Mikio Kawahara

Since 2016, Mr. Mikio Kawahara has been Head of Investment and Business Development at UTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd. (UTokyo IPC), the University of Tokyo's investment arm for innovations and start-ups.

Before joining UTokyo IPC, Mr. Kawahara worked for Toppan Printing Co., Ltd. in 1997. At Toppan, he launched his career as a computer engineer at the firm's research center. After moving to the Corporate Planning Division at the firm's headquarters, he engaged in many diversified projects involving corporate restructuring, strategic alliances, and M&As. In 2007, he established Riken Genesis Co., Ltd., a new biotech start-up from RIKEN Research Institute, and led its management as Chief Operating Officer. In this role, he pioneered the personalized medicine business in Japan.

From 2014, he concurrently served as President and CEO of BNA Inc., a biotech venture incubated at Osaka University.

He assumed the post of Board member at AccuRna Inc. in December 2017.

Master of Mathematical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, the University of Tokyo.

MBA, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University.

Master of Engineering Management, McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University.