Organization · Venture Capital
Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd
Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd. (KYOTO-iCAP) is a venture capital firm established by Kyoto University to invest in startups commercializing research outcomes from national universities, particularly in biotech and deep tech sectors.
Overview
What Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd does
What Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd is
Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd. (KYOTO-iCAP) is a venture capital firm established by Kyoto University to invest in startups commercializing research outcomes from national universities, particularly in biotech and deep tech sectors.
How it participates in the startup ecosystem
The current public profile supports funder and program host capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.
Operational profile
Organization status and context
Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.
- Operational status
- Active
- Organization type
- Venture Capital
- Founded
- Founded in 2014
- Approximate age
- About 12 years
- Structured capabilities
- Funder · Program host
- Last reviewed
- March 30, 2026
Official channels
Find Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd elsewhere
Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.
Capability profile
Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd as a funder
Investment thesis
Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd. (Kyoto iCAP) aims to commercialize the research outcomes of Kyoto University and other national universities in Japan by investing in early-stage startups. The firm focuses on nurturing innovative companies that can create new industries based on advanced research.
Focus narrative
Kyoto iCAP invests primarily in seed to early-stage companies that aim to commercialize research outcomes from national universities, particularly Kyoto University. The firm emphasizes the creation of new industries based on advanced research and operates two funds, allowing for investments in startups from other national universities under specific conditions. Additionally, it runs programs to support entrepreneurship, including the Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR-iCAP) program and the Entrepreneurial Collaboration Program (ECC-iCAP).
Value beyond capital
Kyoto iCAP adds value to its portfolio companies through milestone-based investments, extensive support for commercialization, and access to Kyoto University's vast research resources. The firm collaborates with private VCs and financial institutions for follow-on funding, ensuring that startups have the necessary resources to grow and succeed in their respective markets.
Terms and economics
- Typical check
- $1,000,000–$5,000,000
- Sweet spot
- $3,000,000
Focus and fit
- Stages
- Seed
- Regions
- Asia
Availability
- Currently deploying
- Yes
Portfolio and track record
Portfolio context
Kyoto iCAP has invested in a diverse range of sectors, including: Biotechnology/Pharmaceuticals: Companies like Serv-BioPharma, which develops oncolytic virus gene therapies, and Eurus Therapeutics, focused on new gene-related therapies. Healthcare/Devices: Investments include BiPSEE, which develops VR applications for depression treatment, and Drawbridge Health, known for its automated blood collection technology. Materials/Energy: Firms like Luparts, utilizing molten salt electrolysis for recycling, and KOALA Tech, developing organic semiconductor laser diodes. IoT/AI: Companies such as xCARE, providing a platform for medical professionals, and LegalOn Technologies, developing AI services for legal and corporate tasks.
Capability profile
Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd as a program host
Program thesis
Kyoto iCAP aims to commercialize the knowledge and research outcomes of Kyoto University researchers by providing investments and support to startup companies.
Focus narrative
Kyoto iCAP invests in seed to early-stage companies that are commercializing research outcomes from national universities. The firm emphasizes the creation of new industries and operates two funds, the Innovation Kyoto 2016 Fund and the Innovation Kyoto 2021 Fund, which support startups from various national universities under specific conditions.
Value and support
Founders participating in Kyoto iCAP's programs gain access to funding, mentorship, and resources aimed at commercializing their research and innovations. The firm also offers programs like the Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR-iCAP) and the Entrepreneurial Collaboration Program (ECC-iCAP) to further support entrepreneurship.
Availability
- Application state
- Not published
Focus and fit
- Stages
- Seed
Common questions
What to know about Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd
Upseed classifies Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd under the Venture Capital organization type. Its current public profile includes funder and program host capabilities.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
March 30, 2026
Known limits
Capability profiles appear only when a structured public profile also contains decision-useful role evidence. Terms and availability can change.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization described on this page.