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Report Compiled on Results of the Survey on University-Developed Venture Businesses

Japanese

May 17, 2022

Economic & Industrial Policy
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) compiled the Report on the Results of the Survey on University-Developed Venture Businesses. This FY2021 survey revealed that the number of such venture businesses (VBs) was 3,306 as of October 2021, an increase by 401 from the 2,905 confirmed in FY2020 showing record-high growth.

1. Purpose and background

University-developed VBs are expected to play a leading role in efforts to bring about innovation within the economy and society based on results of innovative research in universities and other organizations. Through a series of surveys, METI aims to ascertain the current situation of the establishment of university-developed VBs from various points of view; examine business environments, demands and other elements; and analyze factors that may contribute to business growth and utilize the results to develop future policies.

2. Summary of the survey results

Changes in the number of university-developed VBs

The number of university-developed VBs confirmed to be operating in the FY2021 survey was 3,306. This was an increase of 401 from the 2,905 confirmed in FY2020—a record-high for both the number of businesses and the number they had increased by.

Note: For this survey, VBs that fall into one or more of the following five categories are defined as university-developed VBs.
1. Research-based venture: A newly established venture with the aim of commercializing patents and new technologies and business methods based on research results produced within universities.
2. Joint-research venture: A VB that conducted joint research with a university within five years of its establishment in order to commercialize the technology and know-how of the founders. This includes those that had no special relationship with the university at the time of establishment.
3. Technology-transfer venture: A VB that underwent technology transfer from a university within five years of its establishment in order to maintain and develop an existing business. This includes those that had no special relationship with the university at the time of establishment.
4. Student venture: A student VB that has a deep relationship with a university. This applies only to those that have a relationship with current students or had a relationship in the past.
5. Relation venture: A VB that has a deep relationship with a university (e.g., is funded by a university).

Number of newly established university-developed VBs per university

Following on from the FY2020 survey, the University of Tokyo still has the most university-developed VBs, while other universities, such as Kyoto University, the University of Tsukuba, and Keio University, have also made significant growth. This shows that many universities are making significant strides in fostering the creation of new VBs.

Ranking
(Ranking of the previous fiscal year)		 Name of university FY2019 FY2020 FY2021
1 (1) University of Tokyo 268 323 329
2 (2) Kyoto University 191 222 242
3 (3) Osaka University 141 168 180
4 (4) University of Tsukuba 114 146 178
5 (10) Keio University 85 90 175
6 (5) Tohoku University 121 145 157
7 (7) Tokyo University of Science 30 111 126
8 (6) Kyushu University 117 124 120
9 (8) Nagoya University 94 109 116
10 (9) Tokyo Institute of Technology 75 98 108
Note: It should also be noted that the number of VBs is the number that was known as of the survey fiscal year in question, and the increase from the previous year is not necessarily the number of VBs that were newly established.

Analysis of the impact of the pandemic

When asking about the impact of COVID-19 on university-developed VBs compared to last year, the common response was "There was no change." However, "Use of facilities / collaboration with other companies," "Planning projects," and "Investments" saw more negative impacts than positive.

Analysis of the performance of human resources with a doctorate degree in university-developed VBs

The ratio of human resources with a doctorate degree among employees of university-developed VBs is higher than the number among researchers in ordinary companies, especially in research-based and technology-transfer ventures. This shows that human resources with a doctorate degree are being actively utilized in university-developed VBs.

3. Database on University-Developed Venture Businesses

The Database on University-Developed Venture Businesses publishes information on university-developed VBs. It has been updated based on the results of the FY2021 survey. Please refer to it.

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