Kyoto University and the University of Zurich (UZH) established the Global Entrepreneurship Development Joint Program, a new initiative designed to jointly cultivate globally minded entrepreneurs and startup leadership teams.
Both universities possess world-leading research excellence in the fields of life sciences and deep technologies. However, scientific excellence alone does not necessarily lead to the creation of globally competitive ventures, and entrepreneurial capabilities that transcend national borders and cultural differences are difficult to develop through traditional academic programs alone. To address this challenge, the two universities have launched this joint program to connect the innovation ecosystems of Japan and Switzerland and foster the next generation of entrepreneurial talent.
On 6 October 2026, a welcome reception was held at the Embassy of Switzerland in Japan, where the Global Entrepreneurship Development Joint Program was officially introduced.
From UZH, President Michael Schaepman and Professor Christian Schwarzenegger attended the event. Representing Kyoto University were Nagahiro Minato, senior advisor to the president for international affairs and external relations; Koji Murota, deputy executive director and director-general of the Institutional Advancement and Communications; and Terumasa Matsuyuki, professor at the Institutional Advancement and Communications. The speakers presented an overview of the program to invited guests from government agencies, industry, and related organizations.
President Schaepman and Senior Advisor Minato expressed their shared determination to further strengthen and expand the new initiative, noting that the two universities have built a strong partnership over more than a decade.
A panel discussion featuring Professor Schwarzenegger, Director-General Murota, and Professor Matsuyuki introduced the details and vision of the program. During the discussion, Director-General Murota remarked that “universities and venture capital firms in Japan tend to be cautious and often remain within their comfort zones.” In response, Professor Schwarzenegger stated that “through this program, we hope to encourage students to step outside their comfort zones and grow into future global leaders.” The discussion highlighted the strong commitment that each participant brings to the program.
In his opening remarks, Roger Dubach, ambassador of Switzerland to Japan, welcomed the initiative, stating that he was delighted to see a new partnership emerge that would help transform academic excellence into innovation.
The reception following the presentation provided a valuable opportunity for participants from both Japan and Switzerland to exchange ideas and strengthen connections.
Program overview
Participants
Early-career researchers, primarily doctoral students, selected from both universities.
Fields of focus
The program initially focuses on life sciences, an area of strength for both universities, including cell therapy and regenerative medicine. In the medium to long term, it is expected to expand into adjacent deep-tech fields such as medical data science and AI-driven healthcare.
Over a five-year period, various activities will be implemented in collaboration with faculties, graduate schools, research institutes, and startup companies affiliated with both universities. Looking ahead, the program aims to evolve into a globally recognized entrepreneurship initiative that contributes to society through the continuous creation of internationally competitive startups.
Since signing an inter-university academic exchange agreement in 2013 and a student exchange agreement in 2014, Kyoto University and the University of Zurich have actively promoted academic collaboration. In 2020, under the leadership of the presidents of both universities, the institutions concluded a Strategic Partnership Agreement. Since then, they have expanded interdisciplinary research collaborations, explored new areas of joint research, and promoted researcher exchanges. Through this new initiative, the two universities will now jointly foster entrepreneurial talent and future startup leaders.
The program has been made possible through generous philanthropic support from many individuals and organizations, including Sachio Senmoto, a serial entrepreneur and Kyoto University alumnus; Masaru Tange, president and CEO of SHIFT Inc.; and DMG MORI CO., LTD. With continued support from a broad range of partners, Kyoto University and UZH aim to ensure the long-term success and sustainable growth of the program.
Related link
Press Release: Global Entrepreneurship Development Joint Program
