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

Masato Kishida

My global achivements are categorized in two main types as follows: 1. Succesfully cordinating and facilitating several business globalization projects of some orphan products for CNS disorders and inherited metabolic disorders as a project leader, and 2. Outstanding success in the legal entities' establishment of three key area, e.g., a global clinical development head office in EU, two clinical and RA offices in the US & Brazil and an ASEAN region business head office in Singapore. Global business expansion is composed of two main phase. First one is to elaborate specific business plan from global business policy to clinical development strategy to draw the master of global business big picture. Next one is to implement the fixed road map and steamlined action plans on the timeline basis under the frequent risk assessment and business environment analysis.

Tsutomu Uchiyama Ph.,D.

Founder, Uchiyama IP Strategies

Patent attorney/Ph.D.
After working as a researcher in molecular biology for Daiichi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (current Daiichi-Sankyo), he passed the examination for patent attorneys in 1996. He worked in the intellectual property departments of three companies as an in-house patent attorney, practitioner, manager and global IP head (Eisai)—Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, SoftBank Investment, and Eisai Co., Ltd.—for a total of 20 years, where he was involved in patent practice and patent strategies, as well as patent portfolio management including patent filing, patent clearance and intellectual property due diligence.
In April 2017, he founded Uchiyama IP Strategies. Currently, utilizing his experience, he mainly assists venture companies, small and medium-sized enterprises, and academia in patent strategy and contractual matters in drug discovery, regenerative medicine, and biotechnology research.

Tomokazu Ichikawa

Director, TM Research and Investments Pte. Ltd.

Leveraged cross-functional expertise in business strategy and legal to work on strategy development, M&A, and investments in the medical device sector. Practiced law at Nagashima, Ohno and Tsunematsu, handling M&A and other corporate matters. Worked for McKinsey & Company and Hoya Corporation. Completed several acquisitions and investments in the US and Europe in the medical device business. Experienced managing a healthcare service operator in India. Currently, helping AI Medical Service, an artificial intelligence software startup for endoscope and CUC, a healthcare service provision related company. Spent more than 10 years in Singapore and familiar with business in Southeast Asian countries. Graduated from Waseda University, London Business School's Masters in Finance, and Cambridge's MBA. Attorney at law admitted in Japan.

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).

Atsushi Usami

The University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners Co., Ltd. (UTEC)
Partner and Board Director

He holds a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences from the University of Tokyo and is a licensed pharmacist. Prior to joining UTEC in October 2013, he worked as a consultant at Mitsubishi Research Institute. Currently serving as a Partner and Board Director, he oversees venture investments and provides management support primarily in the life sciences sector for seed and early-stage startups. He has played a key role in investments in companies such as OriCiro Genomics, Inc. (acquired by Moderna, Inc.) and Repertoire Genesis, Inc. (acquired by Eurofins Scientific SE). In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Encouragement Award for Venture Capitalists at the 23rd Japan Venture Awards in 2023.