The OIST Innovation Incubator supports early-stage deep-tech startups, startup supporters, and companies seeking collaboration with OIST. Explore our interviews with member companies currently growing within the incubator, and learn how they are driving innovation and shaping the future.
Member Interviews
Startups
EF Polymer
Meet Hiroshi Yoshikawa, COO of EF Polymer, a key member driving innovation in eco-friendly agricultural materials. Discover why EF Polymer joined the incubator and how they are leveraging the OIST Innovation Incubator for their rapid growth and international expansion.
Japan Premium Vegetable
Meet Shigenobu Yoshida, COO of Japan Premium Vegetable, who utilizes ICT technology to enable stable cultivation of strawberries and tomatoes in hot, humid regions like Okinawa and Southeast Asia. Discover why they joined the incubator and about their plans to expand in the Asian market.
FlatMinima
Meet Makoto Yamada, founder of FlatMinima, a company he launched to address challenges beyond his role as an OIST faculty member. Learn about his entrepreneurial goals and what he look for the future of the OIST Innovation Incubator.
ekei labs
Meet Bilal Kharouni, the Founder and CEO of Tokyo-based startup ekei labs, which leverages biomarkers of aging to promote healthy longevity. Discover why they joined the OIST Innovation Incubator and how their collaboration with OIST is advancing their research and business.
esse-sense
Meet Yuya Nishimura, CEO of esse-sense, which operates the largest research-focused interview media in Japan, about why they chose OIST Innovation Incubator while living in Shiga Prefecture and the benefits he has experienced from joining.
Other Companies
Lequison
Meet Kenta Shimamura, CEO of Lequison Corporation, a key member supporting "U-turn employment" in the prefecture. Discover why Lequison joined the incubator and how they're contributing to OIST-related startups while expanding their expertise in talent development and acquisition.
MTG Ventures
Meet Yoshinari Ito, Managing Partner of MTG Ventures, an early investor in the OIST startup "EF Polymer" and a leader in investing in startups addressing regional challenges. Learn about his connection with OIST, the reasons behind joining the Innovation Incubator, and the future potential he envisions there.
HAKKI
Meet Hiroyuki Saito, CEO of HAKKI, a crucial player in supporting deep-tech startups and foreign entrepreneurs around OIST. Learn why HAKKI decided to join the incubator and explore the benefits they’ve experienced as tenants at the OIST Innovation Incubator.