You're welcome to come join us in August, Sui-san...running every day in the cool mountain air.

Eye-opening data from former OIST University Dean of Research Nick Luscombe's presentation at Asia Society Japan's event in Tokyo today on Japan's Research Renaissance: Strategies for Global Impact. Time for a new way for Japan to fund its research? @MeritoNetwork is ready to lead a funding renaissance.

Japan unveiled its innovation platform NINEJP with the aim of creating globally competitive businesses throughout Japan from academic-origin research. A NINEJP rep told the BIO Japan conference in Yokohama about its goals: 1) Better entrepreneurial talent with strong communications skills 2) Boosted ability to gather info. on major global trends 3) Stronger collaboration with overseas innovation ecosystems 4) Enhanced Japanese overseas presence and recognition of its IP. The leader stressed that "science and tech strengths don't guarantee commercial success. We could use more enthusiasm, creativity, and overseas researchers and entrepreneurs." All things that @MeritoNetwork can support with as we bridge Japanese innovators to global opportunities. Onward.

このような現状を踏まえると、日本における科学研究の資金調達についても、新しいモデルを受け入れる柔軟な姿勢が求められる時期ではないでしょうか。

Osaka has blossomed lately as one of Japan's most welcoming and innovative places, especially with the World Expo in town until mid-October. Creators and innovators are coming to Osaka for a change of scenery in urban Japan, as well to meet really friendly locals. As a first landing place, @futrworks is Osaka's best entry point for entrepreneurs and digital nomads seeking a dynamic base. Perched in a tower high above Osaka Umeda station, it's an inspiring place to sit down and work away. Come for the productivity, stay for the community. Merito is partnering to promote its 9-day innovation festival called Futrfest starting Sept 29th. Details and website are below. Is a really good deal for those like me who have been eager to check out what Osaka has to offer. Eligibility: -Remote Workers (including Startup founders, employees, and Digital nomads traveling the world).* (Japan residents are not eligible; Priority will be given to those who can attend the full 9-day program). Participant Perks: -Free participation in curated events during FUTRFEST. -Complimentary coworking space access during entire period--at Futrworks' location high above Osaka Umeda station. Exclusive Offers: -10 nights FREE accommodation for select participants (September 29 – October 9) – influential founders and digital nomads will be handpicked for this opportunity. -1 month of special priced accommodation, available on a first-come, first-served basis for confirmed participants! -Private rooms available for startup teams of 2–4 members (limited to 3 select startups). Participation Fee: -Free (some optional events require a fee). For more details and to apply, see: lnkd.in/gy3ZH9MB

@MeritoNetwork opens previously closed doors to moonshot innovations. The chart below breaks this down. Unlike traditional approaches of investing in start-up equity, 98%+ of which goes to zero, Merito invests in Sponsored Research Agreements (SRA), enabling investors to capture value from cutting-edge intellectual property (IP) before companies source it as R&D fuel.  Rather than invest in companies with existing products or services, Merito invests at the earliest stages of innovation—often supporting the fundamental research that will eventually generate future therapies and products. Merito’s fund captures top-line revenues instead of waiting for long-delayed, and much messier, bottom-line profits. Merito's assets have a greater chance of exit because it sells IP licensing rights via direct trade sales to corporate and investment groups instead of the increasingly-dry Initial Public Offering route. Trade sales also take advantage of the fundamental shift in how companies approach innovation, from closed to the "Open Innovation" trend. Many companies have relied on internal R&D teams or affiliated suppliers to develop new products. This insular approach limits innovation potential. Companies that embrace external IP sources can access breakthrough technologies that would be impossible to develop internally. Merito's innovative investment approach combines the best elements of the decentralized science (DeSci) movement with proven traditional science funding methodologies. Like to learn more? Send me a DM and glad to chat further.

日本のディープテック資金調達の向上にご興味のある皆様、IVSカンファレンスの合間に京都で開催する朝食会にぜひご参加ください。楽しいイベントになること間違いなしです！ For those going to the IVS conference, @MeritoNetwork is hosting a breakfast in Kyoto to highlight latest trends in Japan's accelerating DeSci market. Will be fun!

Was great chatting with Japan's Science & Technology Agency today about Merito's value proposition. Affirming to hear from JST's in-house think tank official how Merito can be a game changer for Japanese deep tech research funding, enhancing each university's own tech transfer office's efforts. Onward.

For those in Singapore who would like to come on June 10th. @MeritoNetwork is pitching and I promise you we're the least talented of the batch. Plenty of great founders to witness. If you're an investor or DeSci professional, DM me for an invite.