"TIB CATAPULT/LINK-BioBAY TOKYO Kick-off Symposium and Lab Tour" was held on Feb 20

On Thursday, February 20, 2025, we held "TIB CATAPULT/LINK-BioBAY TOKYO Kick-off Symposium and Lab Tour" at the Mitsui Link-Lab Shinkiba 2.
(Organizer: LINK-J / Co-organizer: Mitsui Fudosan, BioLabs)

LINK-J, BioLabs, and Mitsui Fudosan have been selected by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government for the “TIB CATAPULT (Cluster Creation Project for Challenging Global Innovation),” and have launched the operation of a startup incubation cluster in the life science field “LINK-BioBAY TOKYO”, a startup incubation cluster in the life science field.
Through the collaboration of the three parties with proven track records in Japan and the U.S., we will provide various support measures that will contribute to the global growth of Japanese life science startups.
As a kick-off event, we hold a lab tour and symposium.

1. Lab Tour

We conducted a tour of Mitsui Link-Lab Shinkiba 2, one of the bases for TIB CATAPULT.
Through the tour, participants deepened their understanding of Mitsui Link-Lab and TIB CATAPULT/LINK-BioBAY TOKYO.

2．TIB CATAPULT/LINK-BioBAY TOKYO Kick-off Symposium

Speeches, panel discussions, and networking was delivered by speakers who are leading the creation of startup ecosystems in Japan and globally. 
We also introduced new initiatives of TIB CATAPULT/LINK-BioBAY TOKYO.
 

Opening Remarks

Shunichi Takahashi, Ph.D. (President & Chief Operating Officer, LINK-J) 
 

Remarks from Our Honored Guest

Mr. Manabu Miyasaka (Vice Governor of Tokyo)

Mr. Miyasaka introduced Tokyo Metropolitan Government's innovation promotion initiatives, including the TIB CATAPULT project, in which LINK-BioBAY TOKYO participates as a cluster, the Tokyo Innovation Base (TiB), a vibrant "NODE" for innovators, and SusHi Tech Tokyo, one of Asia's largest startup conferences.

Keynote Speech

"Generation of therapeutic T cells from iPS cells for cancer immunotherapy"
Shin Kaneko, M.D., Ph.D. (Professor, Center for iPS Cell and Research Application, Kyoto University / Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba / Co-Founder, Shinobi Therapeutics Inc.)

Dr. Kaneko provided a clear and engaging overview of his research on T lymphocyte-based immunotherapy, the founding of Shinobi Therapeutics Inc. based on his research findings, and his collaborative research with a major pharmaceutical company, sharing his experiences along the way.

Introduction

"Introdution of the LINK-BioBAY TOKYO"
Hiroko Yasuga, Ph.D. (Producer, LINK-J) 

Dr. Yasuga provided an overview of the LINK-BioBAY TOKYO's initiatives and explained the Master Class Program by BioLabs, a support program for startups that will begin this spring.
 

「BioLabs: Growing life science ecosystems worldwide」
Dr. Laura Stevens (Sr. Project Manager Business Development, BioLabs)

Following a video message from BioLabs Founder and CEO: Johannes Fruehauf, Dr. Stevens introduced BioLabs, an innovation support platform, the benefits BioLabs' support brings to startups, and the status of collaboration with startup supporters.

Panel Discussion and Q&A

"Startup incubation in the context of the current Japanese Innovation Ecosystem"

<Moderator>
Tomoyoshi Koyanagi, Ph.D. (Program-Specific Professor, Director of Business Development Office, Institute for Advancement of Clinical and Translational Science (iACT), KYOTO UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL)
<Panelists>
Mr. Kazuo Miyazaki (CEO, MiCAN Technologies Inc.)
Takashi Futami, Ph.D. (Partner, AN Venture Partners）
Laura Stevens, Ph.D.
Ikuo Hayashi, Ph.D. (General Manager, LINK-J)

Dr. Koyanagi led a lively discussion and Q&A session.

Topics included:

• Innovation activities panelists are engaged in
• Challenges faced when starting up
• The meaning and goals of incubation
• Success stories of startups supported by BioLabs' lean system
• Connecting ecosystems between Tokyo and Boston
• The experience as a tenant of BioLabs in Heidelberg
• The network of supporters and startups that BioLabs has
• Requirements for lab workplace environments to attract talented individuals
• How pharmaceutical companies' CVCs can contribute to the ecosystem

etc...

Closing Remarks

Ikuo Hayashi

Networking Reception

After the symposium, a networking reception with the speakers was held in the lounge.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all those who attended and to the speakers.
LINK-BioBAY TOKYO will continue to be active, and we look forward to your participation in our startup support program and the participation of our partner companies.

*For futher information about partner companies, click here.