A comprehensive portal site for Medical Innovation Support Office (MEDISO).Medical Innovation Support Office

Daisuke Sugiyama

Hiroshima University, Translational Research Center, Professor

He obtained his PhD thesis at University of Tokyo. After working at several hospitals as a clinician, he has engaged in medical reserach at University Paris 6 (French Government Scholar), Dartmouth College (JSPS research fellow), Kyushu University and Hiroshima University. Based on the experiences working at ARO research core hospital and starting up bio-venture company, he supports and conducts both translational and clinical researches.

Satoshi Ogawa

TMI Associates Partner (Attorney)

Satoshi Ogawa, Ph.D., is a partner at TMI Associates specializing in life sciences and healthcare. After earning his Ph.D. in Life Sciences from Kyoto University, he joined TMI Associates as an attorney. Following a three-year secondment at a law firm in New Delhi, India, he has been based at TMI’s Kyoto Office since 2019. Dr. Ogawa advises both Japanese and international clients on cutting-edge technologies, including regenerative medicine, digital health, and AI-driven healthcare solutions. His work covers startup support, patent licensing, industry–academia collaboration, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property disputes. He works extensively with universities, startups, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, venture capital firms, and public institutions. He also serves as an advisor to BioCommunity Kansai (BiocK) and HVC KYOTO, and contributes to conflict-of-interest (COI) committees and institutional review boards (IRBs). Dr. Ogawa is passionate about advancing innovation and helping clients navigate complex legal and regulatory challenges in the life science ecosystem. His publications include “Startup Intellectual Property and Legal Guidebook – Key Points for Early-Stage Bio and Life Science Ventures” (METI-Kansai) and “Healthcare Business Legal Consultation Handbook” (Chuokeizai-sha).

Tadashi Sameshima

I have been engaged in product development and business operations of medical devices and regenerative medicine products for 37 years at Terumo Corporation. I have experienced the development of medical devices such as extracorporeal circulatory and blood transfusion devices, as well as the development to commercialization of cellular products. In addition, I am able to provide specific advice on various stages of development based on my participation in joint research with universities, collaboration among companies, discussions with government agencies, and activities of industry associations.

Katsuya Hashizume

Beyond Next Venutes Inc.

For over 10 years, he has been consistently involved in investing in academia startups. Joined BNV in 2020, focusing on investments in startups in the medical device and digital health sectors. Appointed as an Executive Officer in August 2021. Leads the investment department while also overseeing the community management of portfolio companies. Prior to BNV, he has served as the leader of industry-academic investment group at JAFCO and the chief promoter of JST START. While investing in startups, he has been involved in the company creation of several acedemia startups, including Microwave Chemical (IPO), Biomedical Solutions (M&A) and Bly Medical (M&A). Completed graduate studies at the Keio University Graduate School of Media and Governance.

Kazuhiro Takekita

Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Department of Vascular Regeneration and Podiatry, Associate Professor

He was involved in launching a project of regenerative medicine by using autologous skeletal muscle-derived cell sheets in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University. Subsequently, he was involved in the evaluation of regenerative and biological devices at the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA). He performed several duties related to the Health Labour Sciences Research Grant, clinical study of human stem cells, and advanced medical care at the Research and Development Division, Health Policy Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. After that, he led the regenerative medical product evaluation unit as chief of the Office of Review for Regenerative Medical Product, PMDA. Also, he was involved in improving the legislation for regenerative medical products in the revision of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law in 2014. From August 2017, he has been serving as a specially appointed lecturer in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, where he promotes projects to develop various products derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells.