HVC KYOTO 2025 Now Accepting Applications!

News & Activities

17 March 2025

HVC KYOTO 2025 is now accepting applications. We welcome startups seeking partnerships and joint research opportunities with Japanese and overseas companies, as well as those looking for fundraising. We also encourage entrepreneurial researchers aiming to commercialize their research results.

HVC KYOTO provides opportunities for selected seed-stage (including pre-seed) to early-stage startups to connect with partners and contributors for their growth. Demo Day features Japan's largest healthcare-focused startup pitch session in English, facilitating matchmaking between startups, business alliance partners, joint research collaborators, and investors. This year's Demo Day is scheduled for June 30 and July 1.

The follow-up events after Demo Day include the following:

Symposium on Regenerative Medicine: Featuring leading figures in the field, this symposium will highlight the latest technology trends, regulations, and national strategies, with Kyoto serving as a key hub.
Alumni Showcase: A testament to HVC KYOTO's impact, this event will feature past selected startups sharing how they have grown their businesses and the key lessons they have learned.

These events offer valuable insights and networking opportunities for startups.

Comment from the Lead Advisor

Comment from the Advisor

Eligibility

Seed to early-stage startups in the healthcare domain, including drug discovery, bioscience, medical devices, and digital health, as well as entrepreneurial researchers aiming to commercialize their research achievements.

Alumni

Annual Schedule

Selected startups that successfully pass the review are eligible to participate in HVC KYOTO's annual programs.

Benefit for Selected Startups

Before Demo Day

On Demo Day（Scheduled for June 30 and July 1, 2025）

Demo Day Awards (Tentative)

- - Research Grant (Tentative)
  - Free 6-month access to a shared rental lab with equipment at "Turnkey Lab Kento" and service offices at "KRP BIZ NEXT."
  - Round-trip travel tickets for SLUSH (November 19-20, 2025) and a chance for meetings with local support organizations (SLUSH ticket costs and accommodation are the responsibility of the selected startup).
    Last year's results can be found here.
  - Opportunity to speak at XTC JAPAN (February to March 2026).

Additional prizes and benefits provided by the hosting organization and partners are currently being finalized.

After Demo Day

How to Enter

Download and complete the Entry Sheet. Once completed, email the Entry Sheet to the following address: hvckyoto@krp.co.jp

*Entry Deadline：Sunday, March 23, 2025

Reference

HVC KYOTO 2024 Partners

HVC KYOTO 2024 Demo Day Report

HVC KYOTO Awards & Recognition

In February 2025, HVC KYOTO was honored with the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Prize at the 7th Japan Open Innovation Prize, hosted by the Cabinet Office.
HVC KYOTO was recognized for establishing an international platform to support startups in the healthcare sector, with a strong track record in fundraising and business matching. It was also acknowledged as a potential role model in fostering global collaboration and advancing open innovation platforms.

In March 2023, HVC KYOTO received the Encouragement Award in the Ecosystem Category at the IP BASE AWARD, organized by the Japan Patent Office.
Later that year, in September, it was ranked third in the world in the IASP Inspiration Solutions Program, hosted by the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP).

These achievements reflect HVC KYOTO's growing recognition as a leading platform both domestically and internationally.