About HVC KYOTO

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HVC KYOTO (Healthcare Venture Conference KYOTO) is an innovation platform organized by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Kyoto Prefecture, City of Kyoto, KYOTO RESEARCH PARK Corp. that brings together startups with cutting-edge technologies in the healthcare sector from Japan and abroad, and "HVC Partners" including global corporations engaged in open innovation, venture capital firms, and incubators.

HVC KYOTO provides opportunities for selected seed-stage (including pre-seed) to early-stage startups to connect with partners and contributors for their growth. Demo Day features Japan's largest healthcare-focused startup pitch session in English, facilitating matchmaking between startups, business alliance partners, joint research collaborators, and investors.

The follow-up events after Demo Day include the following:

• Symposium on Regenerative Medicine: Featuring leading figures in the field, this symposium will highlight the latest technology trends, regulations, and national strategies, with Kyoto serving as a key hub.
• Alumni Showcase: A testament to HVC KYOTO's impact, this event will feature past selected startups sharing how they have grown their businesses and the key lessons they have learned.

These events offer valuable insights and networking opportunities for startups.

Lead Advisor

2025 Advisors

Decade of Progress

Over the past ten years, 194 startups (including pre-incorporation projects) have been selected. As of January 2026, the total disclosed fundraising amount by selected Japanese startups has exceeded 83 billion yen. Many past participants have gone on to achieve major milestones such as establishing overseas offices, forming large-scale partnerships, earning J-Startup certification, and being selected for AMED-funded projects. HVC KYOTO is now recognized as a gateway to success for healthcare startups and researchers.

Achievements

These achievements reflect HVC KYOTO's growing recognition as a leading platform both domestically and internationally. 

[February 2025] 　Japan Open Innovation Prize
Awarded the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award at "the 7th Japan Open Innovation Prize", hosted by the Cabinet Office.

[March 2023] 　IPBASE AWARD
Awarded the Encouragement Award in "the Ecosystem Category at the IP BASE AWARD", organized by the Japan Patent Office. 


[September 2023] 　IASP Inspiring Solutions Program
Selected as the 3rd place winner in the "IASP Inspiration Solutions Program", organized by IASP (the International Association of Science Parks) .