User Group: Journalist

  • UTokyo IPC and Cyber Valley launch ‘Valley and Sunrise’

    UTokyo IPC and Cyber Valley launch ‘Valley and Sunrise’

    The Valley and Sunrise program originates from a strategic partnership between Cyber Valley, Europe’s leading center for excellence in AI and modern robotics, and UTokyo IPC, the venture investment arm of the University of Tokyo. It opens up UTokyo IPC’s academic and corporate networks to Cyber Valley start-ups, accelerating their market entry and commercialization in Japan and offering them a competitive advantage in global markets.

    Selected start-ups will receive:

    • Up to €50,000 in financial support for initial market entry.
    • Access to Japanese corporate executives, strategic investors, and regulatory expertise.
    • Customized Proof of Concept (PoC) partnerships with top-tier Japanese enterprises. 
    • Six months of personalized mentorship, networking opportunities, and guidance for successful market integration.

    Applications for Valley and Sunrise will be open from November 5 until December 5, 2025, with selected start-ups beginning the program in spring 2026. Up to two start-ups from the Cyber Valley Start-up Network will participate in the program. 

    Florian Mayer, Managing Director, Cyber Valley GmbH:

    ‘The Valley and Sunrise program offers German start-ups a unique opportunity to gain insights and connections in one of the world’s most advanced economies. The program encourages cross-border innovation between Germany and Japan, supporting deep-tech start-ups from the Cyber Valley ecosystem in Baden-Württemberg to thrive on a global scale.’

    Angelina Jukic, Program Manager, Cyber Valley GmbH:

    ‘This initiative has come to life through our close collaboration with UTokyo IPC. The Valley and Sunrise program turns our shared vision into reality – connecting German AI and robotics start-ups with Japan’s leading investors, corporates, and researchers, and strengthening collaboration between our two innovation ecosystems.’

    Hideki Nagasaka, Partner & Director, 1stRound, UTokyo IPC:

    ‘Through our collaboration with Cyber Valley, we are building a truly global platform, empowering German start-ups not only to succeed in the Japanese market but also to thrive internationally. We envision a dynamic ecosystem where innovation seamlessly flows between Germany, Japan, and beyond, creating lasting global impact.’

    About UTokyo IPC

    UTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd. (UTokyo IPC) is a venture capital firm wholly owned by the University of Tokyo, established in 2016 to strengthen Japan’s global industrial competitiveness through startup investment and ecosystem building.

    As a public–private venture capital firm, UTokyo IPC has invested in more than 80 university-affiliated startups and venture funds both in Japan and overseas.
    Beyond investment, UTokyo IPC operates the Startup Building Program, which supports the commercialization of research outcomes; 1stRound, Japan’s largest academia-linked accelerator; and DeepTech Dive, a program dedicated to cultivating deep-tech talent. In 2024, UTokyo IPC launched the ASA Fund under the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s initiative to promote global collaboration and establish Japan as a hub for deep-tech innovation.

    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 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.  
     

    Media Contact

    Hazel Rowland, Cyber Valley GmbH: hazel.rowland@cyber-valley.de
    Akiko Tsuchiya, UTokyo IPC: info2@utokyo-ipc.co.jp

  • Demo Day of the Cyber Valley AI Incubator

    Demo Day of the Cyber Valley AI Incubator

     

    Over the past six weeks, the Batch #7 teams of the Cyber Valley AI Incubator have been developing their AI-powered start-up ideas, guided by mentors from the Cyber Valley Community. Now, they’re ready to pitch their ventures to a panel of judges and an audience of investors, researchers, corporate leaders, and entrepreneurs.

    The jury will recognize top-performing teams, who will win exciting prizes. Discover cutting-edge AI solutions and connect with key players from the region’s thriving AI landscape in an energetic atmosphere over drinks and finger food.

     

    When? 

    Thursday, November 20, 2025
    16:00–19:45 CET

     

    Where? 

    Amazon Research & Development Center

    Friedrich-Mieschler-Straße 4, 72076 Tübingen 

     

    Registration

    Please register via Eventbrite in advance as the number of participants is limited.

     

    The Cyber Valley AI Incubator

    The Cyber Valley AI Incubator is a six-week program for AI talent with brilliant ideas. It encourages scientists, technologists, and business talent to found their own companies, fostering the next generation of AI start-ups. The AI Incubator equips participants with the right knowledge, tools, and skills to transfer their groundbreaking AI and robotics research into products and applications.

    It covers topics such as AI prototyping, product-market fit, business strategy, and funding. The program also provides participants with access to a network of experts, mentors, founders, and investors who offer guidance and inspiration on their journey into the AI business world. 

    The Cyber Valley AI Incubator is organized by the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems and funded by the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung.

