Shino focuses on building innovation ecosystems and partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region.

She began her career in the NGO sector, working on mission-driven and accessibility-focused web development projects. She later founded Impact Hub Tokyo, where she supported Japan’s startup ecosystem through cross-sector collaboration and community building.

At Catalyst, Shino leads large-scale innovation initiatives and partnerships, driving ecosystem growth and impact across Japan and beyond.

With a Ph.D. in Life Sciences, Ayano has significant experience in research and development policy on life science and medical areas, having worked at MEXT. Ayano’s international experience includes studying at MIT, where she contributed to research on life sciences ecosystems and the global expansion of shared wet labs for startups. Joining CIC in July 2021, she is now responsible for startup support programs, overseas expansion initiatives, and the development of life sciences-related business ventures.

A graduate of a U.S. state university, Midori started her career at Deloitte Tohmatsu Consulting, where she worked on strategic initiatives in the AI and robotics industries. Midori later took on a leadership role in launching services in the U.S. for a robotics company, followed by spearheading the establishment and growth of a U.S.-based startup’s Japanese branch as a business development lead. Currently, Midori specializes in supporting startups in the environmental sector and manage open innovation programs.

Completed the Department of Basic Science at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo. After gaining experience at British and American financial institutions, Satoe joined Cook Medical Japan, where Satoe oversaw QMS, safety management (pharmacovigilance), and business compliance before transitioning into business development for regenerative medicine products.
In 2017, Satoe joined Shinsei Corporate Investment as a venture capitalist, covering a wide range of deep-tech sectors with a primary focus on bio and life sciences. Following roles at quantum software and analytical chemistry startups, Satoe joined CIC in March 2026.

Having held key roles at Google Japan and WeWork Japan in new business development and startup support programs, Yusuke assumed his current position in April 2024. Additionally, Yusuke has been a driving force behind TEDxTokyo since 2010 and were selected as one of 25 TEDx Ambassadors globally in 2019, supporting over 2,000 community ecosystems. A graduate of Sophia University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering (Mathematics), he now focus on assisting startups in implementing innovative solutions in society.

After graduating from Akita University, Ikuko embarked on a career in public administration with the Akita Prefectural Government. Her experience spans industrial promotion, corporate attraction, support for the manufacturing sector, addressing demographic challenges, and human resource development. Ikuko also completed a course at the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ Local Autonomy College. Since joining CIC in October 2022, Ikuko has led startup support projects in collaboration with government and academic institutions, while also coordinating and MC-ing events.

After graduating from Osaka University, joined the Tokyo Metropolitan Government as a public officier, working in areas such as education, healthcare, and startup support. In 2023, seconded to Plug and Play Japan, where managed an accelerator program focused on foodtech. Since June 2024, Risa has been supporting the growth of startups in the environmental and food sectors. Currently she enrolled in the Professional Master’s Program in Management of Technology at Institute of Science Tokyo, conducting research on the foodtech ecosystem.

After graduating from Sophia University, Sayuri joined an IMC planning boutique, where she designed and executed PR-led IMC strategies. She then joined quantum, a creativity-driven Startup Studio specializing in new business development for established corporations, contributing to projects across healthcare, mobility, consumer goods, and generative AI. Current role since March 2026.

After completing my Master’s at Osaka University’s Graduate School of Engineering Science, I led R&D commercialization and new business launches at major OA and medical device manufacturers. I later transitioned to supporting Japanese companies’ growth through roles at a Hong Kong government-affiliated agency and a global accelerator, focusing on international expansion and startup ecosystems. In April 2026, I joined CIC, where I currently specialize in driving the commercialization of Deep Tech.

After graduating from the University of Tokyo (Faculty of Economics), worked in international business development at a French tech startup, then cross-border e-commerce in its nascency at Rakuten. At PwC Consulting and Deloitte Tohmatsu Consulting, drove open innovation and emerging tech projects—including AI—with major corporations and startups. Joined current position in January 2025. Fluent in Japanese, English, Russian, and Mongolian. Currently supports startup deployment and global expansion.

After graduating from the Faculty of Economics at Hokkaido University, Tomo joined Hamamatsu City Hall.
In 2017, he was seconded to JETRO Bangkok office, where he supported Thai companies in entering the Japanese market.
He then returned to Hamamatsu City Hall, where he worked on overseas expansion of manufacturing companies, launching new businesses, and promoting industry-academia-government collaboration.
Subsequently, he supported demonstration experiments by startups.
He joined CIC in April 2025.

After graduating from Nagoya Institute of Technology, Yuki joined at a materials manufacturer, engaging in product development and quality assurance. In 2015, She joined the Nagoya City Hall mid-career, where she supported innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises. Later, she was in charge of startup support and contributed to the development of the local startup ecosystem. Since FY2023, she was seconded to the Cabinet Office Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, where she was promoting the Startup Ecosystem Hub Cities initiative. She joined CIC in April 2025.

After graduating from university, Makiko began her career as a cabin crew member for a state-owned airline in the Middle East. Upon returning to Japan, she transitioned into academia as a university administrator. Makiko served as a core member in the establishment and operation of a newly founded medical school, handling a broad range of administrative responsibilities including academic affairs, international student support, and clinical education at both the university and its affiliated hospital. In June 2024, Makiko assumed her current role, overseeing all administrative operations at CIC Institute.

After graduating from Seikei University with a degree in International Culture, Yuki worked as a Sales Administrator and Inside Sales Representative at a specialized trading company. She led her team, contributed to process improvements such as RPA implementation for order management, and optimized inventory utilization. After studying project management abroad for a year , she joined CIC Institute in April 2025, where she is currently responsible for a wide range of administrative operations.