“As one of Japan’s leading academic institutions, we believe it is our responsibility and foremost duty to contribute to the medical field by translating our academic research achievements to medical innovations―swiftly, and in the optimal form.” This is the mission of the UTokyo TR Initiative. In order to fulfill this objective, it is critical above all else that we sincerely address the hopes and expectations our corporate partners have for academia, and do everything possible to meet these needs. This approach is important because our partners’ requests are based on years of experience, technology and knowledge accumulated in the business world, and provide an invaluable perspective that can help new ideas and research achievements bear fruit as medical innovations. Accordingly, we need to create a framework that allows the TR Initiative to function efficiently and effectively, and maintain and improve this system on an ongoing basis.

In future, we plan to generate the funding needed to serve this important role from sources such as patents and selected joint research conducted with our partners. However, it will take some time before we reach this phase. The understanding and support of our partners is therefore essential during the TR Initiative’s early stages.

To this end, we are asking our corporate partners in both health care companies and other sectors for their support through the TR Initiative Promotion Fund. This support takes the form of a simple donation. Accordingly, donations are not backed by any direct collateral. Recognizing the significance of the TR Initiative, several companies thus far have provided charitable support for our activities.（To this end, we are asking our corporate partners in both health care companies and other sectors for their support through the TR Initiative Promotion Fund. This support takes the form of a simple donation. Accordingly, donations are not backed by any direct collateral. Recognizing the significance of the TR Initiative, several companies thus far have provided charitable support for our activities.

I hope that you will see the value and potential in the University of Tokyo’s TR Initiative, and kindly ask for your ongoing support toward our efforts.

Contact:
Translational Research Initiative, The University of Tokyo (TR Initiative)
The University of Tokyo Hospital, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655
Tel:03-5800-9072(direct)

1. Name of Fund: Translational Research Initiative, The University of Tokyo (TR Initiative) Promotion Fund
2. Purpose of Fund: To support the activities of TR Initiative The University of Tokyo
3. Amount of Donation: In principle, we request a donation of 5 million yen per year from each corporate sponsor, for a five-year period.
   1. First Round Solicitation
      First round solicitation was conducted with the objective of establishing a fund of approximately 250 million yen (50 million yen/year). (Breakdown: 5 million yen/year donation by 10-20 corporate sponsors to support 150 million yen in personnel costs, 62.5 million yen in research costs, and 37.5 million yen in administrative costs.) Eight companies extended their support during first round solicitation in FY2013, with six corporate sponsors pledging 5 million yen per year, and two donating 3 million yen annually. This solicitation generated 36 million yen per year over a five-year period, establishing a total fund of 180 million yen.
   2. Second Round Solicitation
      As with the first round, second round solicitation was conducted with the objective of establishing additional funding of approximately 250 million yen (50 million yen/year). Two companies extended their support during the second round, with one corporate sponsor pledging 5 million yen per year, and another donating 3 million yen annually. This solicitation brought current total funding to 42 million yen per year from 10 sponsors, establishing a total fund of 210 million yen over a five-year period.
   3. Third Round Solicitation
      The third round of funding solicitation will take place during the next fiscal year. As with the first and second rounds, we are seeking an additional 250 million yen (50 million yen/year) in funding (5 million yen/year per corporate sponsor). We are again requesting a five-year commitment from corporate sponsors. Please contact the TR Initiative via the Enquiries page on this website for further details.