Bayer Yakuhin invited CxOs from drug discovery startups based primarily in Kansai region to discuss what drug discovery startups can expect from pharmaceutical companies and how dialogue between drug discovery startups and pharmaceutical companies should be.

In the presentation session, Bayer Yakuhin introduced the circumstances of pharmaceutical companies and things that startups should know about pharmaceutical companies including their portfolio strategies and business review processes. Additionally, from the perspective of a startup, Masato Kishida, President and CEO of United Immunity talked about the challenges they faced and how they overcame, as well as tips to keep in mind when considering a partnership with a pharmaceutical company.

During the dialogue session, participants from startups shared their challenges and expectations for pharmaceutical companies and discussed with employees of Bayer Yakuhin and members of Kobe City and FBRI.

At the networking session, similar to the event held in Tokyo on December 11th, we received feedback to continue providing opportunities for interaction between startups and pharmaceutical companies, as well as requests for topics for the next event.

Bayer Yakuhin will contribute to innovation ecosystem for drug discovery in Japan by providing its pharmaceutical expertise and know-how, track record in supporting startups and services such as Co.Lab to provides access to a global network.