3rd Annual Flagship Event

Institute of Science Tokyo, Midorigaoka Hall

Saturday, November 8th, 2025

Keynote Speaker

Mari Ono

Partner at IBM Japan


Schedule

12:30

Doors open

13:00 - 13:10

Welcome Address from WISJ and B’AI Global Forum

13:10 - 14:00

Keynote Speech from Prof. Shimizu

14:00 - 15:00

Lightning Talks

15:00 - 16:00

Technology Commercialization Workshop

16:00 - 17:00

Structured Networking Session

Venue - University of Tokyo, Hongo Campus

 

Address

Faculty of Engineering Building 2, Room 92B, 7 Chome-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0033

113-0033 東京都文京区本郷7丁目3番1号 工学部2号館92B号室

By train

10 minutes on foot from Hongo Sanchome Station (Subway Marunouchi Line).

By bus

Take the Mino Bus Cha 51 bound for Komagome Station, Oji Station or Higashi 43 Arakawa Bank - Get off at Todai (Akamon-mae, Maimon-mae, Nobuku-mae bus stop).

Beyond the Lab: From Science to Strategy

15:00 - 16:00, In-person only

Iris was a product manager at SRI International for 6 years where she worked with various research labs to take the first steps in commercialization. SRI International is the research powerhouse behind significant technologies such as Siri, the computer mouse, ARPANET (precursor to the internet), and the Da Vinci Surgical Robot. While there, she worked with a number of established companies to identify their needs and explore various solutions that ranged from AI to biotechnology to robotics to materials science.

Her first foray into commercialization was at the University of Washington where she worked in the tech transfer office while completing her Ph.D. in Bioengineering. At the tech transfer office, she evaluated a variety of technologies for commercialization feasibility, market analysis, and IP landscape.

In addition to research, Iris has also worked to bring software consumer products to market during her time at the startup Bodygram. Moving forward, Iris aims to continue fostering innovation by bridging the gap between ideas and impact.

This interactive workshop is geared towards giving researchers the tools to evaluate whether their ideas are ready to go beyond the laboratory, how to take those first step into identifying the market, and last but not least - get investment for your idea!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The speakers and workshops will be presented in English.

    講演とワークショップは英語で行われます。

  • The keynote speech from Dr. Shimizu and the Lightning Talks will be live-streamed via Zoom. The workshop and structured networking events will not be live-streamed.

  • Ideally you can join us for the full half-day event. However, if you need to arrive late or leave early, either send us a message in advance or let one of our volunteers know when you arrive.

  • If you originally RSVP’d to attend in person and can no longer make it, please send an email ASAP to wisj.info[at]gmail.com. Since in-person attendance is limited, we want to open up your spot to someone else who can attend.

    If you originally RSVP’d to attend online, we would also appreciate a quick email. Thanks for your cooperation.

  • Yes! The event is free for everyone to attend thanks to our generous sponsors, donors, and partners.

  • Yes! This event is open to the public. If you’d like to become a member, find a volunteer at the event and we’ll tell you how.

  • You’re welcome to attend whether or not you consider yourself a “scientist.” WISJ members come from a wide range of STEM disciplines including biology, physics, mathematics, computer science, earth sciences, artificial intelligence, economics, and other social sciences. In other words, if the event sounds relevant to you, we’d love for you to attend!

  • Yes. Women in Science Japan is open to women, gender minority persons, and allies of any gender that believe in our mission. Allies play a key role in building more gender-equitable institutions.

    We have zero tolerance for disrespectful behavior of any kind. If you find it difficult to engage in conversations about gender equality respectfully, this event is probably not for you regardless of gender.

Sponsors & Partners

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our valued sponsors for their support. Your generosity empowers women and fuels our mission for a brighter, more inclusive future.