Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) proudly announces that four innovative entrepreneurial teams have been selected for the OIST Innovation Accelerator, a startup accelerator to be established in Okinawa in 2024. These early stage deep tech startups will receive funding and access to OIST. We provide state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, training programs, networking opportunities, and other critical resources to build your technology and business model.
First cohort to benefit from enhanced accelerator program
The OIST Innovation Accelerator was established in 2018 in partnership with Okinawa Prefecture with the aim of supporting regional entrepreneurship. Notable startups from program graduates that have successfully raised private investment and brought products to market include EF Polymer, REPS Japan, HerLifeLab, and GenomeMiner.
Building on this successful foundation, the program is undergoing a strategic evolution to strengthen and expand with additional funding from the Japan Science and Technology Agency’s Collaborative Support Program (JST COI-NEXT). The expansion adds the “OKINAWA SANDBOX” and “BIOCONVERGENCE” tracks, respectively, which are dedicated to Japanese market entry and technology fusion, providing mentorship and resources tailored to each startup’s unique needs and goals. is now available.
Another important development is the implementation of a rigorous multi-stage selection process to identify entrepreneurs with the highest potential. Initial applications are reviewed in Stage 1, followed by Stage 2 in which candidates complete an online entrepreneurship training course. Companies selected to advance to Stage 3 will participate in his two-week intensive startup bootcamp in Okinawa, culminating in a pitch competition judged by a panel of experts from academia, industry, and venture capital. Reached. This stage-gate approach ensured that only the most dedicated founders with promising ideas were selected to participate in the program.
This year, from an initial pool of applicants from 23 countries, 30 teams were selected to advance to Stage 2, from which 12 teams progressed to Stage 3. The four winning teams will spend the next 10 months at OIST promoting their solutions. Identify strategic partners and customers and scale your startup.
Twelve teams participated in an intensive two-week startup bootcamp in Okinawa, culminating in a pitch competition judged by a panel of experts from academia, industry, and venture capital.
The teams selected for the first “Bioconvergence Track” sponsored by the JST COI-NEXT program are as follows.
Astrek Innovations: Developing prosthetic limbs that utilize advanced robotics, sensors, and control systems to support the rehabilitation of individuals with physical disabilities and improve the performance of workers in industries such as construction and manufacturing.
veritas: Leverage generative AI and large-scale language models (LLM) to develop software solutions that simplify and integrate complex tasks in research and development.
The teams participating in the “Okinawa Sandbox Track” sponsored by Okinawa Prefecture are as follows.
Exsure: Develop an exosome-based anticancer drug delivery platform that can target both cancer and cancer stem cells.
circular powder: Developing alcohol-free, antioxidant-rich compounds for the health food and health drink industry by repurposing surplus wine and other alcohol into more sustainable production cycles.
Gil Granot-Mayer, Director of Technology Development and Innovation at OIST, said: “OIST is proud of Okinawa Prefecture for its foresight in first establishing this platform, and the JST COI-NEXT for taking it to new heights. I am extremely grateful to the program.” . “Looking to the future, we are very excited about the outstanding startups we have selected this year and the breakthrough innovations they will unleash. Okinawa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is rapidly evolving, and OIST We are dedicated to building and accelerating momentum by being the driving force behind the best ventures.” The go-to-market partner for ambitious innovators. ”
