Launch of Applications for the AbbVie Japan Innovation Award In Partnership with BioLabs

June 15, 2026

AbbVie Japan (headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Tiago Campos Rodrigues) announced today that applications are now open for the AbbVie Japan Innovation Award launched in partnership with BioLabs. Now in its second year, the award is designed to support the development of Japan’s life sciences innovation ecosystem.

Applications are now open to promising bio startups and academic institutions advancing scientific research and development of technologies with the potential to create innovative therapies across  AbbVie’s key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, obesity, and aesthetics. Special consideration will be given to companies focused on genetic medicine, biologics, pain, migraine, neuropsychiatry, obesity/metabolism, and respiratory.　　

The award comprises two components: the BioLabs Golden Ticket Program, providing one year of complimentary space at BioLabs Tokyo, where AbbVie is a founding sponsor, and the AbbVie Special Mentoring Program, offering one year of mentorship from AbbVie R&D experts.

The Golden Ticket Program offers the following:

• One year of complimentary access and one bench to BioLabs Tokyo, a newly established, state-of-the-art incubation facility located in the Shinkiba life sciences district on Tokyo Bay. AbbVie is a founding sponsor of the site.

• Access to key research equipment, services, startup support programs, BioLabs’ global network and a rich scientific community of co-founders within the facility

• 1:1 Mentoring support from AbbVie’s internal R&D experts

Applications will be accepted from June 15, 2026, through August 14, 2026. Following a joint review and selection process by AbbVie and BioLabs, the winners are expected to be announced in October 2026. For more information on how to apply, please visit: biolabs.io/abbviejapaninnovationaward.

“We are pleased to once again launch the AbbVie Japan Innovation Award in strategic partnership with BioLabs, “said Tiago Campos Rodrigues, President of AbbVie Japan. “This important initiative supports the innovative ideas and technologies of researchers and startups in Japan and aims to accelerate the development of novel therapies. We are also encouraged by the progress of previous award recipients, which highlights the value of this program as a catalyst for future growth. As a founding sponsor of BioLabs Tokyo, we aim to support Japan’s innovation ecosystem through infrastructure development, innovation discovery, and the advancement of talent, education, and commercialization.”

“The Golden Ticket opportunity with our trusted partner AbbVie alongside the opening of our new laboratory in Tokyo is quite simply one of the best opportunities a newly formed startup could ask for,” said Johannes Fruehauf, CEO of BioLabs. “This award is designed to support high-potential startups by providing access to fully equipped laboratory facilities, expert advice, and a vibrant community of scientific entrepreneurs, both locally and globally. We encourage applicants to visit our new facility, meet the BioLabs and AbbVie teams, and learn more about how this program can help accelerate their journey from innovation to impact.”

About BioLabs

BioLabs is a global innovation infrastructure company creating the physical and community backbone that powers life science discovery worldwide. Through a growing network of premium shared laboratories and coworking spaces, BioLabs provides turnkey access to state-of-the-art research facilities, entrepreneurial programming, and deep industry and capital connections. These integrated ecosystems enable innovators - from early-stage founders to established R&D teams - to rapidly translate ideas into impact without the constraints of traditional lab ownership. The BioLabs network now spans major innovation hubs across the United States, Europe, and Asia, serving as a catalyst for collaboration and a launchpad for breakthroughs that advance human health and sustainability. Follow BioLabs on LinkedIn and on biolabs.io.

About AbbVie

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, neuroscience and oncology – and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

Media inquiries

AbbVie Japan: 03-4577-1112

BioLabs Contact information: Susan Chase, susan@biolabs.io