Community Builds Prosperity and Progress

Creating a Network for Connectivity

Founded in 1999 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, CIC creates spaces worldwide that connect innovators, investors, and companies. These spaces can be found in the United States, Europe, and, thanks to CIC Tokyo, now Asia. Located in Toranomon Hills Business Tower, CIC Tokyo provides a space in the heart of the business district that welcomes and supports startups.

Victor Mulas, CIC Tokyo's Chief Innovation Officer, explains why the CIC chose to open its first location in Japan's capital. "Tokyo serves as a gateway connecting all of Japan—and potentially the broader Asian region," Mulas explains, citing the easy access not only to other Japanese cities, but key Asian hubs. "As the world's leading science and technology cluster, the city provides an exceptional foundation for deep-tech startups and the commercialization of emerging technologies—an area of increasing global demand."

A City of Growing Potential

Tokyo's startup scene has also seen extreme growth over the last five years, and, according to Mulas, it is not slowing down anytime soon. "Leading global accelerators like Techstars and Alchemist, along with venture capital firms such as a16z and Geodesic, are establishing a presence in Tokyo, signaling its growing potential," he says. The presence of the CIC itself is an indication of Tokyo's growing importance in the startup ecosystem. Before their establishment, there were no startup-shared offices in Tokyo which also allowed for large-scale networking or access to global innovation ecosystems. CIC Tokyo filled that gap.

The innovation center provides support in numerous fields, with an expert team of individuals who understand both Japanese and international markets. Mulas himself brings over 20 years of experience working in the fields of innovation, technology, and the global startup ecosystem, combined with an understanding of Japan's business culture. "Doing business in Tokyo requires the establishment of strong relationships built on trust, and while long-term partnerships are valued over quick transactions, the city is characterized by a unique environment where traditional business practices and cutting-edge innovation coexist."

Mulas works alongside Nagura Masaru, Director of the CIC Institute, who understands the obstacles many startups face, such as fundraising, marketing, and talent acquisition. Thanks to many years of experience, he can help promising startups overcome such hurdles. As part of the CIC team, Mulas and Nagura support startups as they balance Tokyo's business culture with global perspectives through fostering human connection and community building; both key aspects that are designed into the CIC Tokyo space.

Creating Connections Through Cohabited Space

CIC Tokyo is Japan's largest innovation center, taking up the entire 15th and 16th floors of Toranomon Hills Business Tower. The space totals 6,000 square meters, with 160 private rooms and offices, as well as co-working spaces and conference rooms. There is even a secret hidden room, a fun feature present in all CIC locations worldwide.

Every location is designed by the CIC team in collaboration with a local architect, and CIC Tokyo is no exception. Nagura explains that, for the 15th floor, they worked with the design firm Tetsuo Kobori Architects to create a space that would cultivate collaboration, communication, and comfort. Large social spaces with stunning views of Tokyo's skyline encourage networking and connection. A kitchen area offers the opportunity to socialize even whilst grabbing a cup of coffee. Even the corridors connecting the warren of offices are designed to allow for informal catch-ups and impromptu meetings with intentionally low ceilings and narrow hallways aimed to replicate the neighborly alleyways found in Japan.

Unlike many office spaces, CIC Tokyo understands the importance of a work-life balance. To that end, there is a game room, massage and wellness room, a nap room, and even showers. Communication is also encouraged through regular events, with approximately 400 events taking place annually. Whether it be a visit from Governor of Tokyo Koike Yuriko to commemorate the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) moving a liaison office into the building or simply a monthly celebration of all those members whose birthdays fall within that month.

The second floor contains more private offices where businesses and government agencies have set up shop. Even here, though, glass doors into every room allow a degree of openness and the design is bright and stylish. Press conferences can be held in the many conference rooms available, allowing startups to connect with the world.

Investing in the Future

Establishing this kind of space in Tokyo is a huge boon to the city's startup ecosystem and, along with the concerted efforts from the TMG to enhance Tokyo's startup capabilities, is attracting global attention. There are now some 350 startups from around the world making use of CIC Tokyo, with larger established companies, such as Mitsubishi Electric, also entering the space.

One company that makes use of the events and programs that are organized at the center is Kyoto Fusioneering, a company that aims to usher in a future of sustainable energy using fusion technology. Seko Kiyoshi, Kyoto Fusioneering's Chief Operation Officer, has found CIC Tokyo to be a useful space. "CIC supports businesses in many ways, such as creating events or helping to make connections with key politicians and government officials. This was something we were looking for in the past, but now they are creating such ecosystems."

Talking of Tokyo's broader attitude towards startups, he added, "The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has already announced that they are aiming for ten times as many companies, ten times as much investment, and ten times as many unicorns. According to that plan, they are pushing very hard to harness the startup ecosystem and I believe they are doing a great job of it." He also believes that leadership is a key component, "Governor Koike has a very hands-on style. She has very strong leadership, which is necessary when supporting startup exhibitions like SusHi Tech Tokyo."

Shimizu Shinya, the Co-Founder and CEO of Elephantech, a company aiming to decarbonize the electronics industry through inkjet printing technology, is also thrilled with such events. "I think SusHi Tech Tokyo is incredible," he states, adding, "The event is attracting tons of high-tier startup individuals and companies. I personally had a great meeting at SusHi Tech Tokyo a year ago, and the ability to connect like that is fantastic."

On the matter of government initiatives and involvement, Mulas firmly believes that "both the national government and the TMG have played a crucial role in accelerating this growth." He points to key strategies and events such as the launch of Global Innovation with STARTUPS, the establishment of the Tokyo Innovation Base, and, of course, SusHi Tech Tokyo. "These initiatives have arguably created the most international and startup-friendly environment Tokyo has ever seen." With the younger generations' rising interest in entrepreneurship, the city's startup ecosystem will continue to grow and hopefully stand as a shining beacon within the global market.

SusHi Tech Tokyo, short for Sustainable High City Tech Tokyo, is a Tokyo-based concept that aims to create sustainable new value by overcoming global urban challenges through cutting-edge technology, diverse ideas, and digital expertise.
SusHi Tech Tokyo | Sustainable High City Tech Tokyo