Hakuhodo and UTokyo IPC Launch Applications for "BRIDGE" and "LAUNCH UK" under the "Go Abroad To Scale (GATS)" Program

Hakuhodo Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Kenji Nagura; hereinafter "Hakuhodo") and University of Tokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; President: Kosuke Ueda; hereinafter "UTokyo IPC") are launching the call for applications for two business development support programs, "BRIDGE" and "LAUNCH UK," under the "Go Abroad To Scale (GATS)" initiative. GATS aims to accelerate the commercialization of deep-tech startups originating from Japan by connecting them with top-tier ecosystems in the United States and Europe. In conjunction with this, an online information session will be held on April 22, 2026.

### Aiming to build a new system connecting research to global expertise, talent, and capital While Japanese deep-tech startups are increasing in number and investment volume, significant outcomes like globally competitive companies or large-scale M&As remain limited. This stems from structural challenges in capital, talent, and system design, in addition to technical capabilities. Specifically, the mechanisms to integrally support the journey from research to commercialization, funding, and international expansion, as well as the cultivation of entrepreneurial and investment talent to lead them, are insufficient compared to global standards.

In response, UTokyo IPC and Hakuhodo are promoting "Go Abroad To Scale (GATS)," an integrated program to support the creation and growth of Japan-born deep-tech startups. This initiative acts as a preliminary activity for the Cabinet Office's "Global Startup Campus (GSC) Initiative," focusing on both business support and talent development in collaboration with top global players. We are pleased to announce the start of applications for the business support domain.

### Program 1: "BRIDGE" – Validating and Refining Business Ideas using the Expertise and Support of Top US Non-Profits This practical program focuses on creating startups from research results in collaboration with "Activate," a leading US non-profit in the deep-tech ecosystem. Activate has an exceptional track record, having created over 230 startups with a cumulative funding total exceeding $5 billion.

Over approximately nine months, this program provides training to enhance entrepreneurial decision-making and business-building skills, while multidimensionally validating technical market fit and commercialization strategies. Furthermore, by connecting with strong networks involving large US corporations, investors, government agencies, and philanthropists, participants can push for business development tailored for the global market from the research stage. The goal is to reduce uncertainty in the early phases of deep-tech entrepreneurship and accelerate the creation of internationally competitive startups. For application details: https://gats-web.jp/program2/bridge

### Program 2: "LAUNCH UK" – Connecting with the European Ecosystem to Gain Implementation Power in Climate Tech and Physical AI/Robotics This program aims to build commercialization capabilities directly linked to global market expansion by connecting participants to deep-tech commercialization processes in the UK and Europe. With Imperial College London (ICL) as the core partner, it will be implemented in collaboration with ICL's ecosystem, which has led the commercialization of research results in fields such as Climate Tech, AI, and Physical AI/Robotics. Through programs like SuperConnector, ICL has built a practical foundation for business creation that connects researchers with industry and investors, continuously producing high-profile startups.

This program provides integrated support for business hypothesis validation, team formation, industrial collaboration, and fundraising preparation, allowing participants to advance commercialization while deepening their understanding of European market opportunities and regulatory environments. Europe leads the world in regulations and market designs, particularly in decarbonization, making it a strategic market where Japan-born technologies in physical AI/robotics and climate tech can demonstrate superiority. Instead of existing markets with intensifying competition, this program provides opportunities for business development in Europe as a hub for direct connection with global rule-makers. For application details: https://gats-web.jp/program2/launch_UK

### Information Session for Current Programs In addition to "BRIDGE" and "LAUNCH UK," an online information session will be held on Wednesday, April 22, for the talent development programs "CONNECT" and "INSPIRE," which have been open for applications since February. We welcome participation from those aiming to commercialize research or contribute to Japan's startup ecosystem through venture capital experience.

**Information Session Overview** Hosts: UTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd., Hakuhodo Inc. Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 13:00–15:00 Location: Online Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LREGiz-XSbGuzbErSCCwYg#/registration Target Audience: - Business Support: Graduate students, researchers, PhD holders, etc. - Talent Development: Technical college students, undergraduates, graduates, professionals, etc.

Main Content: - Overview of GSC and GATS programs - Introduction of individual GATS programs - Q&A

### Go Abroad To Scale (GATS): Building a Global Startup Ecosystem through Cultivation and Support Go Abroad To Scale (GATS) is an integrated framework to support the creation and growth of Japan-born deep-tech startups from both talent and business perspectives under the Global Startup Campus initiative. Its mission is to transform Japan's overall innovation ecosystem and build a world-class innovation hub by collaborating with outstanding domestic and international researchers, startups, visionary VCs, accelerators, and corporations. GATS works with top-tier global players, including prestigious NPOs and universities, to provide seamless and comprehensive support from the research stage to entrepreneurship, commercialization, and social implementation.

GATS will establish a global ecosystem in Japan where talent, knowledge, networks, and capital circulate, supporting the medium-to-long-term growth and international competitiveness of Japan-born deep-tech startups across research, entrepreneurship, and commercialization phases.

**About the Global Startup Campus (GSC) Initiative** The GSC initiative is a government effort to build a world-class innovation hub and create startups in deep-tech fields from Japan. To attract global talent and investment, "preliminary activities" are underway to support R&D and commercialization by researchers. UTokyo IPC (lead proposer) and Hakuhodo (co-proposer) have been selected as the management support entities for the "Business Support" and "Talent Development (Fellowship)" fields.

**Tokyo University Innovation Platform Co., Ltd. (UTokyo IPC)** Established: January 2016 Shareholder: National University Corporation The University of Tokyo (100%) Location: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo URL: https://www.utokyo-ipc.co.jp/

**Hakuhodo Inc.** Founded: October 6, 1895 Location: Minato-ku, Tokyo URL: https://www.hakuhodo.co.jp/

**Inquiries regarding applications and the information session** GATS Management Office: Kawai/Tsuchiya – press@gats-web.jp