Information for Seed Seeker
(Pharma companies and VC)

What is Drug Seeds Alliance Network Japan (DSANJ)?

The Drug Seeds Alliance Network Japan (DSANJ) is a program designed to support pharma companies and venture capital(VC) in their drug discovery research. Through the DSANJ Bio Conference, we introduce promising drug discovery seeds and platform technologies from universities, research institutions, and startups in Japan and around the world, and arrange one-on-one meetings with researchers based on your interests.

How DSANJ Can Benefit You

  • Get access to drug discovery seeds from throughout Japan and around the world chosen for relevance to pharmaceutical companies’ interests.
  • Support for pharma companies and VC in scouting drug discovery seeds and platform technologies from academia and startups, and facilitating collaboration opportunities.
  • Hear the latest from Japan and around the world about research trends and what companies are interested in.
  • One-on-one support for identifying relevant research opportunities includes ::
    • Discovery: OCCI searches for research aligned with your interests, and invites the institutions involved to meet with you
    • Referral: If you are interested in specific research outcomes, OCCI will reach out to the researchers or startups and encourage them to participate
  • Access a wide range of research projects at one time and request one-on-one meetings with multiple researchers in a short period.
  • Research information is carefully prepared to ensure that it does not contain confidential information.
  • It is presented in a format that is easy for pharma companies and VC to evaluate.
  • OCCI acts on behalf of pharma companies and VC in communicating decisions to research institutions regarding potential collaboration.
  • OCCI supports the arrangement of in-person meetings between parties interested in proceeding to the next step following initial online discussions.

DSANJ Bio Conference FY2025: Overview

Purpose Promoting joint research, technology transfer and investment in drug discovery
Program Online one-on-one meetings between pharma companies and VC and researchers/startups
  • DSANJ Admin Office gives pharma companies and VC a run-down of independently-found research outcomes
  • Pharma companies and VC review research materials in advance and request meetings with projects of interest
Schedule Mid-2025: 10:00–18:00 (JST) on Aug. 27, 28, 29; Sep. 1, 2
Early 2026: 10:00–18:00 (JST) on Jan. 28, 29, 30; Feb. 2, 3
Proposals resulting from DSANJ Bio Conference Approx. 150 /year
Area of focus

  • Categories

    Drug targets; drug seeds (substances); platform technologies for drug discovery; biomarkers; diagnostic drugs and technologies; digital therapeutics; medical devices for use combination with drugs, etc. (i.e., excluding devices designed for use on their own)

  • Modalities

    Low-molecular drugs, antibody drugs, oligonucleotide therapeutics, gene therapy, recombinant protein, cell therapy, AI-powered drug discovery, vaccines, viruses, regenerative medicine, SaMD (treatment apps), digital healthcare, protein-protein interaction inhibitors, etc.

  • Target Disorders

    Metabolic disorders, circulatory disorders, infectious disorders, respiratory disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, cancer and malignant neoplasms, central nervous system disorders, pain, sensory organ disorders, immune system and inflammatory disorders, allergies, skin disorders, digestive and urinary disorders, ob-gyn disorders, rare disorders, etc.

  • Stage of Research Progress

    Basic research; non-clinical POC pending; non-clinical POC obtained, clinical trials pending; clinical trials underway, etc.
Organizers OCCI, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association, Kansai Pharmaceutical Industries Association
Co-organizer Osaka Prefecture
Support Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Osaka City
Special thanks LINK-J

Click the links for more details.

Application Overview for DSANJ Bio Conference FY2025

Coverage period April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026
  • NB: DSANJ participation is based on the fiscal year (April to March). Regardless of your month of enrollment, reapplication is required each April to continue participation into the next fiscal year.
Participation Fee ¥500,000 (excluding tax)
  • NB:The fee is charged on a fiscal year basis.
How to Apply

Please notify us of your intention to participate by emailing the DSANJ Admin Office (contact@dsanj.jp).

  • To participate as a Seed Proposer, check this page.
DSANJ Admin Office 2-8 Honmachi-bashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka 540-0029 Japan
(Life Science Group, Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
Contact If you would like a briefing before applying, How to Apply contact us at the following e-mail address and indicate your interest in DSANJ participation.
DSANJ Admin Office staff will follow up with you shortly.
[E-mail Address: contact@dsanj.jp]