Developing a platform for high-tech start-ups

High-tech start-ups are key players in Science and Research/Technology Parks (SRTPs). The mission of SRTPs is to commercialize innovative technologies and develop new services by nurturing businesses that can contribute to regional vitalization. Thus, SRTPs are expected to welcome new start-ups, then to foster their development into established companies. SRTPs make up or act as elements of an ecosystem as they fulfil their missions. Such ecosystems consist of different layers of professional support, from accountants and management to investors and institutions providing industrial support. Conventional ecosystems focus on supporting existing companies. This paper, however, proposes that their functions be expanded to the cover planning phase of start-ups, such as in the idea generation stage. First, this paper describes the situation of new start-ups in Japan using data. Second, it examines four important ecosystems for the facilitation of new start-ups, with examples and discussion of lessons learned. This paper aims to contribute to discussions on business acceleration and incubation, as well as mutual cooperation among SRTPs to develop new ecosystem for start-ups