Training Programs
Training Programs
LINK-J has two acceleration programs which support startups in the life science field, X-DOJO and BRAVE.
What is ZENTECH DOJO NIHONBASHI?
Seed accelerator X-DOJO is taking over and launching initiatives to scale up ZENTECH DOJO Nihonbashi, which has been providing support for healthcare and deep tech firm since 2016, and will invest in and help to accelerate startups in deep tech fields such as digital healthcare, XR, AI, and robotics. It provides hands-on support not only to seed and pre-seed startups, but also invests in startups to support entrepreneurs building the future industries of XR and healthcare as well as entrepreneurs aiming to achieve the SDGs.
YC-style seed accelerator that also provides financial support to entrepreneurs
XVC's mission is to provide comprehensive support to entrepreneurs from the seed/pre-seed stage in order to accelerate commercialization. In fields such as deep tech and hard tech, where commercializing new technology is difficult, XVC provides support to startups in the areas of business models, technological development, partnering, and fundraising. Unlike typical acceleration programs in Japan, we provide investment financing at the time of selection, ensuring that our interests are aligned with the firms we are supporting.
In addition to offering our curriculum, which includes lectures that teach the knowledge necessary for starting a business, we also provide mentoring to help with launching businesses. To accelerate business development, we also introduce our partners to medical professionals and customers, as well as to investors interested in providing financing. A demo day where the results of the four-month program are presented will attract further investment and business partnerships.
What is PreStartup in Nihonbashi?
It is a challenge for entrepreneurs to find a trustful and experienced adviser. PreStartup is a Slack community where entrepreneurs can frankly talk with investors. The platform provides ways to access and discuss the founders' challenges with mentors from ZENTECH DOJO Nihonbashi, LINK-J, and other founders.
What is the BRAVE Acceleration Program?
The BRAVE Acceleration Program is a commercialization support program for technology seeds and startups developed from universities, hosted by Beyond Next Ventures Inc.. The company specializes in incubation investments for technical startups emerged from universities, especially for those in the seed stage in advanced fields, such as medical care and healthcare, robots, AI and IoT.
This program provides knowledge, know-how, personal networks and funds for growth for researchers and entrepreneurs from universities and research institutions who strive for the commercialization of innovative technologies. With 110 entries annually, it is Japan's largest acceleration program among those specializing in university technology seeds prior to starting a business. Also, it provides opportunities to companies in the early stage to find management executives, advisers, managers and co-founders who will work on the promotion of commercialization. This is a unique feature compared to other acceleration programs. After the training programs and mentoring by experts in respective industries, experienced managers and others, a pitch contest is held on the final day.
Prizes for Winners in the Final Pitch Contest
Organizations which are highly evaluated in the pitch contest will be given the following supports: opportunities for acquiring a grant for business and research and development of about 100 million yen in total (recommendation for the START program*), prize of up to 2 million yen, opportunities to receive investment of maximum 5 million yen, partner company's support for commercialization, and support for overseas business development.
*JST new industry creation program arose from a university. It provides a grant for research and development, and business development of up to 30 million yen annually, for three years maximum, for a research team before a company is established.
About Life Science Award
The Life Science Award is given by LINK-J to a company or organization that demonstrates excellent performance at the pitch contest. The selected company or organization will be invited to a tour in San Diego, California (U.S.). The winner will have the opportunity to participate in the Biocom Global Life Science Partnering Conference held by BIOCOM, which has partnership with LINK-J, as well as meetings with research institutions and life science businesses in San Diego.