Specialists from the Ulaanbaatar Science and Technology Park of the National University of Mongolia successfully participated in a professional development and non-degree program organized at the Startup Incubation Center of Tohoku University, Japan.
As part of the program, the participants gained first-hand experience with the operations of Tohoku University, its Startup Incubation Center, and various affiliated institutions, research centers, and innovation facilities. The study visit provided valuable insights into Japan’s best practices in fostering innovation ecosystems, technology transfer, commercialization of intellectual property, and startup incubation and acceleration. In addition, the team also explored relevant experiences and best practices that will contribute to the further development and enhancement of the “Science Play” program, a science education initiative implemented by the Ulaanbaatar Science and Technology Park to promote scientific learning and engagement among children and youth.
During the non-degree program, the participants visited and engaged with the following institutions:
- Startup Incubation Center, Tohoku University
- NanoTerasu, Tohoku University
- Robotics Design Lab, Tohoku University
- City of Sendai Startup Division
- Smart Innovation Lab, Sendai
- Kuzuoka Waste Management Factory, Sendai
- World Office LLC
- HOKUSHU Sendai City Science Museum
- Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB)
- Tokyo Science Museum
The program served as a highly valuable opportunity to enhance institutional capacity and strengthen understanding of university-based innovation ecosystems. It also contributed to improving approaches for commercializing research outcomes, supporting startup development, and advancing mechanisms that connect scientific and technological achievements with socio-economic development.
Moving forward, the Ulaanbaatar Science and Technology Park will apply the knowledge and experience gained through this program to further develop Mongolia’s innovation ecosystem, promote the commercialization of scientific and technological research outcomes, and strengthen support systems for startups and innovation-driven enterprises.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Higher Engineering Education Development Project by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Professor Mika Sakai and Professor Miwako Kitamura of the Startup Incubation Center at Tohoku University, as well as the leadership of the National University of Mongolia, for making this valuable opportunity possible and for their continued support.
