Where global deep tech dreams meet capital — two days of innovation event in Okinawa

On September 29 and 30, 2025, “OIST-Lifetime Startup Elevate 2025” was held at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST).

Now in its second year, this international conference brings together deep tech startups seeking global expansion, investors, and OIST to further elevate the startup ecosystem from Okinawa.

Organized by OIST Innovation, a hub for research-based technology development and business expansion at OIST, and Lifetime Ventures, a venture capital firm managing funds in collaboration with OIST, the event attracted approximately 500 startup entrepreneurs, investors, and university representatives from Japan and abroad.

Pitch sessions brimming with enthusiasm

The two-day program was organized around two thematic tracks: Healthcare Day on the first day and Sustainability Day on the second. Each day featured pitch sessions, panel discussions, poster exhibitions, and networking opportunities tailored to its respective theme.

The highlight of each day was the pitch session, which drew significant attention. A total of 14 startups, selected through prior applications, delivered polished 7-minute presentations after undergoing approximately one month of mentoring. Renowned investors and accelerators from Japan and abroad served as guest judges, awarding prizes such as the “Best Pitch Award” and “Best Mentor VC Award.”

Among the presenters were four startups originating from OIST:

• Atierra Inc.: Converts microalgae and CO₂ into oil for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), offering an alternative to fossil fuel and food-derived oils.
• Greenleaf Bio: Develops eco-friendly, next-generation crop protection using bacteriophages and synthetic biology as alternatives to chemical pesticides.
• Kwahuu Ocean: Manufactures and sells land-based aquaculture systems for small squid.
• Omics Collective: Uses multi-omics data to drive innovation in physical, environmental, and mental well-being

Below is the list of award winners from the pitch sessions.

Driving innovation:the role of OIST and OIST Innovation

Since its founding in 2011, OIST has been committed to not only world-class research and education but also the societal application of its discoveries. To date, OIST has spawned a total of 35 startups, with 5 out of the 10 licenses signed in fiscal year 2024 leading to new startups.

At the event, OIST Executive Vice President and Vice CEO Gil Granot-Mayer delivered a lecture on OIST's innovation strategy. The presentation introduced initiatives such as technology transfer support by in-house experts, the “Proof of Concept (POC) Program” to support commercialization of research outcomes, and the “Technology Pioneer Fellowship” and “Innovation Accelerator” aimed at nurturing entrepreneurs.

Regarding the event, Executive Vice President and Vice CEO Granot-Mayer emphasized, “By holding the event in Okinawa, we can show everyone firsthand the path we are taking to build an attractive innovation hub that brings talent together right here.”

From Okinawa to the World

Startup Elevate 2025 served as a platform to showcase the potential of startups to broadcast innovation globally from the unique location of Okinawa. OIST will continue to collaborate with external experts, including Lifetime Ventures, to support entrepreneurs taking on challenges in the deep tech field and contribute to solving global issues.
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