Portal Innovations x Astellas SakuLab™-Tsukuba | Startup Bootcamp
Empowering Japan’s next wave of life sciences founders
Portal Innovations is proud to launch an exclusive Startup Bootcamp in partnership with Astellas SakuLab™-Tsukuba in Tsukuba, Japan. This program is designed to accelerate academic research into real-world innovation and support Japan’s most promising entrepreneurs building in biotech, medtech, and life sciences.
Whether you’ve already launched a startup or plan to within the next year — we invite you to apply for this intensive and highly curated experience.
Location: Tsukuba Research Center - Astellas Pharma Inc., 21, Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
Why Portal? Why Now?
Portal Innovations is expanding globally — and Japan is a key pillar of our strategy. Our proven model in the U.S. helps early-stage founders transform research into high-growth ventures. Together with Astellas SakuLab™-Tsukuba, we’re building an ecosystem that empowers Japan’s brightest biotech entrepreneurs with the tools, connections, and capital they need to succeed.
Who should apply?
We welcome applications from individuals or teams based in Japan who are ready to explore startup creation and commercialization opportunities. Ideal applicants include:
- Academic researchers pursuing commercialization
- Founders of early-stage life sciences or medtech startups
- Entrepreneurial teams with a strong research foundation
- Innovators ready to take their work global
- Scientists or clinicians exploring startup creation for the first time and looking for expert guidance
What's the benefit?
This bootcamp is offered at no cost to participants, providing a unique opportunity to receive expert training and support without financial barriers. In addition to the core programming, the top 3 most promising startups in the program will receive:
- Visiting Memberships at Portal’s U.S. locations
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Access to Portal Pitch Day events (virtual optionality), which results in connection opportunities with investors
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Featuring in Portal’s investor newsletter
Please note: Any travel to Portal Sites is the responsibility of the participating company.
What content will be covered?
The bootcamp curriculum is co-developed by experts from Portal Innovations and Astellas, with content specifically tailored to address the unique needs of the Japanese startup ecosystem. Rooted in real-world experience from Portal executives who have helped build and accelerate successful startups, the content leverages proven practices and the resources that Portal deploys to strengthen and enrich life science ecosystems.
Some key themes explored throughout the Bootcamp include: identifying problem-product fit, analyzing the competitive landscape and market opportunity, crafting a compelling investor pitch, and building a strong and effective team.
Through hands on guidance and strategic support, the Bootcamp aims to equip founders with the tools needed to grow confidently and build lasting success, within Japan's innovation landscape.
* Please note that content will be taught in English
About Portal Innovations
Portal Innovations is a premier venture development engine with a presence in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Dublin, New Brunswick, and Providence that bridges scientific ideation in life sciences through commercial proof of concept by delivering Crafted Capital, including seed funding, specialized equipment, lab space, and management expertise to high-potential early-stage companies. For more information about Portal Innovations and its portfolio companies, please visit https://www.portalinnovations.com.
About Astellas and SakuLab™-Tsukuba
SakuLab™-Tsukuba is an open innovation lab located within Astellas’ Tsukuba Research Center in Tsukuba, Japan. Astellas, a global pharmaceutical company committed to turning innovative science into VALUE for patients, established SakuLab™-Tsukuba to foster collaboration across the life sciences ecosystem.
The lab provides resident researchers with access to fully equipped, ready-to-use laboratory space, non-confidential consultation across a range of drug discovery disciplines, and opportunities to engage directly with Astellas scientists.
Located near Kashiwa-no-ha—one of Japan’s premier life science hubs—Tsukuba City is a key center of scientific excellence. At SakuLab™-Tsukuba, Astellas aims to build a dynamic environment where academic researchers, startups, and innovators can come together to develop cutting-edge healthcare solutions that improve lives around the world. For more information about Astellas and SakuLab™-Tsukuba, please visit https://www.astellas.com/en/innovation/open-innovation/labs/tsukuba.
Deadline and Important Dates:
The Portal partnership with Astellas SakuLab™-Tsukuba will adhere to the following schedule:
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Application Deadline: October 1, 2025
- Chosen Applicants Notified: October 20, 2025
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Virtual Kickoff of Workshop: November 3, 2025
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In-Person Workshop in Tsukuba: December 3–4, 2025
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Greater Ecosystem Reception: December 4, 2025 - Link here
If you have any questions about the program, you can contact Gracyn Gambill (gracyn.gambill@portalinnovations.com)
