellite projects, including GRUS, a remote-sensing satellite aimed at creating an Earth observation constellation, and WNISAT-1, which monitors sea ice distribution to enhance vessel navigation in polar regions. The company also produces essential micro-satellite components such as sensors for attitude determination, GPS receivers for positioning, and high-speed data transmitters. Axelspace's mission includes constructing a global monitoring platform that provides daily coverage at a low cost, ensuring clients have access to high-quality satellite imagery. In addition to its satellite technology, Axelspace arranges satellite launches and offers operational support, contributing to a broader understanding and utilization of micro-satellites in various applications.

Synspective

Venture Round in 2018
Synspective Inc., based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in satellite data technology that integrates synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellations, big data, and machine learning. The company offers remote sensing and satellite imagery services using small-sized SAR satellites, which can monitor human activity across vast areas regardless of time or weather conditions. Its technology is designed to support various sectors, including urban design, infrastructure, energy, insurance, and finance, helping clients meet their sustainable development and resilient urban development objectives. Synspective stands out with its high frequency, resolution, and responsiveness in satellite data provision.

Telexistence

Series A in 2018
Telexistence Inc. is a Japanese company established in 2017, specializing in robotics and cloud data services. The company focuses on developing remote control technologies, exemplified by its production prototype, MODEL H. This technology integrates virtual reality, telecommunications, cloud computing, and haptics to allow users to interact effectively in remote environments. Telexistence aims to enhance human presence and capabilities through its innovative robotic solutions, which transmit and analyze visual, auditory, and tactile information. By pursuing systematic innovation in robotics, Telexistence seeks to create scalable and reproducible methodologies that advance the field.

Braizon Therapeutics

Series B in 2018
Braizon Therapeutics, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company focused on the research and development of innovative drug delivery technologies aimed at treating central nervous system disorders. Founded in 2015, the company leverages collaborative research from prominent academics, including Professor Kazunori Kataoka and Professor Takanori Yokota, to create methodologies that facilitate the delivery of therapeutic drugs across the blood-brain barrier. By developing new drugs, diagnostics, and life science reagents, Braizon Therapeutics seeks to address the challenges associated with treating incurable neuronal diseases, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of therapies for patients suffering from these conditions.

QD Laser

Series F in 2018
QD Laser, Inc. is a manufacturer of quantum dot semiconductor lasers and wafers, utilizing GaAs substrate for various applications in communications and industry. The company produces a range of products, including picosecond short-pulse DFB lasers for precision processing, current injection-type lasers in green, yellow-green, and orange for biological sciences, and quantum dot laser arrays for silicon optical circuits. Additionally, it offers broadband gain chips for ophthalmic testing equipment and retinal imaging laser eyewear. QD Laser's technology is applied in areas such as silicon photonics, sensing, and precision machining. The company serves a diverse clientele across telecommunications, manufacturing, medicine, and consumer products. Established in 2006, QD Laser is headquartered in Kawasaki, Japan.

TAGCyx Biotechnologies

Series B in 2018
TAGCyx Biotechnologies is a company focused on developing innovative nucleic acid-based drugs for therapeutic purposes. Founded in 2007 and based in Tokyo, Japan, TAGCyx has established its proprietary Xenoligo technology platform. This platform employs genetic alphabet expansion through unnatural base pairs, allowing for the creation of customized nucleic acids tailored for specific therapeutic applications. By leveraging this advanced technology, TAGCyx aims to enhance drug discovery and facilitate the efficient treatment of various diseases.

AccuRna

Venture Round in 2018
AccuRna, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 2015. The company specializes in the research and development of nucleic acid-based drugs, focusing on innovative drug delivery system technologies. AccuRna aims to address refractory diseases that currently lack effective treatments by utilizing its advanced drug delivery systems. The company offers two platforms for delivering various types of nucleic acids, including short chain and long chain RNA, which encompass siRNA, ASO, miRNA, mRNA, and CRISPR-Cas. Through these technologies, AccuRna seeks to provide safe and efficient therapeutic solutions for patients suffering from challenging medical conditions.

AccuRna

Series B in 2018
AccuRna, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 2015. The company specializes in the research and development of nucleic acid-based drugs, focusing on innovative drug delivery system technologies. AccuRna aims to address refractory diseases that currently lack effective treatments by utilizing its advanced drug delivery systems. The company offers two platforms for delivering various types of nucleic acids, including short chain and long chain RNA, which encompass siRNA, ASO, miRNA, mRNA, and CRISPR-Cas. Through these technologies, AccuRna seeks to provide safe and efficient therapeutic solutions for patients suffering from challenging medical conditions.

Alivas

Venture Round in 2017
Alivas Inc. is a medical company based in Hongo, Tokyo, Japan, focused on developing therapeutic medical devices specifically for refractory constipation. Established in 2017, Alivas operates as a joint venture between Stanford University and the University of Tokyo, collaborating under the Japan Biodesign program to foster innovation in medical device creation. The company's mission is to address unmet needs in the treatment of chronic constipation, aiming to improve patient outcomes through advanced medical technology.

Xenoma

Series A in 2017
Xenoma, Inc. is a Tokyo-based company that specializes in the development of e-skin technology, a platform for wearable electronics integrated into apparel. Originating as a spin-off from the University of Tokyo's Someya Group Organic Transistor Lab, Xenoma focuses on creating textile-based solutions that monitor various physiological functions, including motion, breathing, pressure, and body temperature. The e-skin products are designed to be durable, machine washable, and highly sensitive, enabling accurate data collection on body movement and posture. By combining this data with healthcare analytics, Xenoma aims to provide users with comfortable and functional clothing that serves as an effective interface between humans and technology.

CREWT

Series D in 2017
CREWT Medical Systems, Inc., established in 2013 and based in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in the manufacture of innovative medical devices. The company is recognized for developing the world's first head-mounted visual field analyzer, which incorporates advanced lens design techniques and software engineering. This device is tailored for ophthalmologists, providing accurate and efficient visual field testing for patients with various eye conditions. CREWT, an acronym for "CREation Weave Technologies," aims to create new value by integrating existing technologies to enhance healthcare solutions. The company's mission emphasizes the development of human-centric medical devices to improve quality of vision for patients.
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