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Announcement UTEC Summer Internship for MBA and Ph.D. Students 2026

About UTEC 
The University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners (UTEC) is a leading venture capital firm in Japan, established in 2004. With a mission to create new industries that address global challenges through science and technology, UTEC invests in and supports startups by providing not only capital but also strategic, operational, and human resource support. 

As of April 2025, UTEC launched its 6th fund with total assets under management of approximately JPY 130 billion (approx. USD 1 billion) and 159 portfolio companies. Among them, 20 have gone public and 22 have achieved successful exits through M&A. 

Representative success stories include:
PeptiDream Inc. - A drug discovery platform company that leverages fundamental technologies developed by Professor Hiroaki Suga of the University of Tokyo, focused on the translation, synthesis, modification, and screening of peptides. We have supported this company since its foundation. It was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) Mothers in June 2013 and then advanced to the TSE First Section in December 2015. 

Finatext Holdings Ltd. — A provider of fintech solutions to the financial sector and other industries, leveraging advanced digital technology and data analysis capabilities. UTEC began its support for the company during its Series A round in 2015. Subsequently, the company was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) Mothers in December 2021.   

Microwave Chemical Co., Ltd. — The company specializes in manufacturing and selling products that capitalize on microwave chemical processes. It was co-founded by Iwao Yoshino, previously with Mitsui & Co., and Mr. Tsukahara, who employed the research findings of Associate Professor Yasunori Tsukahara from Osaka University. UTEC has been an ardent supporter of the company from its early stages, participating in every financial round up to Series C. The company made its debut on the TSE Growth Market in June 2022.   

OriCiro Genomics Inc. — Founded in December 2018, the company was established to bring to market a cell-free DNA synthesis technology pioneered by Professor Masayuki Suetsugu of Rikkyo University. From its infancy, UTEC recognized the potential of this innovation and spearheaded the startup's evolution and commercialization journey, including the assembly of a robust management team. In February 2023, the company entered into an acquisition agreement with Moderna, Inc., a trailblazer in mRNA vaccine development. 

Recently, Professor Shimon Sakaguchi, founder of UTEC portfolio company RegCell, was awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of regulatory T cells (Treg) and his pioneering work on immune tolerance. UTEC has been supporting RegCell in its organizational development, global expansion, and R&D acceleration under Japan’s AMED drug discovery programs. 

UTEC Internship 2026 Overview 
We are now inviting applications for the UTEC Internship Program 2026 for overseas MBA and Ph.D. students. 
We seek passionate individuals eager to take on the challenge of building and investing in science and technology startups that can change the world. 

Special Feature: UTEC 6 Launch 
Forbes Feature: 
Japanese VC Firm UTEC Launches $326 Million Fund 

Podcast (in Japanese): 
[Ep. 25] Behind the Scenes of Building a ¥47B Fund — Reflections on Two Decades of Japan’s VC Ecosystem 
[Ep. 26] Launching a New Fund Amid Market Turbulence — The Strategic Edge of UTEC6 

Past Interns’ Voices 
Special note Article: 
 [UTEC MBA Summer Internship Record] Exploring Your Potential and Career Path in Venture Capital  

Podcast Feature Episode: 
MBA Students Share Their Diverse Internship Experiences and Behind-the-Scenes at Venture Capital (Part 1) — Why They Chose UTEC, What was their Job Responsibilities, and Memorable Moments [Guests: Mina Hamada, Shincho Zu, Kana Okada]   

Positions and Number of Openings 
Venture Capital Interns: up to 3 positions 
Interns will gain hands-on exposure to the full scope of venture capital work—from investment evaluation and due diligence to supporting portfolio companies in areas such as business strategy, technology, accounting, legal affairs, and IP. 
Each intern’s program will be customized based on career interests and background. 

Duration 
8–10 weeks between May and September 2026 
(Minimum 6 consecutive weeks required; flexible coordination with other internship schedules possible.) 

Eligibility 
Students currently enrolled in MBA, Ph.D., or other master’s/doctoral programs abroad, graduating in 2026 onwards. 
Open to all nationalities, and majors. 
* Pre-MBA candidates may reach out separately for discussion. 
* Applicants sponsored by their employers are not eligible unless they intend to pursue a new career after graduation. 

Requirements 
Must-have: 
Strong aspiration to pursue a post-graduate career as a venture capitalist or startup management leader. 

Preferred: 
Experience in entrepreneurship, investment banking, consulting, trading companies, or startups. 

Selection Process 
Selected applicants will be invited for multiple interviews (primarily online) with UTEC venture capitalists. 
When submitting your application, please include both your CV and a cover letter containing short essays responding to the following questions (in English or Japanese): 

  1. What role do you think venture capital firms that invest in science- and technology-driven startups (like UTEC) should play in society? 
  2. If you join UTEC, how would you like to fulfill that role as a venture capitalist? 

Application Deadline 
Sunday, November 30, 2025 (JST noon) 

Compensation 
Competitive remuneration provided 
Travel and accommodation support available 
Business travel expenses covered 
(Details will be shared with shortlisted candidates.) 

Location 
UTEC Offices (Tokyo): 
① 3F, South Research Building, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku 
② 5F, Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza B, 5-9-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku 
(Depending on assigned projects, interns may also work at portfolio or prospective investee companies — negotiable.) 

Application 
Please apply via the form below: 
https://share-na2.hsforms.com/1Nn492j7fT0-foiVaYF88bwc3fla