This is the NQ Global Startup Gateway Administrative Office. We are pleased to announce that,Applications Are Now Open for the FY2026 “NQ COO Talent Development Program (Phase 2)”We would like to inform you that we have done so.
What Is the NQ COO Talent Development Program?
The Nakanoshima Qross COO Talent Development Program is,Developing COOs (Chief Operating Officers) to Lead Life Sciences StartupsThis program is designed to [...].
Program Features
The “Nakanoshima Qross COO Development Program” is a talent-development initiative for Japan-based startups, adapted from 82VS Venture Studios (Alloy Therapeutics) and its COO (Chief Operating Officer) training program run for U.S. startups.
2025年度に実施した第1期では20名の受講生が参加。3回の合宿プログラムを通してCOOに必要な知識や実践力を身につけ修了しました。
Many graduates from the first cohort of this program have leveraged what they learned to venture into the startup sector, and They have achieved steady career transitions, ranging from cases where participants have moved from major general trading companies to university-spun-off biotech startups—where they drive the business as co-founders and COOs—to instances where individuals have left investment firms to join startups. Furthermore, a wide range of initiatives are emerging that transcend traditional job roles and formats—from participants who have actively lobbied their companies to secure secondments at venture firms, where they now hold positions supporting global expansion, to those who are preparing to launch their own businesses while maintaining a base as investors.
This fiscal year marks the second term of the program. Through a three-session residential program, we will feature lectures by executives from the pharmaceutical industry and drug discovery startups in Japan and abroad, as well as case-method discussions that address real-world challenges.
In Phase 2, we plan to conduct business feasibility assessments using AI-assisted screening tools. We will also provide opportunities to expand our engagement with startups after the program concludes, including building a community that includes graduates from Phase 1, networking with startup founders, and providing information on opportunities for participation.
Why Is a COO Necessary?
In the life sciences sector, even when outstanding research findings and technologies are developed, there are many challenges to be overcome before they can be scaled up into a business and delivered to society. It is not enough to simply advance research and development; companies must also address a variety of management challenges, including formulating business strategies, raising capital, managing intellectual property, building organizations, and securing talent.
The COO (Chief Operating Officer) plays a key role in overseeing these day-to-day business operations and driving the business forward in collaboration with the CEO and researchers. In the life sciences startup sector in particular, the process from research and development to commercialization often takes a long time, so there is a need for individuals who can understand the value of technology and research while making decisions and taking action from a business management perspective.
This program aims to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills required of a COO and to develop talent capable of leading startups in the life sciences sector in the future.
Schedule
In this program,A two-day, one-night intensive program in a residential format3 sessions totalImplementationI will.
In addition to lectures by instructors with management experience in the pharmaceutical industry and at domestic and international drug discovery startups, the program will feature practical content such as case discussions based on real-world business challenges and business feasibility assessments using AI-powered tools.
In addition, through networking with startup founders and building a community with the first cohort of graduates, we provide opportunities to continue learning and expand connections with startups even after completing the program.
Recruitment Overview
Eligible Programs NQ COO Talent Development Program (2nd Cohort)
Application Deadline Monday, November 30, 2026
Implementation Period December 2026–February 2027 (tentative)
Format A two-day, one-night residential program (3 sessions total)
Venue Nakanoshima Qross(4-3-51 Nakanoshima, Kita Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture)
*Depending on the program content, activities may take place at a different office or venue.
Eligible Recipients
Individuals interested in joining a life sciences startup in a role such as COO
This opportunity is intended for individuals with a background in academia, the life sciences industry (including pharmaceuticals), other businesses, and financial institutions, who wish to apply the experience and expertise they have cultivated to the management of a startup.
*This program is not intended for individuals who have no interest in joining a startup, now or in the future. Participation solely for the purpose of personal development or to improve expertise as a support organization is not eligible.
Sign Up
To apply, please use the entry form below.
We look forward to receiving your applications.
We will hold an online information session on November 26.
We will be holding an online information session regarding applications for the FY2026 “NQ COO Talent Development Program (Phase 2).”
We’ll be hosting an event featuring content designed to introduce you to the “Nakanoshima Qross COO Talent Development Program” while addressing your questions, such as “Why do we need a COO?”, “What’s the schedule for the program?”, and “How will participating change me?” We look forward to seeing you there!
Information Session: Event Overview
Date and Time Thursday, November 26, 2026, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Event Format Online Event
Sign Up Please register via the event page (Peatix) below.
About This Initiative: NQ Global Startup Gateway
NQ Global Startup Gateway is an initiative that supports the creation and growth of startups in the life sciences sector, based at “Nakanoshima Qross,” an international hub for future healthcare located in Nakanoshima, Osaka.
This program is being implemented as a commissioned project under Osaka Prefecture’s “Startup Support Capacity Enhancement Project.” To solidify the position of “Nakanoshima Qross,” the International Hub for Future Medicine, as a hub for the commercialization of future medical technologies—including regenerative medicine—Osaka Prefecture is enhancing its capabilities to attract and nurture startups in the life sciences sector, which serve as the driving force behind this initiative, and aims to establish a world-class “Future Medicine Startup Ecosystem” capable of continuously producing promising startups.
NQ Global Startup Gateway
(in Japanese history)Nakanoshima Cross Global Startup Creation and Location Promotion Project)
NQ版COO人材育成プログラム（第2期） プログラム提供者
Contact Us
Please use the form on the following page for inquiries regarding program applications and details.