Cyber Valley celebrates new partnership with UTokyo IPC  

(Stuttgart, 30.04.2024) The strategic alliance is Cyber Valley's first collaboration with UTokyo IPC, promising a range of exciting opportunities between Europe and Japan. The LOI establishes the framework for various programs aimed at promoting innovation from cutting-edge research by building bridges between scientific, corporate and start-up networks.  

Rebecca C. Reisch, Managing Director of Cyber Valley, remarks, “Together, this alliance is set to not only benefit our respective regions, but it will also make a significant contribution to innovation on a global scale. By pooling our shared commitment to excellence and advancements, we will foster a cross-cultural exchange of ideas towards AI and robotics.” 

Rebecca C. Reisch, Managing Director, Cyber Valley. Image: Cyber Valley

The highlights of this partnership include a dedicated market exploration trip, offering participating start-ups a unique opportunity to expand within international markets by connecting with essential partners, investors, and customers. Additionally, the collaboration offers the potential of non-dilutive funding to facilitate the growth of start-ups into these markets.  

Exclusive networking opportunities with major corporations, including venture capital firms in the targeted markets, are also included in the program. Start-ups will benefit from monthly mentoring sessions over a six-month period, fostering sustainable growth and knowledge exchange. Additionally, they will have the chance to undertake proof-of-concept projects with corporate partners, further solidifying their market presence. 

UTokyo IPC, established in 2016 by the University of Tokyo, operates as an investment company dedicated to expanding the University's innovative ecosystem. It drives innovation through three core business perspectives: investment, incubation (1st round), and human resource assistance (DeepTech Dive). It supports affiliated start-ups in five fields: healthcare/agriculture, space, robotics/hardware, IT/services, and artificial intelligence. The organization is a key player in Japanese innovation, having invested in and/or supported more than 140 start-ups so far. 

Kosuke Ueda, President and CEO of UTokyo, elaborates, "UTokyo IPC, as a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Tokyo, works diligently to create and nurture university-related startups and to build a startup ecosystem, in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders including academia, government and municipalities, corporations, and venture capitals. In particular, we are intensifying our cooperation with Cyber Valley, which leads Europe in AI and robotics, leveraging its extensive research network and rich experience in societal implementation. This enhances the commercialization of valuable technologies and ideas from universities and research institutions beyond international frameworks. By doing so, we aim to provide value to Europe's advanced start-up ecosystem, fully leverage Japan's deep tech potential, and contribute to the creation of start-ups that tackle global challenges, thereby fostering the development of a global innovation ecosystem." 

Kosuke Ueda, President and CEO of UTokyo. Image: UTokyo

Through this collaboration, Cyber Valley and UTokyo IPC aim to foster innovation, accelerate growth in the advancement of artificial intelligence and modern robotics, and connect thriving communities for start-ups in both Europe and Japan. 

About Cyber Valley 

Cyber Valley is Europe’s largest and leading center for excellence in artificial intelligence and modern robotics. Its mission and public mandate are to advocate for research, development, application, and acceptance of technologies and methods in the field of intelligent systems. Cyber Valley encourages entrepreneurship by uniting scientific excellence with innovation and technology transfer. In addition, Cyber Valley facilitates critical reflection on the ethical and social implications of AI through public engagement. Cyber Valley envisions a future in which the full potential of intelligent systems is leveraged for the greater good of the world.   

About UTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd. (UTokyo IPC) 

UTokyo IPC was established in 2016 as a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Tokyo, aiming to further develop the venture ecosystem cultivated in and around the University of Tokyo. Alongside investing in over 60 university-related start-ups both domestically and internationally through two funds, UTokyo IPC provides comprehensive hands-on support, including human resource assistance. It also operates "1stRound", Japan's largest cross-university accelerator, co-sponsored by 14 universities. This program is designed to accelerate the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies and ideas emerging from universities. By collaborating with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including universities, corporations, venture capitals, and the government, UTokyo IPC plays a pivotal role in the global innovation landscape, fostering cross-border collaboration and the development of transformative technologies.