This winter semester, the University of Tokyo will launch a new course titled “Science & Technology Entrepreneurship: Aiming for Global Expansion” taught by Dr. Tomotaka Goji, CEO of UTEC (The University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners).

The course will be offered under the Department of Technology Management for Innovation, Graduate School of Engineering at the University of Tokyo, and is designed for graduate students who aspire to launch startups in the fields of science and technology. Taught in English, the course will be led by Dr. Tomotaka Goji, with members of UTEC providing additional support.

The course will also feature guest lectures by CEOs from UTEC’s portfolio companies that are leading innovation in their respective fields — including RegCell, which is commercializing the groundbreaking research of Dr. Shimon Sakaguchi, recipient of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine; Tier IV in autonomous driving; BionicM in robotic prosthetics; and SUN METALON in sustainable metal recycling.

The course introduces the unique challenges and opportunities faced by startups emerging from academic research. Unlike traditional IT ventures, science and technology startups require long-term investment horizons, strong intellectual property strategies, and specialized funding mechanisms. By drawing on insights from venture capitalists and entrepreneurs, the course provides a practical framework for addressing these challenges and advancing innovation from university research to real-world impact.

We encourage graduate students at the University of Tokyo who aspire to launch startups to consider taking this course.

Class Information
[Course] Science & Technology Entrepreneurship: Aiming for Global Expansion
[Course Code] 3792-178
[Common Course Code] GEN-TM6m36L3
[Semester offered] A2
[Year] The Graduate School of the University of Tokyo M1/M2/D1/D2/D3/D4
[Main Instructor] Tomotaka Goji (Adjunct Lecturer)
[Registration Deadline] October 23, 2025 (Thu)
[Language] English
[Lecture Schedule]
Dec. 2 (Tue) Session #1
- Overview of the course
- Evaluate the business potential of academic research including intellectual property potentials
Dec. 9 (Tue) Session #2
- Identify and utilize funding sources, including public grants and venture capital
Dec. 16 (Tue) Session #3
- Develop strategies for team formation, leadership, and startup management.
Dec. 23 (Tue) Session #4
- Gain insights into research and product development processes for successful market entry
Jan. 6 (Tue) Session #5
- Formulate strategies for scaling globally and overcoming international expansion challenges
Jan. 13 (Tue) Session #6
- Learn about corporate governance
Jan. 27 (Tue) Session #7
- Understand key exit strategies such as M&A and IPO
- Wrap-up