～Formation of an ecosystem for ventures originating in academia that transcends regional boundaries

Kyoto University Innovation Capital Corporation ("Kyoto iCAP"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyoto University, a national university corporation, and Chushin Venture Capital Corporation ("Chushin VC") have signed a collaboration agreement to strengthen support for venture companies originating from academia.

Expectations for the research results produced by national universities and public research institutes are increasing in order to create new industries. In order to efficiently return these research results to society, technology transfer organizations (TLOs) and industry-government-academia collaboration functions are being strengthened, and financial support is also being actively provided through collaboration with venture capitalists and other means. In addition, infrastructure is being developed to support the creation and nurturing of university-related ventures, including knowledge support through the implementation of entrepreneurship education programs and the provision of incubation facilities and networks.

Kyoto iCAP has an extensive track record of investment in university-launched venture companies that utilize Kyoto University's research results and corporate development know-how. By investing in community-based venture companies, Chushin VC contributes to supporting corporate growth and revitalizing the local economy.

By utilizing the complementary know-how of both parties in fostering companies and technology, it is expected that industrial competitiveness will be enhanced through support for the commercialization of research seeds owned by academia, investment operations, and post-investment support. Kyoto iCAP and Chushin VC will contribute to strengthening the ecosystem surrounding venture companies originating from academia beyond regional boundaries.

About Kyoto University Innovation Capital (Kyoto iCAP)
　As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kyoto University, Kyoto iCAP provides investment and other business support to companies that utilize research results generated by Kyoto University and other national universities. The Company currently has two investment funds: the Innovation Kyoto 2016 Investment Limited Partnership ("KYOTO-iCAP No. 1 Fund") (established in January 2016) with a total value of 16 billion yen, and the Innovation Kyoto 2021 Investment Limited Partnership ("KYOTO-iCAP No. 2 Fund") with a total value of 18 billion yen. -The KYOTO-iCAP No. 1 Fund has a maturity of up to 20 years and the KYOTO-iCAP No. 2 Fund has a maturity of up to 17 years. The KYOTO-iCAP 1 Fund has a maturity of up to 20 years, and the KYOTO-iCAP 2 Fund has a maturity of up to 17 years. In addition, a portion of the KYOTO-iCAP No. 2 Fund will be invested in venture companies originating from national universities and Inter-University Research Institutes other than Kyoto University.

About CITIC Venture Capital (CITIC VC)
Chushin VC was established in February 1985, primarily funded by Kyoto Chuo Shinkin Bank and JAFCO Group Inc. Chushin VC is responsible for providing business support to local companies from the aspect of investment, and has worked in cooperation with Kyoto Chuo Shinkin Bank to enhance the corporate value of its investee companies.
In July 2024, Chushin VC established "Chushin Venture and Investment Fund No. 7 Investment Limited Liability Partnership" with a total of 1 billion yen, and now manages a total of five investment funds.
We participate in the management of young entrepreneurs who are boldly taking on the challenges of new fields by providing them with commercialization capital, and we work with the Kyoto Chuo Shinkin Bank to contribute to the growth and development of the companies in which we invest.

Contact information for inquiries
Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd.
36-1, Yoshida Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8317, Japan
Osami Kono, Senior Officer, Business Development Department
TEL: 075-753-7588 FAX: 075-753-7592
E-mail: info@kyoto-unicap.co.jp

Chushin Venture Capital Co.
91 Hakodani-Hoko-cho, Shijo-Dori Muro-machi Higashi-iru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, 600-8009, Japan
  Investment Management Department
TEL：075-223-8292 FAX：075-211-2475
E-mail: chushin_v.c@nifty.ne.jp