From BioJapan 2026 to RESI Asia 2027: Connecting Japan’s Life Science Innovation to Global Opportunities

October 27, 2026 ~ Next Phase Admin ~ Leave a comment

By Momo Yamamoto, Senior Investor Research Analyst, LSN

Life Science Nation (LSN) was pleased to return to Yokohama for BioJapan 2026 held on October 7-9 at PACIFICO Yokohama. Known for one of Asia’s leading life sciences partnering conference hosted by the Japan Bioindustry Association (JBA), the event brought together startups, investors, pharmaceutical companies, and industry stakeholders from around the world to explore emerging innovations and opportunities for collaboration.

This year, for the first time, LSN participated in two seminars in collaboration with the Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster (KBIC), focusing on helping Japanese life science startups navigate the global investment landscape. Throughout the conference, LSN emphasized the importance of investor readiness and international engagement for emerging life science companies seeking to accelerate their development and commercialization efforts.

On October 8, LSN participated in the KBIC x MEDISO Collaboration Program “Key Points for Early-Phase Global Fundraising” which brought together representative from Japan’s public and private sectors, including government delegates, venture capitalists, biotech executives, and ecosystem leaders, to discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with international fundraising for early-stage life science companies. A particularly meaningful aspect of the seminar was the opportunity to hear directly from startup CEOs who LSN has been working with on their international business development efforts. Drawing from their firsthand experiences, the discussion explored the realities of approaching global investors and navigating different investment expectations.

The following day on October 9, LSN joined KBIC for a second luncheon seminar titled “Inside Global Fundraising: LSN Framework for Startup Readiness and Global Capital Raising Success”. This session focused on broader global fundraising trends and the strategies life science startups can adopt to improve their readiness for international investment. Together, the two seminars highlighted the common message of how successful fundraising requires more than scientific excellence. It also demands a strong understanding of the perspective from global investors and the ability to build meaningful relationships across markets.

Japan’s Foundation for Global Growth within the Global Life Science Ecosystem

Japan has long been recognized as a global leader in scientific research and technological innovation. With its world-class academic institutions, established pharmaceutical industry, and growing biotechnology startups community, the country offers a strong foundation for life science innovation. The country’s scientific expertise combined with an increasingly entrepreneurial research environment, it continues to create opportunities for translating breakthrough discoveries into commercially viable solutions. Innovation hubs such as Kobe City demonstrate the importance of collaboration between academia, industry, government, and emerging companies. By fostering connections across these groups, organizations such as KBIC help strengthen the infrastructure needed to support growth of impactful life science businesses.

Japan’s strengths span multiple sectors including pharmaceutical R&D, regenerative medicine, cell and gene therapies, academic research, and the integration of healthcare with engineering and technology. However, as Japan’s biotechnology startup ecosystem continues to develop, access to international capital and strategic partnership remains an important consideration for companies seeking to expand beyond the domestic market. For early-stage companies, engaging with global investors can provide more than financial resources. International relationships can also create opportunities for clinical development, licensing, commercialization, and entry into new markets. By connecting Japan’s scientific strengths and global investment and partnering opportunities, LSN aims to help bridge the gap between promising research and international commercialization.

Continuing the Momentum to RESI Asia 2027 in Tokyo

Building on the discussions and relationships established at BioJapan, LSN is excited to continue supporting the Japanese life science ecosystem through RESI Asia 2027, taking place on April 13, 2027 at the ANA InterContinental Tokyo Hotel, with KBIC as our co-developer. As part of LSN’s globally recognized RESI Conference Series, RESI Asia is designed to connect early-stage life science and healthcare startups with investors, pharmaceutical companies, and strategic partners seeking innovative technologies and new business development opportunities. The conference will also offer virtual partnering on April 15-16 and 19-20, extending the opportunity for international engagement beyond the in-person event.

The conference will bring together not just participants from Japan and across Asia, but also around the world, creating a dedicated platform for cross-border investment and strategic collaboration. The conference will feature startups in Pre-Seed through Series B stages across therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health, offering international investors and pharmaceutical companies direct access to promising companies from Japan, the broader Asian life science ecosystem, and around the world.

From BioJapan 2026 to RESI Asia 2027, LSN remains committed to supporting Japan’s life science innovators as they connect with the global investment community. We look forward to continuing our collaborations with KBIC and the broader Japanese life science ecosystem and welcoming startups, investors, and strategic partners to Tokyo next April!

