Boston’s biotech ecosystem has become a hub of innovation, attracting both global Big Pharma and thriving startups. Japan has struggled to foster a similar environment, despite having talented researchers and excellent research institutions. But a biotech ecosystem is emerging in Japan, with its own unique characteristics, opportunities, and challenges. We have assembled a diverse panel of experts who will share their perspectives on innovation, their experiences in fostering new biotech businesses, and lessons from collaborating across cultures.

Opening remarks by Consul General of Japan Rokuichiro Michii

Panelists:

S. Roy Kimura, Ph.D., is cofounder and CEO of Modulus Discovery, Inc. Roy has over 15 years of computational drug discovery experience at large pharma, computational technology and biotechnology firms. He was most recently principal scientist at Schrodinger, Inc. where he led collaborative research programs with pharmaceutical firms and academic research labs. Prior to this Roy performed computational drug discovery research at Bristol-Myers Squibb for 10 years. Roy obtained his Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from Boston University, and completed his post-doctoral studies in the chemistry department at MIT.

Fumitaka Mori, Remiges Ventures

Yasumasa Yamamoto, Harvard University

Jean-Jacques Yarmoff is currently working with BioLabs in Cambridge, helping bring this powerful support to fast growing biotechnology companies to Europe and Asia. In his latest positions with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and before that with Bpifrance in Paris, he has worked with hundreds of technology companies to help their development, in France and internationally. Jean-Jacques has worked over 15 years in the pharma and biotech industry in France (Transgene, Hybrigenics), in America (Sterling Winthrop, Amgen) and in Japan. He holds a Ph.D. in genetics from the University of Tokyo.

Moderated by:

Karl Ruping, Managing Partner of IncTANK Ventures, is an experienced early-stage investor and active entrepreneur who has founded or funded several startups that have emerged from the CIC community. Some of his portfolio have Japanese investors or strategic partners, including Agrivida, Misfit, and most recently Tiba Biotech.

This event is part of Japan Life Sciences Innovation Night. Japan and Boston share a strategic relationship — this evening of networking, panel discussions pitches, and flash talks seeks to align the next generation of entrepreneurial spirit with the talent and resources needed to thrive in tomorrow’s market. To indicate your interest for headcount purposes, please visit our Eventbrite.