     

  • Cyber Valley Innovation Campus celebrates the success of nine Excellence Clusters

    Cyber Valley Innovation Campus celebrates the success of nine Excellence Clusters

    Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT): Two Clusters of Excellence 

    KIT has achieved success with its proposals for two new Clusters of Excellence, focusing on battery research and 3D designer materials. The research holds promise for significant technological advancements in energy storage and material science.  

    1. 3D Matter Made to Order: An interdisciplinary initiative with the University of Heidelberg, concentrating on three-dimensional additive manufacturing techniques from the molecular level to macroscopic dimensions.   

    1. Post-Lithium Storage: In collaboration with Ulm University, this Cluster aims to develop new materials and technologies for storing electric energy, focusing on post-lithium technologies. 

    University of Stuttgart: Cluster Receives Extended Funding 

    The University of Stuttgart's Cluster of Excellence, "Integrative Computational Design and Construction for Architecture" (IntCDC), has secured funding for an additional seven years. Established in 2019, IntCDC is Germany's first Cluster of Excellence in architecture. The Cluster focuses on sustainable and climate-positive outcomes by leveraging digital technologies to revolutionize architectural design and construction. IntCDC's innovative projects, such as the Wangen Tower and the Hybrid Flax Pavilion, have also brought international acclaim, including the prestigious German Design Awards. 

    University of Tübingen: Six Clusters of Excellence 

    The University of Tübingen has been awarded six Clusters of Excellence, which includes the renewal of three existing clusters and three new Clusters. These span neuroscience, microbiology, machine learning, and cultural studies. 

    1. iFIT – Image-guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies: Focuses on developing individualized cancer therapies through a unique collaboration of research areas. 

    1. CMFI – Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections: Aims to understand microbial mechanisms to develop new interventions against pathogens. 

    1. Machine Learning – New Perspectives for Science: Seeks to integrate machine learning into all aspects of scientific discovery, transforming the scientific approach.  

    1. GreenRobust – In collaboration with the University of Hohenheim, Heidelberg University, and the Max Planck Institute for Biology in Tübingen, this Cluster focuses on advancing resilience and sustainability in biological systems, tackling environmental and agricultural challenges. 

    1. HUMAN ORIGINS – In collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology and the Senckenberg Centre for Human Evolution and Palaeoenvironment in Tübingen, this Cluster explores the evolutionary history of humankind through cutting-edge research in anthropology and paleoenvironments. 

    1. TERRA – This research cluster focuses on Earth systems and biodiversity in the context of global change. In collaboration with the University of Hohenheim and the Senckenberg Nature Research Society in Frankfurt, it aims to study ecological dynamics and promote sustainable management of natural resources. 

    These developments within the Cyber Valley Innovation Campus highlight Germany's investment in research and innovation, positioning its institutions at the forefront of scientific discovery and technological advancement. 

  • Demo Day of the AI Incubator and Summer Meet-up

    Demo Day of the AI Incubator and Summer Meet-up

    Over the past six weeks, the Batch #6 teams of the AI Incubator have been working intensively to bring their AI-driven ideas to life, with expert mentorship and support from members of the Cyber Valley Community. Now they will present their final start-up ideas to a jury and an esteemed audience of investors, researchers, corporate leaders, and other entrepreneurs.

    The top teams will be recognized by the jury and have the opportunity to win attractive prizes. This special edition of the event combines the final presentations with a vibrant Summer Meet-up—featuring networking, drinks, finger food, and an energetic atmosphere to celebrate innovation and community.

    When?

    Thursday, July 10, 2025, 16:00–19:45

    Where?

    Amazon Research & Development Center

    Friedrich-Miescher-Straße 4, 72076 Tübingen

    Schedule

    16:00–16:15: Welcome & Drinks

    16:15–16:25: Introduction to Batch #6 of the AI Incubator

    16:25–16:30: Welcome speech by Carl Zeiss Stiftung

    16:30–17:00: Pitches from the AI Incubator Teams

    17:00–17:20: Coffee break

    17:20–17:55: Pitches from the AI Incubator Teams

    17:55–19:00: Keynote & Award ceremony

    19:00: Networking with drinks & fingerfood

    Registration

    Please register via Eventbrite in advance as the number of participants is limited.

    The AI Incubator

    The AI Incubator is a six-week program for AI talents with brilliant ideas. The program encourages scientists, technologists, and business talent to found their own companies, fostering the next generation of AI start-ups. The AI Incubator equips participants with the right knowledge, tools, and skills to transfer their cutting-edge AI and robotics research into products and applications.

    It covers topics such as, AI prototyping, product-market fit, business strategy, and funding. The program also provides participants with access to a network of experts, mentors, founders, and investors who offer guidance and inspiration on their journey into the AI business world.

    The Cyber Valley AI Incubator is organized by the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, and funded by the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung.