25 Jun 2025
CCI and the University of Tokyo’s International Research Center for Neurointelligence Launch Inaugural Neuroscience Entrepreneurship Workshop
Neuro-inspired Computation and Entrepreneurship Workshop Will Equip the Next Generation of Neuroscience Entrepreneurs with Foundational Tools for Startup Creation
Corundum Convergence Institute (CCI), a non-profit venture fueling groundbreaking research at the intersection of neuroscience and systems biology, today announced it has partnered with the International Research Center for Neurointelligence (IRCN) at the University of Tokyo to launch the inaugural Neuro-inspired Computation and Entrepreneurship Workshop.
The workshop runs June 30–July 1 and on July 7, 2025 at the University of Tokyo. It will complement the IRCN and Chen Institute’s Joint Course on Neuro-inspired Computation, which will take place July 2–5.
Bridging the worlds of neuroscience innovation, artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship, the workshop will introduce participants to foundational startup concepts, emphasizing early-stage venture creation, global market insights and investment strategies. The program is tailored to equip scientists and aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools and mindset to translate bold research into real-world impact.
“The Neuro-inspired Computation and Entrepreneurship Workshop presents an exciting opportunity to create an ecosystem with the potential to become a global engine for startup creation,” said Shunsuke Nagao, President of Corundum Convergence Institute and CFO of Corundum Systems Biology. “CCI is committed to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs, guiding the process of commercializing cutting-edge research. We are delighted to partner with IRCN for this initiative which perfectly aligns with our vision and goals.”
Throughout the program, participants will have the opportunity to engage with leading experts presenting on topics including product-market fit, intellectual property, financing and R&D strategies. Distinguished speakers include neurotech entrepreneur, Alain Prochiantz, PhD, who will deliver a keynote session, and neurotech strategist Jojo Platt, who will introduce attendees to the spirit of entrepreneurial leadership and innovation.
“This program embodies our shared vision of what neuroscience innovation can become when disciplines, generations and cultures converge,” said Prof. Takao Hensch, Director of the International Research Center for Neurointelligence, Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the Harvard Center for Brain Science, and Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School. “By infusing science and entrepreneurship with the spirit of collaboration, we hope to inspire a new generation of leaders who will transform their curiosity into real-world impact. Together with Corundum, we are cultivating a community where the next big ideas in neurotech innovation can flourish.”
A highlight of the workshop will be an immersive session led by a team from Harvard University’s Lemann Program on Creativity and Entrepreneurship (LPCE), focused on venture storytelling and pitch readiness. The session will emphasize both cross-disciplinary and cross-generational collaboration, particularly the integration of the liberal arts with sciences and entrepreneurship, which aligns with the vision of CCI and IRCN. LPCE is also actively engaged in building international communities outside of its Boston base, making Japan a future site for this growing global network of researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs.
Corundum Convergence Institute (CCI), a non-profit venture fueling groundbreaking research at the intersection of neuroscience and systems biology, today announced it has partnered with the International Research Center for Neurointelligence (IRCN) at the University of Tokyo to launch the inaugural Neuro-inspired Computation and Entrepreneurship Workshop.
The workshop runs June 30–July 1 and on July 7, 2025 at the University of Tokyo. It will complement the IRCN and Chen Institute’s Joint Course on Neuro-inspired Computation, which will take place July 2–5.
Bridging the worlds of neuroscience innovation, artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship, the workshop will introduce participants to foundational startup concepts, emphasizing early-stage venture creation, global market insights and investment strategies. The program is tailored to equip scientists and aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools and mindset to translate bold research into real-world impact.
“The Neuro-inspired Computation and Entrepreneurship Workshop presents an exciting opportunity to create an ecosystem with the potential to become a global engine for startup creation,” said Shunsuke Nagao, President of Corundum Convergence Institute and CFO of Corundum Systems Biology. “CCI is committed to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs, guiding the process of commercializing cutting-edge research. We are delighted to partner with IRCN for this initiative which perfectly aligns with our vision and goals.”
Throughout the program, participants will have the opportunity to engage with leading experts presenting on topics including product-market fit, intellectual property, financing and R&D strategies. Distinguished speakers include neurotech entrepreneur, Alain Prochiantz, PhD, who will deliver a keynote session, and neurotech strategist Jojo Platt, who will introduce attendees to the spirit of entrepreneurial leadership and innovation.
“This program embodies our shared vision of what neuroscience innovation can become when disciplines, generations and cultures converge,” said Prof. Takao Hensch, Director of the International Research Center for Neurointelligence, Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the Harvard Center for Brain Science, and Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School. “By infusing science and entrepreneurship with the spirit of collaboration, we hope to inspire a new generation of leaders who will transform their curiosity into real-world impact. Together with Corundum, we are cultivating a community where the next big ideas in neurotech innovation can flourish.”
A highlight of the workshop will be an immersive session led by a team from Harvard University’s Lemann Program on Creativity and Entrepreneurship (LPCE), focused on venture storytelling and pitch readiness. The session will emphasize both cross-disciplinary and cross-generational collaboration, particularly the integration of the liberal arts with sciences and entrepreneurship, which aligns with the vision of CCI and IRCN. LPCE is also actively engaged in building international communities outside of its Boston base, making Japan a future site for this growing global network of researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs.