― A Practice-Based Entrepreneurship Program for Graduate Students Bridging Academic Research and Real-World Markets ―Program OverviewThis program was implemented by DMZ Japan in collaboration with GTIE and HSFC. It was designed to support graduate students in exploring the commercialization potential of their research through practical entrepreneurship training.Rather than starting solely from the research itself, the program encouraged participants to examine how their work could address real social and market challenges. From cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset to building foundational skills required for commercialization and connecting with a global innovation ecosystem, the program provided consistent support throughout the journey.Graduate students participated, representing Hokkaido University, the University of Tokyo, Chiba University, Keio University, and Waseda University. Coming from diverse academic backgrounds and research fields, each student explored pathways toward bringing their research into practical use in society.*GTIE (Greater Tokyo Innovation Ecosystem) is a university startup platform led by the University of Tokyo, Institute of Science Tokyo, and Waseda University. With the Tokyo Metropolitan Government serving as a core municipal partner, the ecosystem includes 18 universities and three startup support organizations, along with corporate and public sector collaborators.*HSFC (Hokkaido Startup Future Creation Development by Mutual Support Networks) is a platform formed by universities and research institutions across Hokkaido. It aims to promote regional economic development by supporting startups that originate from research activities.（Participants from various universities）Program StructureThe program consisted of two phases: an online preparatory program prior to departure and an intensive in-person program in Toronto, Canada.The curriculum was developed with reference to “Lab2Market,” a nationally delivered entrepreneurship program in Canada led by Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU).Lab2Market supports researchers and graduate students in identifying the social and market value of their research and expertise. The program helps participants explore possibilities for commercialization and real world implementation while learning a structured approach to connecting research and business.１）Online Preparatory Program (June – July 2025)The online phase was designed over approximately two months to ensure participants could fully leverage the Toronto intensive program. The structure moved step by step from understanding the broader startup landscape to customer discovery, validation, and communication.Through a series of workshops, participants translated their research into business concepts, refined their value propositions, and developed the skills to pitch their ideas with confidence.２）Toronto Intensive Program (Early August)The in-person phase took place in Toronto, Canada. Through interactions with local mentors and entrepreneurs, ecosystem tours, and real customer interviews, participants strengthened both their global market awareness and practical execution skills.Toronto Program: From Preparation to PracticeAfter completing the online preparation, participants traveled to Toronto. Based at DMZ headquarters and Toronto Metropolitan University, they engaged in five days of highly practical programming.Workshops and Entrepreneur SessionsOn site workshops included role play sessions simulating customer interviews. DMZ staff acted as interviewees and provided detailed and practical feedback.(Customer interview role-play session)Participants also attended a session by a Japanese entrepreneur currently active in Canada. He shared his experience transitioning from researcher to entrepreneur, offering realistic insight into the challenges and mindset required for that shift.(Entrepreneur session)TMU Ecosystem TourParticipants toured interdisciplinary innovation hubs within Toronto Metropolitan University. The visit provided a tangible understanding of how research connects to commercialization and societal implementation within an integrated ecosystem.(TMU ecosystem tour)The Core of the Program: Customer InterviewsThe defining feature of this program was that every participant conducted interviews with real prospective customers.Based on the personas they had developed, students identified potential interviewees using LinkedIn and online research. They secured appointments through email and contact forms, and in some cases attempted direct outreach beyond their existing networks.When participants struggled to secure interviews, DMZ and JETRO collaborated with local companies and organizations to ensure that each student had access to practical interview opportunities.A shared tracking system for appointments and interview progress created a constructive sense of accountability and solidarity among participants, encouraging them to push beyond their comfort zones.Participants reflected that the interview role-play sessions were highly valuable preparation. Several noted that while they initially felt anxious, they gradually developed the mindset that failure was part of the learning process.(On-site interviews)Articulating Learning Through PresentationThe program concluded with a presentation session in which participants organized the insights gained from their interviews and outlined their next steps for mentors.This session strengthened participants’ ability to articulate learning in English and respond to mentor feedback. It also encouraged them to translate insights into concrete decisions and action plans.By intentionally incorporating reflection and communication into the process, the program maximized the experience and led to sustained progress rather than ending as a one-time event.(Final presentations)Survey Results and Participant GrowthPre- and post-program surveys showed significant improvement in the following areas:Understanding of value proposition (+48.0%)Global market awareness (+37.5%)Business model design (+30.4%)Participants commented that they gained exposure to practical entrepreneurship education that is rarely accessible within traditional Japanese higher education. The results suggest that they developed a clearer perspective on how to connect research with market needs.One area that showed limited improvement was presentation skill development. This highlighted the need for stronger support focused specifically on pitching in future programs.(Participant survey results：Japanese Only)Conclusion: A Practical Starting Point for Graduate StudentsThis program was designed with a strong emphasis on learning through action.Participants shifted their perspective from asking how to sell their research to asking whose problems their research could solve. This change in mindset marked a meaningful first step toward social implementation.Most notably, every participant stepped beyond their comfort zone to conduct real customer interviews. Students who initially hesitated to send outreach emails were, by the end of the program, confidently leading conversations themselves. This behavioral shift within a short timeframe reflects the program’s effectiveness.As a practical starting point for graduate students to engage with the market, this initiative delivered meaningful value and laid a strong foundation for future commercialization efforts.