RESI Asia Japan Registration:

Japan-base Registration (JPY)

Non-Japan-base Registration (USD)

RESI Asia Japan Opens New Gateway to Global Life Science Partnerships

October 6, 2026 ~ Next Phase Admin ~ Leave a comment

By Momo Yamamoto, Senior Investor Research Analyst, LSN

Life Science Nation is pleased to announce the launch of RESI Asia Japan, a new conference created in collaboration with the Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster (KBIC), Japan’s largest biomedical cluster.

Taking place on April 13, 2027, at the ANA InterContinental Tokyo, RESI Asia Japan will bring together early-stage life science companies, investors, strategic partners, and regional stakeholders for a day of in-person programming, followed by virtual partnering opportunities.

The event expands Life Science Nation’s global platform for connecting innovative companies with the capital and strategic relationships needed to advance their technologies. For companies seeking to enter Japan, build international partnerships, or connect with new sources of capital, RESI Asia Japan provides a direct pathway into one of the world’s most important life science markets.

Why Japan Matters for Life Science Companies

Japan is home to major global pharmaceutical companies, including Takeda, Astellas, Daiichi Sankyo, Eisai, Chugai, and Ono. These organizations are active participants in licensing, acquisition, and external innovation partnerships, creating meaningful opportunities for early-stage companies with differentiated technologies and strong development plans.

A Japan rights deal can provide early non-dilutive capital, strategic validation, and a foundation for broader international growth. Japan also offers deep clinical trial and CRO capacity, as well as a regulatory environment with meaningful opportunities for regenerative medicine and cell and gene therapy development.

Yet the market can be difficult to access from outside the region. Identifying the right partners, arranging initial meetings, understanding the regulatory landscape, and navigating local business relationships all require a focused approach. RESI Asia Japan is designed to help bridge that gap.

A Partnership Built for Global Connection

RESI Asia Japan is the culmination of a three-conference collaboration between Life Science Nation and KBIC. KBIC served as a Title Sponsor at RESI Boston in September 2026 and will continue its partnership at RESI JPM in January 2027, leading into the inaugural Tokyo event in April.

For companies participating across the series, the partnership creates three opportunities to engage with the LSN network over seven months, while building visibility with investors, strategic partners, and life science stakeholders across the United States and Japan.

Beyond the conference itself, Life Science Nation and KBIC are working to strengthen the commercialization pathway for Japanese life science companies through entrepreneur education, company preparation, capital formation, and international business development.

Registration Is Open

RESI Asia Japan offers a 5-Day Hybrid format, including the in-person conference in Tokyo and virtual programming, as well as a 4-Day Virtual Partnering format.

Japan-base Registration (JPY)

Non-Japan-base Registration (USD)

Explore the RESI 2027 Series

RESI Asia Japan is part of Life Science Nation’s 2027 global conference series, creating multiple opportunities throughout the year to connect with investors, strategic partners, and life science innovators.

RESI JPM: January 11 to 12 in San Francisco, with virtual partnering on January 13, 18, and 19
RESI Asia Japan: April in Tokyo
RESI Philadelphia: June
RESI Boston: September

Learn more about the full RESI 2027 series at RESIConference.com.

Life Science Nation Heads to BioJapan 2026 with Two Seminars on Global Fundraising and International Expansion

September 29, 2026 ~ Next Phase Admin ~ Leave a comment

By Momo Yamamoto, Senior Investor Research Analyst, LSN

Life Science Nation (LSN) is heading back to Yokohama this October for BioJapan 2026, taking place on October 7-9, 2026 at PACIFICO Yokohama. As one of Asia’s leading partnering events for the life sciences industry, BioJapan provides an important platform for startups, investors, pharmaceutical companies, strategic partners, and ecosystem stakeholders from around the world to connect and explore new opportunities. This year, LSN is pleased to participate in the conference and in two seminars focused on helping life science companies better understand and access international funding and partnership opportunities.

LSN Founder & CEO, Dennis Ford, will join KBIC (Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster) and MEDISO (Medical Innovation Support Office) on October 8, 2026 from 1 PM – 2PM JST at the Japan Healthcare Venture Summit (JHVS), held alongside BioJapan. The session titled “Key Points for Early-Phase Global Fundraising” will introduce government initiatives and programs designed to help early-stage ventures expand internationally and connect with overseas investors. We will join representatives from the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), JIC Venture Growth Investments, VC Cell Therapy, United Immunity, CellFold, KBIC, and Mitsubishi Research Institute for a discussion on global fundraising and international growth.

