Toshihiko joined UntroD Capital Japan in 2026 as Region Manager for the Kansai area, where he focuses on creating investment opportunities and providing hands-on support before and after investment.

Prior to joining, he began his career as an engineer at the research laboratory of Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., before transitioning into intellectual property. At ROHM Co., Ltd., he served as General Manager of the Legal & IP Department, working closely with senior management to design and execute IP strategies integrated with business strategy to enhance competitiveness and corporate value. He subsequently held positions including Director of Panasonic Corporation’s IP subsidiary, where he oversaw company-wide IP and legal functions spanning patent prosecution, licensing, contracts, negotiation, dispute resolution, and branding—supporting decisions directly linked to corporate value creation.

He currently serves as Director of the Research Collaboration Center at Kyoto University of Advanced Science, where he is involved in the social implementation of research outcomes and the creation of university-launched startups, supporting technology commercialization from a position that bridges academia and industry.

Drawing on his extensive experience partnering with senior management and his perspective on corporate value creation, he aims to contribute to the long-term growth and social implementation of regional deep tech through investment activities rooted in the Kansai area, while striving to be a trusted first point of contact for researchers and entrepreneurs.

Patent Attorney; Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). Frequent speaker at seminars and educational institutions.