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

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.

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.

Kazushi Kamitani

JPRO INCUBATION OFFICE, FOUNDER

He worked for domestic & international life science firms in the areas of product development, marketing, PR&IR, international business, and business development. After serving the US subsidiary of a Japanese firm as a board director & CFO and the European startup as CEO, he established the incubation office. He supports oversea startups to explore Japan market from business & administration side, providing info, advisory and functional services.
International MBA, Certified Specialist of Intellectual Property Management, Financial Planner, IT Coordinator

Saaya Hirai

Globizz Japan Corporation　Osaka Office Director

After studying abroad in New Zealand during junior high school, she became interested in doing business with foreign countries, and after graduating from high school, she entered a university in Taiwan in English and Mandarin Chinese. At university, she majored in international business administration. During her studies, she experienced corporate internships in the U.S. and Taiwan, gaining insight into the business world from her student days. Currently, as a project controller at headquarters, she is in charge of overall project management and strategic planning for companies entering the U.S. market as a project coordinator.

Tomokatsu Hongo

Keio Innovation Initiative, Inc
Corporate Officer

Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry from Nagoya University. At Summit Pharmaceuticals International Corporation, I was engaged in VC fund management, investment and sales support for bio-ventures, and domestic sales agency business for overseas bio-ventures. In 2016, I joined Keio Innovation Initiative (KII) as an investment manager in the medical and health field. I have been investing in drug discovery, regenerative medicine, and medical device ventures by leveraging his business experience in the pharmaceutical industry and career as a researcher, and providing a wide range of hands-on support, not only in terms of funding, but also in business development.