WHO WE ARE
Innovation Launchpad Created for Entrepreneurs
CIC is a global innovation launchpad founded in 1999 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. As one of Japan’s largest innovation centers, CIC is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and fostering innovation
OUR MISSIONTo fix the world through innovation
CIC serves as a launchpad for innovation that connects the world, supporting the global growth of startups while creating an innovation community where innovators, investors, and companies from all over the globe gather in high density.
CIC has supported the global success of startups by providing offices where entrepreneurs can work flexibly without constraints and offering an environment where they can access abundant resources. In collaboration with partners across the world, CIC has also built communities that provide entrepreneurs with the necessary networks.
CIC is filled with entrepreneurs who are tackling global challenges and striving to find solutions. The solutions they discover not only generate economic value as businesses but also create workplaces and opportunities for people, contributing to solving a variety of social issues.
Campuses in Japan
Located in the heart of Toranomon, this space boasts a total area of approximately 6,000 square meters, making it one of the largest in Japan. This space, where innovative ideas flow daily, offers far more than just a typical office
Located along the intersection of Meiji-dori and Watanabe-dori, ONE FUKUOKA BLDG features a mixed-use commercial space with offices, retail shops, and a hotel that includes a rooftop restaurant and bar. With large windows allowing natural light, lush terraces, high ceilings, and a panoramic sky lobby, this building offers all the elements that will make it an attractive option for future CIC Fukuoka members.
CIC Global and CIC Japan Leadership
Takaaki Umezawa, who has supported innovation in both Japan and the U.S. and currently serves as the Chairman of A.T. Kearney Japan, has been appointed as the Chairman of CIC Japan, the organization that operates CIC. Alongside Umezawa, CIC Japan has a team of experts with deep knowledge and experience in supporting innovation and startups, particularly in fields such as environmental energy and life sciences. These members provide multifaceted support to foster innovation across various industries
Tim Rowe is Founder and CEO of Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC). He also serves as Chair of MassRobotics and Venture Café Global Institute. Tim cofounded and served as the inaugural Chair of LabCentral and the Kendall Square Association, a community organization dedicated to strengthening innovation. He previously served as a lecturer at MIT, a manager with the Boston Consulting Group, an analyst at the Mitsubishi Research Institute, and a venture partner at New Atlantic Ventures. Tim speaks Spanish and Japanese fluently. Tim holds an MBA from MIT Sloan and a BA from Amherst College.
Denyse is a versatile executive with leadership experience across multiple disciplines spanning audit and finance to human capital management and customer service in organizations of all sizes – from fast-growing startups to global enterprises – guiding teams through critical transitions. Denyse is a graduate of KPMG’s Executive Leadership Institute for Women and is a DiversityFIRST award winner from the National Diversity Council of Texas.
Victor has over 20 years of experience working on innovation, technology, and startup ecosystems globally, and has served as an innovation strategy advisor for governments and multinational companies.
He led landmark programs at the World Bank where he served for over 12 years, including the Disruptive Technology for Development Program at the World Bank President Office, the Tokyo Development Learning Center in Japan, and the Internal Innovation Acceleration Program at the Innovation Labs.
After serving as a strategic advisor for CIC globally, Victor joined as the organization’s first Chief Innovation Officer in February 2024.
With over 20 years of experience in Japan and the United States, Tak has supported companies in the areas of strategy, innovation, and urban development. In addition to serving as Chairman of A.T. Kearney Japan, he has been a member of various government committees on topics such as Cool Japan, intellectual property and design, and inbound tourism. Since the launch of CIC Japan in 2020 and the opening of CIC Tokyo, Tak has held his current position. Tak holds a law degree from the University of Tokyo and an MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management
Graduating from Waseda University with a degree in Law and later earning an MBA from a Massachusetts state university, Minako began their career at an economic think tank. She then joined the project management team for Venture Café and CIC’s expansion into Asia. Following the establishment of CIC Japan, Minako held roles as Sales Director and Operations General Manager before assuming her current position. Mianko also serves as a board member of Venture Café Tokyo.
Graduated from the Department of English Studies, Faculty of Foreign Languages, Sophia University, and obtained an MBA from the University of Manchester in the UK. After joining a major domestic commercial real estate brokerage firm, gained experience in leasing management of over 300,000 square meters at a U.S. securities firm-affiliated real estate company. Subsequently, worked at a UK-listed comprehensive real estate servicer, providing real estate consulting services at over 50 locations nationwide and in more than 10 countries worldwide. Joined CIC as Sales Director in 2023 and bcame CIC Fukuoka General Manager in November 2024.
Holding a PhD in Energy and Materials, Masaru has a rich background in policymaking related to deep tech startups, having worked at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT). He later pursued research on startup ecosystems at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and gained valuable experience in management consulting and venture capital. Oversaw the launch of CIC Tokyo, providing comprehensive support to startups.
