[Event Report] HVC KYOTO Held: Expanding International Life Sciences Co-creation from Kyoto to the World

On July 14, 2026, the HVC KYOTO (Healthcare Venture Conference KYOTO) Demo Day was held in Kyoto. Organized through collaboration among JETRO, the Kyoto Prefectural Government, the Kyoto City Government, Kyoto Research Park, and other partners, the event brought together healthcare startups, pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, venture capital firms (VCs), and research institutions from Japan and abroad. Participants engaged in networking aimed at creating new business partnerships and investment opportunities.

The Demo Day featured English-language pitch sessions by startups specializing in the life sciences sector, as well as business matching with companies and investors interested in exploring joint research projects, business alliances, and investment opportunities. As one of the organizing institutions, JETRO also participated in the event's management and presented the JETRO Award to startups with strong potential for future international expansion and cross-border collaboration.

HVC KYOTO is an innovation platform that connects domestic and international startups developing innovative technologies in the life sciences field with pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, venture capital firms (VCs), incubators, and other stakeholders. It particularly focuses on supporting pre-seed and early-stage startups by providing networking and collaboration opportunities for business growth and helping bring research outcomes into practical use.

In recent years, competition to drive innovation in the life sciences sector has increased on a global scale, making it important not only to advance research capabilities but also to build ecosystems to connect companies and investors. HVC KYOTO continues to evolve as a venue for international co-creation.

UK-based drug discovery startup Argonaute RNA, a participant in the event, is developing novel therapeutics using siRNA^(*) (small interfering RNA). The company regards Japan as one of its key markets and is highly attracted to its advanced research and development environment and healthcare infrastructure.

Anthony Parker, Executive Chairman of Argonaute RNA, spoke positively of the Japanese market, saying, “It offers a highly attractive environment for advancing clinical research, with world-class researchers and medical institutions.” He has expressed interest in potential collaboration with research institutions in the Kansai region, including Kyoto University Hospital.

Expanding into Japan also presents challenges, including differences in regulations, language, and business practices. Parker noted that collaboration with local experts and partners is essential for doing business in Japan. At the same time, he said that Japan represents a market with significant potential for the development and implementation of innovative treatments, as its aging population is driving strong demand for solutions to healthcare challenges, including cardiovascular disease. Through ongoing discussions with pharmaceutical companies and investors, the company is laying the groundwork for future business expansion in Japan.

Kyoto University Innovation Capital (iCAP) is a venture capital firm that supports the creation and growth of university-born startups. Osami Kono of iCAP points to Kyoto’s strengths as the concentration of world-class universities and research institutions, as well as an environment that enables close collaboration among universities, companies, and support organizations.

Kyoto University is advancing next-generation technology research not only in life sciences and regenerative medicine but also in quantum computing and decarbonization technologies. However, outstanding research results do not automatically lead to successful commercialization. Kono emphasized the importance of researchers and business professionals working together from an early stage to develop businesses with due consideration for intellectual property and market potential.

Tomoyoshi Koyanagi, who oversees HVC KYOTO, explained that the value of the event lies in providing an environment where startups can present their ideas in English and engage directly with global pharmaceutical companies and investors.

While Japan's research capabilities are highly regarded around the world, there is still room for growth in translating research outcomes into commercialization and implementation. In response, HVC KYOTO has been addressing this challenge by connecting universities, companies, investors, and government institutions.

He also noted that the Kyoto-Kansai region is home to abundant research resources and has enormous potential in the life sciences field. Koyanagi said he aims to build an innovation hub that connects directly with the world across borders by leveraging the region's unique strengths, distinct from those of Tokyo, and expanding opportunities for engagement with overseas startups and investors.

At this HVC KYOTO Demo Day, not only did startups pitch their ideas, but overseas companies, universities, investors, and support organizations gathered to discuss the future of life sciences. The connections forged at the event are expected to lead to future joint research projects, business partnerships, and investment opportunities.

JETRO will continue to promote collaboration between overseas companies and Japanese research institutions and companies, support investment in Japan, and encourage the international expansion of Japanese innovation. It is hoped that the international co-creation fostered at HVC KYOTO will generate new innovations that spread from Kyoto to the world.

If you are interested in life sciences business opportunities in Japan, please feel free to contact JETRO. Through its network of offices across Japan, JETRO can provide the latest regional information and a wide range of support services for investment in Japan.