From Science to Society: Japan–Philadelphia Pathways for Next-Generation Life Sciences and Healthcare
Friday, November 6th, 2026
Thomas Jefferson University
Bluemle Life Sciences Building
233 S. 10th Street,
Philadelphia, PA, 19107
Morning Program - Invitation Only
10:00 AM - 12:40 PM
Information Coming Soon
Afternoon Program and Reception
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
The 2026 Life Sciences Dialogue builds on the themes of the first two editions. The inaugural 2024 Dialogue explored the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the life sciences. The 2025 Dialogue highlighted breakthrough innovations in robotics, regenerative medicine, and generative AI while examining Philadelphia's role as a gateway for Japanese life sciences innovation and the growing collaboration between Kobe and Philadelphia.
Turning the Focus to the Next Stage of Life Sciences Innovation
The 2026 Dialogue will focus on the next stage of innovation—strengthening Japan–U.S. collaboration to move scientific discoveries from research to clinical application and commercialization. Through presentations, panel discussions, and networking, the program will explore how intellectual exchange, strategic partnerships, and investment can connect research, healthcare, and industry to advance next-generation life sciences and healthcare.
For 2026, the Life Sciences Dialogue will feature two complementary programs: an invitation-only morning program focused on the startup ecosystem and an afternoon symposium addressing topics of interest to a broader audience.
PART 1: MORNING PROGRAM
9:30 AM – 12:40 PM: Connecting Innovators, Investors, and Ecosystem Partners in Philadelphia (Invitation only)
The morning session will feature interactive networking, panel discussions and information exchange bringing together startups, research institutions, corporate partners, and venture capital (VC) and corporate venture capital (CVC) investors. Participants will be able to explore emerging technologies showcased by startups, identify opportunities to collaborate, and exchange ideas on investment and commercialization.
12:40 PM: Lunch
PART 2: AFTERNOON PROGRAM
3:00 PM – 5:55 PM: Strengthening U.S.-Japan Collaboration: Building Infrastructure and Bridges through PhiladelphiaThe afternoon symposium will feature keynote presentations and panel discussions by leading researchers, industry executives and government leaders on where life sciences is heading - and where collaboration can accelerate progress.
5:45 - 5:55 PM: Morning Session Recap
5:55 - 6:00 PM: Closing Remarks
6:00 - 7:00 PM: Reception
PART 1: MORNING PROGRAM
9:30 AM – 12:40 PM, followed by lunch | By invitation only
Connecting Innovators, Investors, and Ecosystem Partners in Philadelphia (Invitation only)
The morning session will feature interactive networking, panel discussions and information exchange bringing together startups, research institutions, corporate partners, and venture capital (VC) and corporate venture capital (CVC) investors. Participants will be able to explore emerging technologies showcased by startups, identify opportunities to collaborate, and exchange ideas on investment and commercialization.
PART 2: AFTERNOON PROGRAM
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM, followed by reception
Thomas Jefferson University, Bluemle Life Sciences Center, 233 S. 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Strengthening U.S.-Japan Collaboration: Building Infrastructure and Bridges through Philadelphia
The afternoon symposium will feature keynote presentations and panel discussions by leading researchers, industry executives and government leaders on where life sciences is heading - and where collaboration can accelerate progress.
3:00 - 3:20 PM: Opening Remarks
- Consulate General of Japan in New York, Ambassador Satoshi Katahira
- Susan Aldridge, President, Thomas Jefferson University
- David Briel, Senior Managing Director, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, International Trade and Investment, Business PA, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
PRESENTATIONS
- Moderator: Masashi Kiyomine, Founder and Managing Partner, Kicker Ventures
3:20 - 3:45 PM: Framing + Ecosystem Why Japan, Why Philadelphia, Why Now
- Atsunobu Kasagi, Director, Innovation Specialist, City of Kobe
- Dr. Michelle Cully, Life Sciences Economic Development Specialist, Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development; Technology and Entrepreneurship
Session 1
3:45 - 4:30 PM: Japan’s Regenerative Medicine Moment
Exploring Japan's leadership in iPSC and regenerative medicine and opportunities for collaboration with the Philadelphia region's strengths in stem cell biology, gene editing, translational medicine, and advanced therapeutics.
