A Night to Experience the Future of Kansai: Special Event on Cutting-Edge Medical and Life Sciences from Osaka's Nakanoshima to the World

CIC Japan LLC (headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Denise M. Meadlinka, hereinafter "CIC") will host a special event on May 28, 2026, at Osaka Life Science Nexus by Nippon Life and CIC (hereinafter "O-Nexus"), a life science-focused innovation campus established through a joint project with Nippon Life Insurance Company at Nakanoshima Qross, an international hub for future medicine in Osaka's Nakanoshima district. The event aims to foster globally impactful innovation originating from the Kansai region.

With growing international and domestic attention on the Kansai region following the 2025 Osaka-Kansai World Expo, this event will bring together leading figures from Japan and abroad at the forefront of medicine, health, and biotechnology to discuss Kansai’s potential to connect with the world and the innovations that will transform future lifestyles.

The event will feature presentations on collaboration initiatives with world-renowned innovation hubs such as Boston, USA, and Berlin, Germany, as well as exhibitions by O-Nexus resident companies, networking opportunities among participants, and facility tour programs (by prior reservation) offering access to areas not normally open to the public.

We invite you to experience firsthand at the venue where the world and Kansai intersect at the cutting edge.

O-Nexus: Osaka Life Science Nexus - THE SHOWCASE - Registration

Venue

Osaka Life Science Nexus, 4-3-51 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka, Nakanoshima Qross 8th and 9th floors

Program

17:30 Door Open

18:00 - 18:05 Introduction to O-Nexus (JP)

18:10 - 18:50 (TBC) Session 1: The Potential of the Kyoto–Osaka–Kobe Life Science Ecosystem (JP)

19:00 - 19:05 Special Guest talk (coming soon!)

19:15 - 20:00 Session 2: O-Nexus: Your Gateway to Global Innovation (ENG)

20:00 - 20:30 Networking

20:30 Closing

Demo Table

19:00 - 20:30 O-Nexus Member Demo Table

O-Nexus Tour

18:00 Facility Tour 1

18:10 Facility Tour 2

19:10 Facility Tour 3

20:00 Facility Tour 4

O-Nexus Tour Pre-Registration Form

Speakers

◤Session 1: The Kansai Life Science Ecosystem Connecting with the World

O-Nexus aims to create a life science ecosystem that connects not only Osaka but the entire Kansai region. This session will explore co-creation possibilities among universities, research institutions, companies, and government, focusing on the theme "Why Kansai?" and highlighting the region’s unique strengths and its future vision connected to the global stage.

【Speakers】

Shinobu Suzuki, Kyoto University

(Senior Innovation Producer & Head of Innovation Domain, Headquarters for Strategy on Growth; Visiting Professor, Organization for Industry-Academia Collaboration in the Medical Field) Graduated from Osaka University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, licensed pharmacist. Earned a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences (thesis doctorate) from the Graduate School of Osaka University. Conducted fundamental research (molecular biology and immunology) at the University of Toronto and RIKEN, followed by exploratory research roles at Bayer Pharmaceuticals, AbbVie, and Boehringer Ingelheim. Has led numerous initiatives to identify and nurture academic-originated research seeds in collaboration with universities and research institutions in Japan and abroad. Leveraging this experience, he currently drives research strategy planning, joint research development, and industry-academia bridging, with a focus on translating basic research into clinical applications, entrepreneurship, and international expansion. He is also actively involved in accelerating the social implementation of life sciences, building international networks, and supporting the growth of young researchers.

Haruhiko Koike, Ph.D., Kobe Organization for Medical Innovation

(Group Leader, Drug Discovery & Bio Group, Startup Group, Cluster Promotion Center) Completed the doctoral program at the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima University (Pharmaceutical Doctor). Joined Sumitomo Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (now Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd.) in 1991. Engaged in pharmacological research at the Comprehensive Research Institute, then involved in planning and developing strategies for cardiovascular, diabetes, and oncology areas in corporate and clinical development divisions, including execution of international joint clinical trials. Since 2023, has been involved in industry-academia-government collaboration in drug discovery and biotechnology, startup incubation support, and international expansion initiatives at the Kobe Organization for Medical Innovation.

Lei Liu, Ph.D., AstraZeneca K.K.

(Director, Innovation Partnerships & i2.JP) Joined a global medical device manufacturer as a new graduate, working on R&D of medical devices and collaborative research with universities. Later transitioned to a domestic consulting firm/think tank, leading the formation and promotion of consortia focused on autonomous driving and frailty. After working with startups and life insurance companies, joined AstraZeneca K.K. in January 2020. Led the establishment and operation of "i2.JP."

Engaged in launching collaborative projects with academic institutions and venture companies to realize "patient-centricity."

【Moderator】

Ayano Kagami, CIC Catalyst APAC

(Director) Withdrew from the doctoral program in Biochemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo (Ph.D. in Science), and completed the master’s program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (System Design & Management). Joined the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in 2012, working on life science policy. After studying at MIT, held positions including Advisor to the Cabinet Office’s Policy Coordination Office, before joining CIC in 2021.

Currently supports the growth and international expansion of life science startups.

◤Session 2: O-Nexus: Your Gateway to Global Innovation

【Speaker】

Shino Tsuchiya, CIC Catalyst APAC

(Global Partner) Graduated from the Master’s Program at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo. Has led new business development in the innovation ecosystem field for over 20 years.