On October 9, 2026 from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM JST, LSN will be hosting a seminar with KBIC titled: “Inside Global Fundraising: LSN Framework for Startup Readiness and Global Capital Raising Success”. KBIC is Japan’s largest biocluster, hosting more than 340 organizations to accelerate innovation in the region. For life science companies seeking international expansion, global fundraising has become an important strategy for accelerating R&D and commercialization. During this seminar, LSN will introduce latest trends in global fundraising and practical strategies for investor engagement, drawing on LSN’s experience working with thousands of life science companies and investors worldwide. This discussion will feature: Haruhiko Koike (KBIC), Keiko Kobayashi (KBIC), Dennis Ford (LSN), and Claire Jeong (LSN).

This seminar will also highlight the upcoming RESI Asia, taking place in Tokyo at the APA InterContinental on April 13, 2027. As part of LSN’s globally recognized RESI Conference Series, RESI Asia will provide Japanese and Asian startups with opportunities to connect directly with international investors and explore new pathways for global growth.

LSN’s participation at BioJapan reflects its continued commitment to supporting the Japanese life science ecosystem as they seek to expand beyond the domestic market. We look forward to returning to the conference next week!

Building the Future of Chronic Disease Care

August 25, 2026August 25, 2026 ~ Next Phase Admin ~ Leave a comment

By Momo Yamamoto, Senior Investor Research Analyst, LSN

Chronic diseases represent one of healthcare’s greatest challenges and one of its largest opportunities for innovation. As the global burden of chronic conditions continues to grow, investors are looking for solutions that can improve outcomes, reduce long-term costs, and fundamentally change how patients manage their health.

At RESI Boston, the panel Building the Future of Chronic Disease Care: Innovation Across Therapeutics, Devices, and Digital Health will bring together investors to discuss where they see the most compelling opportunities across the chronic disease landscape.

The conversation will explore innovation across therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health, as well as the evolving reimbursement and adoption models that can determine whether a promising technology successfully reaches patients. Panelists will also share what they look for when evaluating early-stage companies, from clinical and commercial validation to differentiation, scalability, and a clear path to market.

Chronic Disease Panelists
Soyoung Park 1004 Venture Partners (Moderator)	Gopal Chopra Validare Capital	Navin Govind Evidence Ventures
Nune Martiros Paladin Capital Group	John Tremblay Launchpad Venture Group

For early-stage founders developing solutions for chronic disease, this session offers an opportunity to hear directly from investors about what is attracting capital today and what companies need to demonstrate to stand out in a large and increasingly competitive market.

Join the conversation at RESI Boston, September 22–23 at the Westin Copley Place, and connect with investors, strategic partners, and fellow innovators advancing the next generation of healthcare.

Meet the First Believers: The Investors Behind Tomorrow’s Breakthrough Companies

August 4, 2026 ~ Next Phase Admin ~ Leave a comment

By Momo Yamamoto, Senior Investor Research Analyst, LSN

Every successful life science company has a defining moment in its fundraising journey. Long before a major venture capital round or strategic partnership, there is often an investor willing to take the very first leap of faith.

At 9:00 AM on Wednesday, September 23, Day 2 of RESI Boston 2026 begins with one of the conference’s most valuable discussions for early-stage founders: The First Believers: The Investors Behind Tomorrow’s Breakthrough Companies.

Securing that first investment is about much more than capital. Early investors provide critical validation, open doors to strategic relationships, and help companies build the momentum needed to attract future financing. Understanding how these investors think can give entrepreneurs a significant advantage as they prepare for fundraising.

This panel brings together accomplished investors and innovation leaders who regularly evaluate breakthrough technologies at their earliest stages:

Renaud Jacquemart Omnium Global (Moderator)	Sam Gussman-Toh ARPA-H	William Hsu, PhD NuFund Venture Group
Rohit Jain HBS Alumni Angels of Northern California	Dushyant Pathak Autobahn Labs

These panelists represent a diverse range of perspectives across venture creation, angel investing, government-supported innovation, and early-stage venture capital. Collectively, they helped identify and support companies long before they became widely recognized.

