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Welcome to our first newsletter

Size isn't everything. When Nature journal normalized its annual rankings of the top academic institutions in 2019 based on research output, the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology punched far above its weight, ranking 9th in the world and 1st in Japan and recently was shown to be on a level playing field with larger top institutions. Despite OIST being small and young, the science is just that good.

The Technology Development & Innovation Center is at the heart of OIST's strategy to transform its research into innovative technologies that can solve problems in the world. This newsletter sets out to help you gain invaluable insight into these cutting-edge research, education, and innovation programs.

It was challenging to select only a handful of people and technologies to highlight in our very first newsletter, but we think you will be excited to hear about the latest and greatest at OIST.
  • Spotlights illuminate the most innovative technologies, research, programs, and people that OIST has to offer the world.
  • Events are our can't-miss seminars, workshops, and meet-ups, both physical and virtual.
  • Jobs isn't just about the 9-to-5. We will give you the inside scoop on some of the coolest jobs available at OIST and in our portfolio of startups.
  • News collects stories from around the globe showcasing the achievements of OIST Innovators.

Are you ready? Let's Go!
TECHNOLOGY SPOTLIGHT
Improved Viral Vector for Regenerative Medicine
 
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are critical to the development of regenerative medicine, new therapies that can help the body repair, restore, and establish normal functioning in disease and aging. ESCs are extremely difficult to control however, requiring precise chemical and genetic interventions, each method having distinct disadvantages. Researchers in the lab of Professor Yohei Yokobayashi developed a novel viral vector that can precisely control ESC differentiation while avoiding the drawbacks of current technologies. The viral vector is available for licensing and collaborative co-development.
License
 
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT
  Metabolomic Indicators of Aging and Dementia
 
Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to analyze blood and saliva, Professor Mitsuhiro Yanagida and colleagues identified dozens of metabolites that correlate with aging and dementia, which the group published in PNAS and Nature Scientific Reports. These findings have broad significance in the development of standard indicators and non-invasive tests for age-related disorders. The technology is available for collaborative co-development.
Read More
 
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
Accelerate Your Startup at OIST
OIST offers tailored support for startups at 2 stages of their development:

Innovation Square Accelerator: I2 is OIST's signature 10-month, in-residency acceleration program aimed at supporting the next-generation of entrepreneurs at the early stages of their startup journey. The program offers non-dilutive grant funding and a suite of dedicated business development resources to help you build your MVP and connect to your first customers. Applications are open now through 4 Feb 2022.

OIST-Beyond Next Ventures Innovation Hub: OIST and Beyond Next Ventures partnered to invest in deeptech startups in Japan. The two organizations launched the OIST-BNV Innovation Hub (OBI-Hub), a platform for eligible startups to gain access to venture capital investment from BNV and bespoke business services from OIST to bring their innovations to market. If your startup has some customer traction, is at the cusp of raising its first venture funding round, and can benefit from incubating at OIST, then OBI-Hub is your gateway to the world! Applications for Round I are being accepted now through 30 Jan 2022.

Join the emerging and buoyant entrepreneurial community growing around OIST!
 
PEOPLE SPOTLIGHT
Introducing our new EVP Gil Granot-Mayer
We are delighted to welcome Gil Granot-Mayer as Executive Vice President of the OIST Technology Development and Innovation Center. Gil comes to us from Israel where he was CEO of Yeda, the research commercialization arm of the Weizmann Institute of Science.

Read an article Gil co-authored in the Sangakukan Renkei Journal that outlines strategies to leverage science to benefit humanity (Japanese original | English translation).
Meet Gil
 
Join the Innovation Network @OIST (INO)
The Innovation Network at OIST (INO), is a platform for companies to connect with OIST faculty, researchers, students.

INO was launched on 9 Dec 2021 with a live panel discussion on the power of academic-industry partnerships on innovation. We learned ways to optimize the complex relationship between academia and industry and were inspired by the expertise of our panelists.

Top 5 takeaways from the event:
  1. Strive for mutual understanding and respect of each partner's business culture and goals
  2. Ensure that there is a transparent structure in place for partnerships and optimize the process to promote ease of doing business
  3. Aim for long-term relationships
  4. Academic researchers should cultivate an "industry mindset" in partnerships
  5. Industry researchers should keep updated on cutting edge research at universities

Become a member of INO today to access additional networking events and updates on OIST's research, education, and innovation programs. We offer two levels of increasing engagement to meet the diverse needs of your company.
Join INO
 
Meet us at...
 
We are looking to fill a key position at OIST
 
Are you interested in leading a popular and well-resourced program that supports the very best innovators in their journey towards commercializing their inventions? Do you find yourself excited by seeing new discoveries transformed into useful products that can save the world? You might be the perfect Manager of the POC Program.
See Jobs
 
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