Dr. Tsuyoshi Hirota (Designated Associate Professor, ITbM) Selected for the FY2026 Tongali GAP Fund Program "Step 2"

Designated Associate Professor Tsuyoshi Hirota of ITbM has been selected for the FY2026 Tongali GAP Fund Program "Step 2," operated by Tokai Network for Global Leading Innovation (Tongali).

This program is implemented as part of JST's Startup Ecosystem Co-creation Program for the New Industry Creation Fund for University Startups. It aims to promote the creation of startups that generate social and economic impact by leveraging research outcomes from universities and other academic institutions. In "Step 2," selected applicants advance proof-of-concept studies toward the commercialization of their research while building the foundations needed for the establishment of university-based startups and for investment decisions by venture capital firms and other investors.

Principal Investigator: Tsuyoshi Hirota, Designated Associate Professor

Selected Project: Practical development of circadian clock-modulating drugs for the treatment of modern disorders, including sleep disorders and mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder

The circadian clock research led by him is one of ITbM's flagship research areas. Through this selection, ITbM will further promote technological development and business validation toward the practical application and social implementation of these research outcomes.

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