Programs - ILS2025 | Innovation Leaders Summit

1st Dec. 10:00 | 10:40

1st Dec. 10:00 - 10:40

Toranomon Hills 5F Meeting Room1

Seminar

Stablecoins and Tokenized Deposits Are Transforming Payments!

Finance / Insurance / Cryptocurrency

In the United States, stablecoins such as USDC are emerging as a new means of payment, while in Japan, JPYC has also been launched as a stablecoin. Meanwhile, Hokkoku Bank introduced Japan’s first tokenized deposits in April 2024, and Japan Post Bank announced a proof-of-concept (PoC). These developments suggest that payment systems are undergoing significant transformations in both the Web3 and traditional economic spheres.

\ NOW ON STAGE /

Yuki Kamimoto│N.Avenue, CEO

In 2018, founded N. Avenue Inc., a Web3-focused media and information service under Yahoo Japan, and assumed the position of CEO. In 2023, the company spun out to operate CoinDesk Japan, the official Japanese edition of CoinDesk, as well as a corporate membership community. She also serves as a board member of the Japan Blockchain Association(JBA). She is the editor and co-author of "Web3 and Crypto Assets: Future Predictions from 13 Experts."

\ NOW ON STAGE /

Noritaka Okabe│JPYC, CEO

While studying at Hitotsubashi University, he founded his first company and later established Japan Cryptoasset Market Inc.(now JPYC Inc.) in 2019. Since 2021, the company has been issuing JPYC Prepaid, a Japanese yen-denominated prepaid token. He also serves as a board member of the Japan Cryptoasset Business Association(JCBA) and Vice Chairman of the Blockchain Collaboration Consortium(BCCC).

\ NOW ON STAGE /

Kenta Sakakibara│Circle　Country Manager

He is the Japan representative for Circle, which issues USDC, a dollar-denominated stablecoin that is attracting attention as a new means of payment. After working at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Google Asia, and launching payment services in Japan, he became Circle's Japan representative when Circle entered the Japanese market. He holds an MBA from INSEAD.

\ NOW ON STAGE /

Ikkei Matsuda│Digital Platformer/SARR, CEO

He specializes in supporting deep-tech startups, regional revitalization, and entrepreneurship development. He serves as President and CEO of Digital Platformer Inc., a company providing digital community currency and self-sovereign identity (SSI) platforms. He is also the Co-founder of Soramitsu, the developer of Bakong, the digital currency of the National Bank of Cambodia, and serves as an Advisor to the Osaka Pavilion for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.

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1st Dec. 17:00 | 17:40

1st Dec. 17:00 - 17:40

Toranomon Hills 5F Hall A1

Online: Channel2

Seminar

Lang: Only Japanese (no simultaneous interpretation)

Scale-Tech Ventures Driving National Policy

Semiconductors / Precision Machinery / Electronic Components / Batteries
Aviation / Space / Defense

Japan is emerging from its "lost 30 years," with new growth sectors such as AI, semiconductors, green transformation(GX), and space & defense rapidly taking shape. The success of a collaborative framework - "Government, Corporates, Startups, and Academia" (GCSA) - led by the government will be crucial for the nation's future. In particular, the creation of scaletech ventures capable of achieving global impact will be a key determinant of success.

\ NOW ON STAGE /

Mutsunori Sano │Innovation Engine Inc., President & CEO

He consistently engaged in venture research and investment at Nomura Research Institute, Ltd., and JAFCO, and in 2001 founded Innovation Engine, a pioneering technology-focused venture capital firm. He has led numerous innovative companies, including GNI, Erex, and MetaReal, to successful IPOs.

\ NOW ON STAGE /

Hidehito Amemiya│Innovation Engine Inc., Venture Partner

He joined JAFCO as a new graduate and spent approximately six years at the Hiroshima branch, engaging in venture investment activities. He later transferred to Asukanet, one of JAFCO’s portfolio companies, where he launched the photobook business and successfully led it to an IPO. At Members Co.,Ltd., he systematized web operations services, contributing to corporate growth. Since June 2017, he has been a member of Innovation Engine.

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2nd Dec. 10:00 | 10:40

2nd Dec. 10:00 - 10:40

Toranomon Hills 5F Meeting Room1

Keynote Speech

The Forefront of CVC Fund Management at SBI Investment

SBI Investment Co., Ltd. has established and manages CVC funds with 23 companies. We explain the key points in management of CVC funds.

\ NOW ON STAGE /

Yukiko Kato│SBI Investment Co., Ltd., Director & Executive Officer General Manager, Corporate Venture Capital Dept.

Ms. Kato joined SBI Group in 2002 and has been investing in venture companies for 23 years, leading several portfolio companies to IPO. Currently, she is engaged in the management of CVC funds established jointly with large enterprises and in supporting the promotion of open innovation.

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2nd Dec. 17:00 | 17:40

2nd Dec. 17:00 - 17:40

Toranomon Hills 5F Main Hall

Online: Channel1

Keynote Speech

Lang: Only Japanese (no simultaneous interpretation)

Startup Investment Strategies for Corporations

Successful startup investing requires a clear investment strategy and the ability to balance business synergies with performance outcomes. In this lecture, based on JAFCO’s expertise, we will provide insights on startup investment strategies that maximize returns from both strategic and financial perspectives.

\ NOW ON STAGE /

Naoki Sato│JAFCO Group Co., Ltd., Corporate Officer / Business Development Division

He joined the company in 1992 and has since been consistently engaged in frontline investment exit activities, handling a wide range of investment projects. His work spans not only IPOs but also numerous capital alliances with major corporations and M&A transactions. In 2018, he was appointed Partner and oversaw a dedicated team focused on value creation for portfolio companies. Since June 2022, he has served as Executive Officer, responsible for Business Development.

\ NOW ON STAGE /

Kazuo Arikado│JAFCO Group Co., Ltd., Principal, Business Development

He joined the company in 1993 and worked in the Investment Division and the current Fund Management Division, engaging in investments in startup companies as well as fundraising and fund management activities. Since 2007, he has been with the current Business Development Department, focusing on supporting the growth of portfolio companies and building relationships with large corporations for open innovation and new business development initiatives.

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3rd Dec. 14:20 | 15:00

3rd Dec. 14:20 - 15:00

Toranomon Hills 5F Main Hall

Online: Channel1

Seminar

Lang: Only Japanese (no simultaneous interpretation)

What is the appeal of local VCs?

Real Estate / Construction / Smart Home / Smart City

Why are local VCs attracting attention now? Through a three-way dialogue between investors in the Tokyo metropolitan area, startups aiming for nationwide and global expansion, and local VCs, we will discuss the differences between them and Tokyo metropolitan VCs, the unique support they offer, and the possibilities for collaboration, exploring new forms of open innovation.

\ NOW ON STAGE /

Mr. Tomomichi Takahashi │ President & CEO, Open Group Inc.　

After graduating from Hitotsubashi University, Mr. Tomomichi Takahashi joined Andersen Consulting (now Accenture). After working at SoftBank and Sky PerfecTV!, he founded Open Associates to produce new business ventures. In 2016, Open Associates transitioned to a holding company structure and was renamed Open Group Inc.

\ NOW ON STAGE /

Mr. Takamasa Suchi │ CEO, Zip Infrastructure Inc.　

In July 2018, Mr. Takamasa Suchi founded Zip Infrastructure Inc. and became its CEO. He graduated from Keio University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, in March 2021. Winner of the 3rd NewsPicks “Make Money” Grand Prize and listed in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2022.

\ NOW ON STAGE /

Moderator: Mr. Hideki Fukudome │ President & CEO, Spurcle Inc.

Mr. Hideki Fukudome completed his graduate studies at Tohoku University. After working as a strategy consultant at SIGMAXYZ on new business development, he became President & CEO of SPARKLE Inc. He engages in VC investment in high-tech and R&D fields, promotes regional DX, and provides strategic consulting. He also serves as Visiting Associate Professor at Miyagi University, Startup Advisor for Miyagi Prefecture, and Director of Tohoku Kizuna Table.

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4th Dec. 11:10 | 11:50

4th Dec. 11:10 - 11:50

Toranomon Hills 5F Main Hall

Online: Channel1

Seminar

Lang: Only Japanese (no simultaneous interpretation)

DeepTech Social Implementation X Urban Development

Renewable Energy / Decarbonization / SDGs / Smart Grid

Focusing on the case of Kawasaki Climate Tech's startup hub formation, we will explore new trends in the local ecosystem, including human resource development, scaling up, and customer acquisition support, in building a platform to support the social implementation of DeepTech as part of urban development.

\ NOW ON STAGE /

Mr. Koji Tazou │ Hulic Co., Ltd., Value-Added Business Division, Industrial Infrastructure Department, Senior Manager

At Hulic Co., Ltd., he leads the R&D base development project in the Minami-Watarida area of Kawasaki City, promoting industry-academia-government collaboration to drive innovation. He is challenging the creation of new mechanisms to realize open innovation.

\ NOW ON STAGE /

Mr. Masato Shimoda │ Kawasaki City, International Strategy Headquarters for the Coastal Area, Section Manager

As a member of the Land Use Conversion Promotion Division, International Strategy Headquarters for the Coastal Area of Kawasaki City, he is advancing the planning of a new startup support hub with a global perspective.

\ NOW ON STAGE /

Mr. Masahiro Yamaji │ Partner, Team Armada Inc.

He has been involved in the founding and management of a total of 20 startups, achieving over 3.3 billion yen in total funding. He has won numerous awards in business contests, appeared on television, and been featured in major newspapers and media.

\ NOW ON STAGE /

Mr. Daizo Hayashida │ Managing Director, Universal Materials Incubator Co., Ltd.

At JSR Corporation, he was responsible for venture investments and new business planning. At PwC Consulting, he supported new business creation and startup collaboration. Currently at UMI, he leads the development of an ecosystem to support startups.

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4th Dec. 17:00 | 17:40

4th Dec. 17:00 - 17:40

Toranomon Hills 5F Hall A1

Online: Channel2

Seminar

Lang: Only Japanese (no simultaneous interpretation)

Co-creation mechanisms fostered through capital circulation and business collaboration

Life Sciences / Drug Discovery / Medical Devices / Regenerative Medicine

How can investors, business companies, and support organizations collaborate to foster a startup ecosystem in terms of both funding and business? We will discuss mechanisms for co-creation through efficient capital circulation.

\ NOW ON STAGE /

Mr. Yoshiaki Takai │ Dentsu Inc., Startup Growth Partners, Business Creation Division, Senior Business Producer / COO, NewsPicks Studios Inc.

After joining Dentsu, he gained experience in media, marketing, and business production. Following assignments in startups and the establishment of a specialized division, he now supports corporate value enhancement and ecosystem development for startups utilizing Dentsu’s assets, while also serving as COO of a joint venture.

\ NOW ON STAGE /

Moderator: Mr. Keigo Yato │ Beyond Next Ventures Inc., Capitalist

During his studies, he conducted research on immune responses to hepatitis vaccines and viruses at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases. Motivated by challenges in commercializing academic research seeds, he joined Beyond Next Ventures in April 2022 as a venture capitalist specializing in bio and drug discovery. Holds a Ph.D. in Engineering from Tokyo University of Science.

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