Keio InnovaLab, a Selective Training Program for Practically Learning the Social Impact of Deep Tech, Begins Recruitment for its First Cohort

Keio University (Location: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Kohei Ito) has begun recruiting for the first cohort of "Keio InnovaLab," a small-group, selective training program to systematically and practically learn about the social impact of deep tech. This program aims to foster leaders who can design investments and businesses with a long-term perspective, considering both the business viability of deep tech and the resolution of social issues.

By bringing together the forefront of university-launched deep tech startups and "fund providers" such as institutional investors and operating companies in an open university setting, the program cultivates human resources who can connect research outcomes to social implementation and pursue both social impact and business viability. This aims to produce key players who will develop deep tech into an industry that transforms society, contributing to the advancement of Japan's innovation ecosystem.

Deep tech, encompassing fields like biotechnology, space, and quantum technology, holds the potential to change social structures. However, it often involves a long timeline to commercialization and requires highly specialized support. As a result, beyond research, capital, human resources, and partnerships necessary for market implementation are often insufficient, leading to a structural disconnect known as the "valley of death."

To overcome this disconnect, the management and financial knowledge and industry networks held by fund providers are extremely crucial resources that go beyond mere capital supply, influencing the strategic design and business growth of deep tech startups. Against this backdrop, this program aims for "fund providers" to acquire the perspective and skills to leverage their strengths, integrate technological potential, social issues, and business viability, and engage as "supporters" of innovation.

This initiative is organized by the Keio University Office for Industry-Academia Collaboration and is implemented as part of an effort adopted by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science's "Program for Strengthening Regional Core and Distinctive Research Universities (J-PEAKS)," aiming to realize Keio University's vision of "a research university that creates common sense for the future."

1. Features of Keio InnovaLab First Cohort

- Practical program specialized in the social impact of deep tech
Using deep tech startups as case studies, participants will explore business and investment approaches from the perspective of pursuing both social impact and business viability.
Through dialogue, utilizing "impact management" and "system x design thinking," participants will learn how to translate technological potential into social value and business viability.

- Small-group, selective training focused on concrete actions for fund providers
Primarily targeting institutional investors and operating companies, the program emphasizes leveraging their management and financial knowledge and networks to drive innovation beyond mere capital supply.
By adopting a small-group, selective approach, each participant brings their own knowledge and concerns, aiming to build actionable plans that can be implemented within their organizations through interactive discussions and hands-on mentoring.

- A platform connecting the forefront of deep tech startups with fund providers
Through visits to research institutes and startup hubs, and dialogue sessions with entrepreneurs and researchers, the program provides opportunities for the deep tech field and fund providers to meet and align their assumptions and problem perceptions.
Following the pilot program conducted in FY2025, the program will continue to foster a community for continuous learning, leveraging the networks formed through the program.

- Issuance of "Keio InnovaLab Certificate of Completion"
Participants who meet the specified conditions will be issued a "Keio InnovaLab Certificate of Completion" (no academic credits are awarded).
This is intended to be utilized as proof of learning on their career path.

2. Application Guidelines Overview

- Target Audience: Fund providers and supporters belonging to financial institutions, operating companies, investment firms, etc., who lead investment in deep tech and university-launched research, or new business development.

- Number of Participants: Approximately 16 (selective process)

- Period and Venue: September to December 2026
(Online introductory sessions, lectures/workshops at Mita Campus, and a residential session in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture are planned)

- Participation Fee: 180,000 JPY (198,000 JPY including consumption tax)

*Includes training program participation fee and some meal expenses. Travel expenses such as transportation to the venue and accommodation costs are to be borne by each participant.

*This program is supported by J-PEAKS, allowing for an accessible participation fee setting through this support.

- Application Period: April 27 to June 15, 2026 (tentative)

*The application guidelines, including the curriculum and application form, are posted on the Keio University Office for Industry-Academia Collaboration website. Please access the site and fill in the necessary information on the designated application form. Selection will be based on the application content.

- Keywords: Deep Tech, Innovation, Social Impact, University-launched Startup, Human Resource Development, Investment, ESG, Keio University