DeepTech Innovations: Japanese Universities Showcase
Wednesday, March 11th, 2026
1:30 PM (Doors open at 1:00 PM)
Japan Innovation Campus | 214 Homer Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA
Japan’s leading universities are becoming engines of deep-tech innovation, generating breakthrough research seeds and startup ventures that tackle pressing challenges around the world.
Exciting new companies are emerging not only from The University of Osaka but also from leading research institutions, Kyoto University, Nagoya University and Kyushu University working in frontier fields such as quantum computing, laser fusion, regenerative medicine, space technology, and more.
This is a great opportunity to speak with startups like RegCell, whose Founder and Board Member Dr. Shimon Sakaguchi was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
Join us to connect with researchers and founders from multiple universities and startup ecosystems across Japan, and take part in conversations that will influence the future landscape of innovation.
Agenda:
| 1:00-1:30 PM | Doors Open & Registration |
|---|---|
| 1:30-1:35 PM | Opening Remarks, Ichiro Sone | S.A. Professor, Co-Creation Bureau, The University of Osaka |
| 1:35-1:40 PM | KSAC and NINEJP: The University-led Innovation Ecosystems in Nine Regions across Japan – Shigenori Hata | Professor, Co-Creation Bureau, The University of Osaka |
| Pitch Session 1 | |
| 1:40-1:47 PM | Yu Katayama | Associate Professor, The University of Osaka |
| 1:47-1:54 PM | Mitsuaki Kaneko | Associate Professor, Kyoto University |
| 1:54-2:01 PM | Makoto Kambara | Professor, The University of Osaka |
| 2:01-2:08 PM | Suguru Namba | Entrepreneur in Residence, Kyushu University |
| 2:08-2:15 PM | Toru Tanimori | CTO, ERRAI Corporation & Professor Emeritus, Kyoto University |
| 2:20-2:35 PM | Break – Networking |
| Pitch Session 2 | |
| 2:35-2:42 PM | Michael McCullar, PhD | CEO, RegCell Inc. (Video Presentation) |
| 2:42-2:49 PM | Keisuke Miyake | Assistant Professor, The University of Osaka |
| 2:49-2:56 PM | Taisuke Baba | Assistant Professor, Nagoya University |
| 2:56-3:03 PM | Takahiro Negishi | Assistant Professor, The University of Osaka |
| 3:03-3:10 PM | Yu Moriguchi, MD PhD | CTO, ayumo Inc. |
| 3:15-3:20 PM | Introduction of OUVC – Yuki Taga | Investment Director, Osaka University Venture Capital Co. Ltd. (OUVC) |
| 3:20-3:30 PM | Closing Remarks, Takeshi Ishihara | Deputy Consul General, Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco & Steve Pollock | President, Japan Society of Northern California |
| 3:30-4:30 PM | Networking Reception |
Pitch Session 1
Tech Info: Practical application of green hydrogen production from seawater
This research aims to develop new catalytic materials and an electrolysis device capable of directly producing hydrogen—a clean, carbon-free fuel—from seawater.
We focus on layered manganese oxides, inexpensive minerals abundantly found on the seafloor, and engineer a unique structure that embeds the catalyst within the layers. This “catalyst encapsulated” design enables stable operation even in seawater containing various impurities.
To accelerate development, we combine this material with advanced operando analytical techniques that enable real-time observation of the local environment near the catalyst as the reaction proceeds. These insights enable rapid optimization of both efficiency and durability.
Ultimately, we aim to demonstrate a practical “direct seawater electrolysis cell” based on this material and lay the foundation for a low-cost, sustainable technology for clean hydrogen production.
Tech Info: Development of integrated circuits that can operate in harsh environments
Integrated circuits are often described as “the brain of machines.” They are essential for the operation of computers, smartphones, artificial intelligence, autonomous driving systems, and virtually all modern industries. For more than 50 years, performance has improved through continuous miniaturization. However, one fundamental limitation has remained unchanged since their invention: integrated circuits are highly sensitive to heat.
