UTokyo IPC and Cyber Valley launch Market Exploration Program

The Market Exploration Program is a product of the strategic partnership between Cyber Valley, Europe’s leading center for excellence in AI and modern robotics, and UTokyo IPC, the venture investment arm of the University of Tokyo. It opens up UTokyo IPC’s academic and corporate networks to Cyber Valley start-ups, accelerating their market entry and commercialization in Japan and offering them a competitive advantage in global markets. 

Selected start-ups will receive:

• Up to €50,000 in non-dilutive funding for initial market entry.
• Access to Japanese corporate executives, strategic investors, and regulatory expertise.
• Customized Proof of Concept (PoC) partnerships with top-tier Japanese enterprises.
• Six months of personalized mentorship, networking opportunities, and guidance for successful market integration.

Applications for the Market Exploration Program will be open from October 28 until November 28, 2025, with selected start-ups beginning the program in spring 2026. Up to two start-ups from the Cyber Valley Start-up Network will participate in the program. 

Florian Mayer, Managing Director, Cyber Valley GmbH:

“The Market Exploration Program offers German start-ups a unique opportunity to gain insights, connections, and opportunities in one of the world’s most advanced economies. The program encourages cross-border innovation between Germany and Japan, supporting deeptech start-ups from the Cyber Valley ecosystem in Baden-Württemberg to thrive on a global scale."

Angelina Jukic, Program Manager, Cyber Valley GmbH:

“This initiative has come to life through our close collaboration with UTokyo IPC. The Market Exploration Program turns our shared vision into reality – connecting German AI and robotics start-ups with Japan’s leading investors, corporates, and researchers, and strengthening collaboration between our two innovation ecosystems.”

Hideki Nagasaka, Partner & Director, 1stRound, UTokyo IPC:

“Through our collaboration with Cyber Valley, we are building a truly global platform, empowering German start-ups not only to succeed in the Japanese market but also to thrive internationally. We envision a dynamic ecosystem where innovation seamlessly flows between Germany, Japan, and beyond, creating lasting global impact.”

About UTokyo IPC

UTokyo IPC was established in 2016 as a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Tokyo, aiming to further develop the venture ecosystem cultivated in and around the University of Tokyo. Alongside investing in over 60 university-related start-ups both domestically and internationally through two funds, UTokyo IPC provides comprehensive hands-on support, including human resource assistance. It also operates "1stRound", Japan's largest cross-university accelerator, co-sponsored by 14 universities. This program is designed to accelerate the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies and ideas emerging from universities. By collaborating with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including universities, corporations, venture capitals, and the government, UTokyo IPC plays a pivotal role in the global innovation landscape, fostering cross-border collaboration and the development of transformative technologies. 

About Cyber Valley

Cyber Valley is Europe’s largest and leading center for excellence in artificial intelligence and modern robotics. Its mission and public mandate are to advocate for research, development, application, and acceptance of technologies and methods in intelligent systems. Cyber Valley encourages entrepreneurship by uniting scientific excellence with innovation and technology transfer. In addition, Cyber Valley facilitates critical reflection on the ethical and social implications of AI through public engagement. Cyber Valley envisions a future in which the full potential of intelligent systems is leveraged for the greater good of the world.   

Media Contact

hazel.rowland@cyber-valley.de (Cyber Valley GmbH)