The Office of the City of Yokohama Representative to the Americas hosted a panel discussion titled “Road to BioJapan 2026” on September 30, 2026, as part of YOKOHAMA CONNÉCT powered by Venture Café Tokyo at TECH HUB YOKOHAMA. The English-language session was held in a hybrid format, welcoming in-person and online participants.
Held ahead of BioJapan 2026, which took place in Yokohama from October 7 to 9, the session brought together experts in investment, legal and regulatory affairs, market research, and business development. It focused on the challenges life sciences startups and companies face when entering the Japanese and U.S. markets.
The discussion was moderated by Michael Zogby of Barnes & Thornburg LLP. Panelists included Ryosuke Kimura of Yokohama-based venture capital firm Lifetime Ventures, Devesh Singh of pharmaceutical market research and consulting company CRECON Research & Consulting Inc., and Dai Saito of infuse Life Science, Inc.
The panel explored how differences in investment environments and healthcare systems influence decisions about target markets, fundraising, and business development. Major topics included regulatory approval pathways for pharmaceuticals and medical devices, drug pricing and reimbursement, and the evidence needed to establish market access in each country.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of aligning regulatory planning with manufacturing and quality systems, distribution and commercial partnerships, and long-term growth strategies from an early stage of product development. Participants examined opportunities for two-way collaboration, including U.S. expansion by Japanese startups and entry into Japan by overseas companies.
The Office of the City of Yokohama Representative to the Americas will continue to leverage international events such as BioJapan and its network of North American partners to support Yokohama-based companies expanding overseas, assist international companies exploring opportunities in Yokohama, and strengthen U.S.–Japan life sciences business connections.
For more information: Road to BioJapan 2026 – Official Session Page
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