Our technology addresses this issue by combining custom-designed high-temperature transistors with low-power circuits. This enables sensing and control in extreme environments—such as geothermal power plants, space exploration, and thermal power facilities—where conventional silicon-based semiconductors cannot operate reliably. In doing so, we aim to greatly expand the practical value and application range of integrated circuits.
Tech Info: “Plasma Spray Technology for high quality powders at high throughputs” : Our unique plasma spray technology achieves “high-speed and high-yield production of functional nanoparticles from inexpensive powder feedstocks” and “rejuvenation of waste powders back to the virgin-equivalent quality particles” through the elaborate control of plasma-material interactions.
With our unique hybrid plasma spray system, our start-up company will offer efficient powder production as well as powder structural design approach best fit to the end devices, thereby contributing to implementation of next-generation functionalities and environmental friendliness for society. Primary target will include design and medium scale production of functional nanoparticles which are demanded at certain volumes for pilot-level device testing, such as next-generation lithium-ion batteries. We also propose novel parallel recycle loop for metal additive manufacturing with our plasma rejuvenation of waste functional powders.
Tech Info: A new alkaline water electrolysis system with anode reaction conversion that realizes highly efficient hydrogen production and metal recovery raw material generation
We propose a method to improve the efficiency of hydrogen production via alkaline water electrolysis, by adding iodide ions to the electrolyte and converting the anode reaction from oxygen evolution to iodate ion generation.
This enables more efficient in consuming less electricity for hydrogen production and cost-saving for the entire system and operation costs such as maintenance with the membrane-free structure.
Furthermore, the iodate ions produced at the anode may be regenerated into iodide ions by utilizing industrial waste heat or may serve as a reactant in valuable metal recovery processes from scraps. The added value of these recovered metals is expected to enable further significant reductions in hydrogen production costs.
Tech Info: ETCC (Electron-Tracking Compton Camera Development/Production/Sales)
The World’s First Quantitative Radiation Imaging Technology
- The Breakthrough: ETCC transforms radiation detection from simple numerical data into high-precision “linear images.” Originally developed for space at Kyoto University, this technology achieved in 24 hours what global experts failed to do in ten years: imaging the gamma-ray galaxy.
- A New Standard: We are the first in the world to realize quantitative measurement through imaging, shifting the paradigm of radiation monitoring.
- Dual Business Model: We specialize in the R&D of proprietary ETCC systems and the delivery of high-value data analytics.
- High-Impact Use Cases: Decommissioning & Fusion: Streamlining nuclear decommissioning and providing the plasma control necessary for the future of fusion energy.
- Security & Space: Protecting borders through threat detection and mapping lunar resources.
- Market Traction: Our commercial journey is accelerating. As of 2025, a paid POC is underway with a major Japanese electric power company, bringing our technology to the front lines of nuclear decommissioning.
Pitch Session 2
Development of disease-specific and effective Tregtherapies against multiple target indications
RegCell Inc., founded by 2025 Nobel Laureate Professor Shimon Sakaguchi, has developed a novel epigenetic reprogramming platform to restore immune tolerance. RegCell has secured substantial non-dilutive capital (37M+) to advance its platform through clinical POC and is anticipating additional non-dilutive capital to expand its clinical pipeline into an additional autoimmune disease. RegCell is a Johnson & Johnson JLABS portfolio company and plans to launch US- and Japan-based clinical trials in 2026.
Standard-of-care agents for the treatment of autoimmune diseases have not evolved beyond agents that still broadly suppress the immune system, are not curative, and many carry Boxed Warnings due to their inability to distinguish between disease-causing immune cells and essential healthy immune cells. RegCell’s platform reprograms disease-causing T cells into antigen-specific regulatory T cells designed to restore immune tolerance by selectively suppressing pathogenic immune cells while preserving healthy immune cells through a pathogenic antigen-specific mechanism.
