National Granted Programs and Public Funds for Biopharmaceutical Startups in Japan

In Japan, biopharmaceutical startups have not been sufficiently nurtured, leading to weak international competitiveness in new drug development. This is partly due to low levels of entrepreneurship in the private sector and limited investment in startups. Therefore, it is crucial for the Japanese government to provide financial support for biopharmaceutical startups. This study aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the current state of government grants and investments for biopharmaceutical startups in Japan, as well as to discuss the associated challenges and future directions. Both grant programs specifically focused on drug discovery and development and those supporting a broader range of industries, including drug discovery and development, were identified through literature reviews and web searches. Advisory programs affiliated with government agencies that assist biopharmaceutical startups were also identified. Additionally, the government has established national university funds at four universities, which have made investments in biopharmaceutical startups. While the government offers various grant programs to support biopharmaceutical startups at different stages of research and development, the relatively small scale of these grants and limited support for seed-stage projects pose significant challenges. Consulting services provided by the government, which offer advice on drug development strategies and processes, have been particularly beneficial for university researchers in Japan who lack expertise in drug discovery and development. However, some initiatives spread across different ministries, highlighting the need for a more unified national approach.