During the discussion, attendees will gain insight into what separates promising startups from investable opportunities. The panel will explore the characteristics investors look for in founding teams, the technical and commercial milestones that inspire confidence, and the common mistakes entrepreneurs make when approaching investors during the earliest stages of fundraising.

The conversation will also address how startups can build credibility before institutional financing, demonstrate meaningful progress with limited resources, and develop fundraising strategies that position them for long-term success.

For founders preparing to raise their first outside capital, this session offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from the investors who are often the first to believe in transformative science and technology.

Whether you are refining your investment story, preparing for investor meetings, or mapping out your fundraising roadmap, The First Believers panel will provide practical insights that can help shape your next steps.

Don’t miss this opportunity to kick off Day 2 of RESI Boston with an inside look at how early-stage investors identify the breakthrough companies of tomorrow.

Meet the Investors Shaping the Future of Life Science Innovation

July 28, 2026 ~ Next Phase Admin ~ Leave a comment

By Momo Yamamoto, Senior Investor Research Analyst, LSN

One of the most valuable aspects of attending RESI Boston is the opportunity to hear directly from the investors and strategic partners actively funding and partnering with early-stage life science companies.

This year’s agenda features an outstanding lineup of leaders representing global pharmaceutical companies, venture capital firms, strategic investors, government funding organizations, and mission-driven investment groups. Their sessions will provide firsthand insights into today’s investment landscape, what they look for in emerging technologies, and how startups can position themselves for successful fundraising and partnership discussions.

Farnaz Bakhshi American Cancer Society BrightEdge	Alan Chiu Breakthrough T1D	Yvanka de Soysa Foreground Capital
Shane Duffy Avanos Medical	Nimisha Gupta Jazz Pharmaceuticals	Sam Gussman-Toh ARPA-H
Jonathan Illicki Industrifonden	Nikhil Mutyal AstraZeneca	Rohit Nuwal TELUS Ventures
Parthiban Rajasekaran Sanofi	Armin Rump Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd

Register Today for RESI Boston 2026

Don’t miss your opportunity to learn directly from these industry leaders while connecting with hundreds of active investors, strategic partners, and innovative life science companies during Biotech Week Boston.

Join us September 22–23 in Boston, followed by three days of virtual partnering on September 25, 28, and 29.

Register now to secure your spot, take advantage of Early Bird savings, and begin scheduling meetings with the global life science investment community.

KBIC Japan Life Science Showcase Strengthens Cross-Border Partnerships at RESI San Diego

July 7, 2026July 7, 2026 ~ Next Phase Admin ~ Leave a comment

By Momo Yamamoto, Senior Investor Research Analyst, LSN

The KBIC Japan Life Science Showcase brought together Japanese innovators, investors, corporate leaders, and government representatives during RESI San Diego to highlight emerging technologies and strengthen collaboration between Japan and the global life science community. As Japan’s largest biomedical cluster and title sponsor of the RESI Conference, the Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster (KBIC) brings together approximately 350 companies, medical institutions, and research organizations advancing healthcare innovation. The showcase featured eight Japanese startups selected for their readiness to engage with international investors and licensing partners, providing a platform to introduce their technologies to a global audience.

Each startup delivered a six-minute company presentation followed by five minutes of live Q&A in front of investor judges, giving attendees the opportunity to explore each company’s science, commercialization strategy, and market potential through direct discussions with the founders. The showcase featured an accomplished panel of judges representing Alumni Ventures, Aquillius Ventures, Bristol Myers Squibb, JLABS (Johnson & Johnson), and Mass Medical Angels. Drawing expertise across venture capital, corporate innovation, and early-stage investing, the judges engaged founders with thoughtful questions and constructive feedback, creating meaningful dialogue throughout the session.

Complementing the startup presentations, representatives from JIC Venture Growth Investments and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) shared insights into Japan’s evolving venture capital landscape, government initiatives supporting innovation, and the future outlook for the country’s startup ecosystem. Their presentations provided valuable context for international investors interested in partnering with Japanese life science companies.

More than a series of company presentations, the KBIC Japan Life Science Showcase demonstrated the growing momentum behind cross-border collaboration in life sciences. By connecting Japan’s innovative startup ecosystem with U.S. and international investors, strategic partners, and industry leaders, the session reinforced a shared commitment to accelerating healthcare innovation through global partnerships. Events like these continue to strengthen the bridge between regional ecosystems, creating new opportunities for investment, licensing, and commercialization that benefit both the Japanese and international life science communities.