RegCell is supported by leading corporate and institutional investors and relocated its headquarters to the United States to accelerate clinical development, preparing to begin human trials targeting diseases associated with loss of immune tolerance, having high unmet medical needs. RegCell has assembled a highly experienced leadership team with a track record of successful exits, approved drugs, INDs, commercial manufacturing, and fundraising.
Tech Info: Development of a specialized foot wound treatment system
This technology introduces an innovative therapeutic approach designed to address the most pressing challenges in the treatment of foot wounds, particularly those associated with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). The solution integrates advanced wound management techniques, focusing on enhancing wound healing, off-loading pressure from vulnerable areas, and improving infection control. Traditional methods often fall short in providing comprehensive care, especially in the management of complex foot wounds that require both effective healing and protection against recurrent infections. This technology aims to fill that gap, offering a novel approach that is both efficient and user-friendly, suitable for deployment in various healthcare settings.
Tech Info: Development of AI-based pancreatic cancer prediction test based on comprehensive analysis of urinary metabolites
Pancreatic cancer is frequently associated with weight loss, with 75% of patients experiencing it at the time of diagnosis, a high frequency among solid tumors. This weight loss is caused by systemic metabolic dysfunction (cancer-related cachexia).
It is known that this metabolic dysfunction actually starts earlier (pre-cachexia). Focusing on metabolic dysfunction that begins early in the course of the cancer, we developed an AI model to predict pancreatic cancer using comprehensive analysis of urinary metabolites. Traditionally, mass spectrometry for comprehensive analysis was difficult to apply clinically due to influences such as batch-to-batch variation. However, our proprietary technology, the Inverse Pairs Boosting (IPB) method, enables highly accurate correction and prediction even with single samples.
This AI model can predict early-stage pancreatic cancer (Stage I) with a sensitivity of 72% and a specificity of 94%, representing a significant improvement in sensitivity for early pancreatic cancer compared to conventional tumor markers (CA19-9 sensitivity for Stage I: 55%).
Tech Info: Osteoarthritis of the knee, pathology of which mainly resides in articular cartilage lesions, is estimated to affect over 300 million people worldwide, with no curative therapies available. Articular cartilage tissue is intrinsically limited in self-repairing ability, so once damaged, regeneration does not occur. Therefore, patients suffer from chronic pain and functional impairment, leading to long-term deterioration of daily activities and quality of life.
We have developed a proprietary cell differentiation protocol to generate hyaline cartilage–like tissue equivalent to native articular cartilage from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and to apply this tissue for regenerative transplantation.
Unlike conventional cell therapies that rely primarily on paracrine or transient biological effects, our approach provides true tissue replacement through transplantation of structurally and functionally mature cartilage tissue, offering a clear and durable mechanism of action. This positions our technology uniquely as a potential disease-modifying solution capable of delaying or preventing joint replacement.
Through the realization of this product, we aim to provide a joint-preserving treatment option to osteoarthritis and related conditions, addressing a large population of patients to enable healthier, more active and independent lives in an aging society.
Tech Info: Development of a medical device utilizing AI-based gait analysis for the early detection of musculoskeletal disorders and its application to wellness service
- At ayumo, our vision is to create a world where people struggling with walking can receive timely and appropriate care. We are a health-tech startup developing computer-vision aided diagnostic support and locomotive assessment systems that help clinicians identify underlying causes earlier and more accurately.
- To pursue this mission, experts from clinical medicine, business development, research and product engineering, and medical regulatory affairs came together to establish ayumo Inc. in June 2023.
- Walking is more than a basic activity—it is a vital indicator of both physical and mental health. Through our work with medical professionals, we have seen many individuals whose gait problems went unnoticed or were identified far too late. More than 200 million people worldwide seek clinical evaluation due to walking difficulties, and this number is expected to continue rising.
- By enabling earlier identification of underlying causes and supporting the preservation and improvement of mobility, we aim to contribute to a society where everyone can continue walking on their own feet for as long as possible.