- Dr. Kotaro Sasaki, University of Pennsylvania
- Nathan Josephsohn, VP, Alliance Management and Business Development, AMCHEPRY, Sumitomo Pharma America
Session 2
4:30 - 5:15 PM: Infrastructure for Next-Generation Healthcare
Examining the technologies and systems needed to translate scientific discoveries into clinical practice, including AI, robotics, automation, human modeling, manufacturing, quality systems, and clinical implementation.
- Dr. David Whellan, Executive Director, Jefferson Clinical Research Institute, Thomas Jefferson University
- Andy Hay, Chairman, Sysmex and President & CEO, Medicaroid Inc.
- Dr. Yoshihiro Muragaki, Kobe University
Session 3
5:15 - 5:45 PM: Fireside Chat: Building the Next Japan-Philadelphia life Sciences Bridge
Highlighting successful cross-border collaborations and identifying future opportunities for research, investment, commercialization, and institutional partnerships.
- Masashi Kiyomine, Kicker Ventures
- Thomas Thornton, Vice President, Innovation, Strategy & Development, Thomas Jefferson University
- BioLabs
Admission is Free but Registration is Required.
Venue
Thomas Jefferson University
Bluemle Life Sciences Bldg, 1F
233 S 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Please note that street parking is limited.
10th & Chestnut Streets Garage (Self and Valet Park) 10th & Chestnut Streets Open: 7 days, 24 hours
Philadelphia Parking Authority Garage (Self Park) 10th & Ludlow Streets Open: 7 days, 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM
Walnut Towers Garage (Self Park) 9th Street between Walnut & Locust Streets Open: Monday-Friday 6:00 AM to 2:00 AM Saturday 6:00 AM to 2:00 AM
Parkway Garage (Self Park) 12th & Walnut Streets Open: 7 days, 24 hours
Hamilton Garage (Self Park) 11th Street between Locust and Walnut Streets on the right hand side. Open: 7 days, 24 hours
Co-Host: City of Kobe: Kobe Biotech Innovation Cluster (KBIC)
2026 marks the 40th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Kobe and Philadelphia. Beyond this longstanding partnership, both cities are internationally recognized centers of excellence in the life sciences, supported by world-class research institutions, healthcare systems, and innovation ecosystems.
Kobe is home to Japan’s largest biomedical cluster, KBIC, encompassing more than 300 advanced research institutes, hospitals, specialized manufacturing facilities, and life sciences companies and organizations. Its integrated innovation ecosystem supports the translation of research into clinical practice and the global commercialization of medical technologies. Kobe University’s partnership with Thomas Jefferson University further strengthens collaboration through joint research, symposia, and educational programs.
Co-Host: Japan Center, Thomas Jefferson University Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Thomas Jefferson University is a private research university in Philadelphia renowned for its leading medical, nursing, and health sciences programs. Its historic medical school, founded in 1824 as Jefferson Medical College and now known as Sidney Kimmel Medical College, remains central to the university’s leadership in healthcare education and research.
Established in 2012 as part of Sidney Kimmel Medical College, the Jefferson Japan Center promotes academic, clinical, and professional exchange between Thomas Jefferson University and leading Japanese healthcare institutions. The largest center of its kind in the United States, the Jefferson Japan Center has hosted more than 450 healthcare professionals—including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, medical technologists, students, and hospital administrators—helping strengthen long-term institutional collaboration between the two countries.
Supporter: The Consulate General of Japan in New York
The 2026 Life Sciences Dialogue is presented with the support and participation of the Consulate General of Japan in New York.
Supporter: BioLabs for Advanced Therapeutics Philadelphia
The 2026 Life Sciences Dialogue is presented with the support and participation of BioLabs for Advanced Therapeutics Philadelphia.
Supporter: Kicker Ventures
The 2026 Life Sciences Dialogue is presented with the support and participation of Kicker Ventures.
Supporter: Japan Agency for Medical and Research Development
The 2026 Life Sciences Dialogue is presented with the support and participation of AMED.
Corporate Sponsor: DLA Piper, LLC
The 2026 Life Sciences Dialogue is made possible in part by the support of DLA Piper, LLC.