Youth Innovation EXPO (Global Track)

Europe and North America Contest

 Director of Global Brain

Dr. Hiroki Takai leverages his extensive experience as both a researcher and investor to support the growth of cutting-edge deep tech and life science innovations. Having undergone artificial valve transplant surgery as a child, he was deeply inspired by the potential of medical technology. This personal experience shaped his lifelong mission: to drive innovations that will have a lasting impact for centuries to come.

After earning his PhD in brain tumor research, Dr. Takai conducted further studies at Harvard Medical School before joining Eli Lilly, where he gained comprehensive experience in the entire drug development process through clinical research. Seeking to bridge science and business, he later earned an MBA from London Business School, equipping himself with a unique dual perspective.

Currently, as a Partner at Global Brain, Dr. Takai invests in promising deep tech and life science startups worldwide, serving as a crucial link between academia and industry.

Europe and North America Contest

Director of Warwick Innovations

With over 30 years of business experience, Dr Tim Hart is a seasoned entrepreneur and an innovation consultant. Having founded multiple startups himself, he possesses deep expertise in fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and scaling ventures. His extensive network spans both private and government sectors, enabling him to bridge critical connections for emerging businesses.

As an innovation consultant, Dr Hart has played a pivotal role in running acceleration programmes and judging competitions across multiple countries. His experience as a mentor is equally extensive, guiding entrepreneurs through the challenges of transforming ideas into successful enterprises.

Currently serving as a Director at a university Technology Licensing Office (TLO), Dr Hart is dedicated to commercialising university-driven innovations and building relationships with investors to bring groundbreaking research to market. His expertise in navigating the intersection of academia, business, and investment makes him a key figure in the global innovation ecosystem.

Europe and North America Contest

CEO of Biospire UK Limited

With over 25 years of experience in life sciences and materials science, Dr. Masashi Matsunaga has dedicated his career to bridging Japanese and British innovation. He has played a pivotal role in connecting startups in the UK and Europe with Japan’s large corporations through open innovation initiatives, facilitating projects and business acquisitions.
Dr. Matsunaga is currently focused on supporting the globalisation of Japanese startups, leading initiatives such as soft landing programmes in the UK, designed to help Japanese companies expand successfully into international markets.
Additionally, Dr. Matsunaga holds director roles in innovative ventures, including a Cambridge University spin-off in regenerative medicine and a lymphatic regeneration medical technology venture in the UK, where he is leveraging Japanese technology to develop cutting-edge treatments. His expertise spans both scientific research and commercialisation, making him a key figure in driving the international growth of life science and medical technology ventures.

Asia Contest

Managing Director, Hokkaido Government Representative Office

Okabe has worked for around 20 years in Hokkaido Government in Japan. After being dispatched to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he has served as a second secretary of Japanese Embassy in Canada for three years from 2013. He was appointed Managing Director of Hokkaido Government representative Office in Singapore in 2023. He holds a Bachelor of Laws from Hokkaido University.

Asia Contest

Born in Singapore, 1958. Currently (Dec 2024, age 66) retired from full-time occupation. 

Awarded Singapore Government Scholarship and Japan Mombusho Scholarship for  undergraduate studies in Japan (1977 to 1982). Graduated from Yokohama National University  in March 1982, major in Naval Architecture. 

Served bond with the Government in the Ministry of Defense. Subsequent career path in private  sector was closely related to Japan. 

Since return from studies in Japan, have been actively involved in voluntary activities to promote  academic and cultural exchanges between Singapore and Japan. 

Currently, 

Board Member of the Japanese School Singapore（シンガポール日本人学校運営理事会 理事） (since 2012) and The Japanese Supplementary School （補習授業校委員会委員） (since 2019). 

President of Chado Urasenke Tankokai Singapore Association (茶道裏千家淡交会シンガ ポール協会) (since 2023), a prestigious Japanese Tea Ceremony association. The association  was awarded “Foreign Minister of Japan’s Commendation (日本外務大臣表彰)” in 2022. 

Extra-ordinary Member of Japanese Association.  

Asia Contest

Managing Director at Synapto Ventures, Principal at Gold Nest Capital

Dr. Linh Nguyen has worked on company spin-outs, strategic development, fundraising and international expansions. As the Principal of Gold Nest Capital, she sources and evaluates investment proposals within the life science industry, covering various fields within life sciences such as therapeutics, research tools, medical devices, digital health, AgriTech, advanced manufacturing and green energy.

Currently Managing Director of Synapto Ventures, Dr. Nguyen's dedicated to connecting innovative life science and healthcare companies with the right sources of funding, creating links and connections between the innovative ecosystem and commercialization partners.