Selection of Partner Entities for Global Startup Campus (GSC) Initiative Pilot Activities
The Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat under the Cabinet Office has announced the selection of prospective awardees of partner entities that will play a key role in supporting the implementation of the Global Startup Campus (GSC) Initiative Pilot Activities.
Additionally, they have selected host institutions that will accept international researchers for the Talent Development (Fellowship) Program.
The mission of the Global Startup Campus (GSC) initiative is to transform Japan’s innovation ecosystem and build a global hub of world-class innovation ecosystems through collaboration with ambitious researchers, startups, forward-thinking venture capital firms (VCs), accelerators, and companies from both Japan and abroad.
To implement (1) an International Research Program, which aims to attract researchers and investors, (2) a Venture Builder Program and (3) a Talent Development Program as the pilot activities of this initiative, the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat conducted a public call for proposals from external entities to support these programs from July 15 to August 22, 2025, resulting in a total of 36 submissions. Similarly, a call for host institutions that accept international researchers was held during the same period, receiving proposals from nine institutions.
Following a review by external experts on the Steering Committee, which advises on the overall operation of the pilot activities, five groups were selected as the prospective awardees of Partner Entities, and five universities were selected as the host institutions.
The Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat will process the contracting procedures with those entities and institutions and vigorously promote the pilot activities of the GSC Initiative, cooperating with relevant ministries.
Norbert Gehrke
