Grubio Inc. and The University of Tokyo TLO Ltd. Partner to Launch Internship Program for PhD Students Specializing in Technology Transfer Operations

Tokyo Tech-certified venture, Grubio Inc. (Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Ryuhi Sato; hereinafter "Grubio"), which creates opportunities for co-creation between PhD talents and universities, companies, and society, has partnered with The University of Tokyo TLO Ltd. (Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Keiko Honda; hereinafter "Todai TLO"), a technology transfer organization of National University Corporation The University of Tokyo, to launch an internship program for PhD students to undertake practical technology transfer operations at universities, starting in May 2026.

## Background and Objectives

A TLO (Technology Licensing Organization) is a core institution for industry-academia collaboration that patents research results from universities and connects them to societal implementation through licensing to companies. While efforts in technology transfer are steadily progressing in Japan, as of 2025, there are only 29 holders of the international certification RTTP (Registered Technology Transfer Professional) in Japan, compared to 1,025 worldwide. Furthermore, roles involved in technology transfer are specialized professions that require a long training period, making early participation by the younger generation, who will be future leaders, crucial. However, due to a lack of sufficient understanding of the job content and its appeal, combined with almost no opportunities to experience the practical work before employment, the talent pool has been difficult to expand.

In a survey of PhD students conducted by Grubio in collaboration with a think tank, it was revealed that while a certain number of students were interested in careers in TLOs and industry-academia collaboration coordinators, many responded with "I cannot get a concrete image of the job content," indicating a significant gap between interest and actual understanding. Technology transfer coordinators are required to have advanced practical skills, ranging from understanding the content of inventions to market research, proposing to companies, and marketing activities. However, internship programs that allow students to systematically experience such operations have not been adequately developed in Japan.

In response to this situation, Grubio partnered with Todai TLO to design and launch this program, where PhD students participate in technology transfer support operations targeting actual invention cases.

## Program Overview

In this program, participants will engage in proposing to companies for commercialization and exploring utilization opportunities for actual invention cases handled by Todai TLO, gaining practical experience in the following technology transfer support operations. Unlike conventional information sessions or short-term experiential programs, this program is designed to directly involve participants in Todai TLO's practical work, with Grubio providing accompanying support for the program's design and operation.

Participants will handle the entire technology transfer process on a real-case basis, from understanding the content of the target invention and examining its commercialization potential (research and commercialization scenario planning) to preparing approaches to companies, actual proposals and contacts with companies, and finally, collecting and organizing the acquired information.

This program is designed not only as an internship for job hunting but also as a practical learning opportunity within the doctoral program. Regardless of whether one pursues a career in the technology transfer industry, academia, or the private sector, practical experience in technology transfer and industry-academia collaboration, along with its perspective, will be an important skill set for researchers and professionals. We believe that expanding opportunities for PhD students to engage in industry-academia collaboration will lead to the overall strengthening of the technology transfer industry and the nurturing of next-generation talent, and we will continuously promote these efforts through this program.

## How to Apply

Please apply using the form below. After reviewing your application, an online interview will be conducted.

Applications for both the 1st and 2nd terms are accepted via the same form, and you can select your preferred term during application. If the schedule for the 1st term does not suit you, please consider participating in the 2nd term.

**Implementation Period**
- ▸ 1st Term: Mid-May to Mid-July 2026 (tentative)
- ▸ 2nd Term: Early July to Mid-September 2026 (tentative)
*Specific start and end dates will be flexibly adjusted to accommodate the participant's laboratory schedule and situation. Also, the implementation period may change.*

**Application Deadline**
- ▸ 1st Term: May 10, 2026 (Sat) 23:59 *Applications will close once capacity is reached.*
- ▸ 2nd Term: Accepting applications at any time (you can apply from now)

- ▸ Application Form: https://forms.gle/vQ3PH5SDiuaPuuvJ8
- ▸ Inquiries: info@grubio.jp (Subject: [TLO Internship Inquiry])

Consultations before applying, such as concerns about your lab situation or participation, are also welcome. Please feel free to contact us.

**The University of Tokyo TLO Ltd.**
**Representative Director: Keiko Honda**

"We are delighted to provide PhD talents with the opportunity to experience the forefront of university technology transfer, together with Grubio."