NEWS

List of Successful Candidates for the FY2026 TeSH GAP Fund Program “STEP2”

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TeSH has selected seven research projects for the FY2026 TeSH GAP Fund Program “STEP2” on the Startup Ecosystem Co-Creation Program for the New Industry Creation Fund for University Startups as follows.

Life Science Technology, Environment

Life Science

Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST)
Principal Investigator Commercialization
Promotion Organization		 Research Theme
Professor KURISAWA, Motoichi KSP, Inc. Commercialization of a Nano-DDS Platform for Non-invasive Treatment and Enhanced Therapeutic Efficacy of Posterior Eye Diseases
［Overview］
This project aims to commercialize a green tea-derived nanomedicine technology that efficiently encapsulates anti-VEGF drugs and enables non-invasive delivery to the posterior segment of the eye via topical eye drops for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.
Kanazawa University
Principal Investigator Commercialization
Promotion Organization		 Research Theme
Professor TANIGUCHI, Hiroaki Ciconia Bioventures Inc.
Vision Incubate Co., Ltd. 		Clinical Implementation of an Innovative PRDM14-Targeted siRNA Therapeutic for Treatment-Resistant Germ Cell Tumors
［Overview］
This project aims to achieve the clinical implementation of an innovative siRNA therapeutic targeting PRDM14 for germ cell tumors, particularly those affecting adolescents and young adults (AYAs). The technology offers a novel treatment option that complements existing therapies, especially for patients with recurrent or treatment-resistant disease.
Kanazawa Medical University
Principal Investigator Commercialization
Promotion Organization		 Research Theme
Professor HATTA, Toshihisa Vision Incubate Co., Ltd. High-Efficiency Platform for Rapid Skeletal Malformation Assessment
［Overview］
By leveraging our proprietary RAP method, this project provides rapid and cost-effective skeletal evaluations for reproductive and developmental toxicity studies, as well as 3D analyses of histopathological specimens. It will enhance the efficiency and quality of preclinical studies while supporting business expansion in Japan and overseas.

Technology, Environment

Kanazawa University
Principal Investigator Commercialization
Promotion Organization		 Research Theme
Associate Professor TAKASUGI, Keigo Hokuriku Enterprise Development K.K Transforming the Future of Dental Technology and Treatment with a Fully Japan-Developed CAD/CAM Crown System
［Overview］
This project aims to launch a startup to commercialize an ultra-fast CAD/CAM crown machining system. By leveraging our proprietary spiral turning technology, the system can reduce processing time to approximately one-tenth that of conventional methods.
Ishikawa Prefectural University
Principal Investigator Commercialization
Promotion Organization		 Research Theme
Associate Professor MATSUZAKI, Chiaki Genesia Ventures, Inc.
DEFTA Capital Inc.		 Technology to enhance functionality of industrial enzymes
［Overview］
Through supercomputer-based simulation analysis, this project aims to commercialize a technology that enhances the stability and performance of industrial enzymes. The technology will provide high-performance enzymes to industry partners, creating new opportunities across a wide range of enzyme-based industries.
Kanazawa Institute of Technology
Principal Investigator Commercialization
Promotion Organization		 Research Theme
Professor ODA, Shinobu Beyond Next Ventures Inc. Social Implementation of a Multi-Host Biofoundry Based on Interfacial Bioprocesses
［Overview］
This project aims to establish a startup that provides contract bioproduction services for lipophilic chemicals used in the flavor, fragrance, cosmetics, and nutraceutical industries. Leveraging its proprietary interfacial bioprocess technology, the world's only platform enabling microbial production of chemicals in organic solvents, the startup will offer efficient, high-yield manufacturing processes for a wide range of compounds.
Principal Investigator Commercialization
Promotion Organization		 Research Theme
Associate Professor FUJITA, Hagino Quantum Leaps Ventures Corp. Business Proposal for Transitioning from Batch to Inline Microwave Processing Using an Elliptical Chamber
［Overview］
This technology features an elliptical chamber and a proprietary tuning mechanism that automatically adapts to changes in the electrical properties of materials during microwave irradiation. By enabling stable and efficient microwave processing, it transforms microwave technology from a supplementary tool into a core, advanced industrial solution. This innovation could revolutionize industrial microwave processing and lead to considerable energy savings on a global scale.