Leadership
Junu Kim
CEO & Researcher, UTokyo
PhD from UTokyo (2023) with a dissertation on “Model-based characterization and evaluation of batch and flow syntheses in drug substance manufacturing.” Founded Auxilart while continuing research at the university, specializing in modeling, simulation, and optimization of pharmaceutical processes.
Kay (Keisuke) Okita
COO
Major in Biology and Information Science and Technology. After graduation, built and scaled a SaaS business at a consulting firm, driving ARR to $20M through strategic marketing initiatives. Led growth at a sales enablement SaaS company that secured $30M Series B funding from investors including Salesforce Ventures. Currently serves as COO at Auxilart.
Scientific Advisors
Hirokazu Sugiyama
Co-founder & Professor, UTokyo
PhD from ETH Zurich (2007), joined Roche (2007-2013) before establishing a research group at UTokyo for modeling, simulation, and optimization of pharmaceutical processes.
Sara Badr
Co-founder & Assoc. Professor, UTokyo
PhD from ETH Zurich (2017). Currently focusing on sustainable process development, energy systems, and advanced biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
Yusuke Hayashi
Co-founder and Asst. Professor, UTokyo
PhD from UTokyo (2022). Currently working on models for material development and process design with a primary focus on regenerative medicine products.
Business Development Advisor
Samuel Conway
Former Founder & Startup Mentor
Samuel Conway is a seasoned advisor with 20+ years of experience mentoring startups. As the founder of ventures like Zegami (an Oxford spin-out) and Coritsu Group, he excels in strategic planning, VC fundraising, and process optimization. With an MBA in International Business and dual degrees in Medical Science and Electrical Engineering, Samuel uniquely blends technical insight with business acumen, underscoring his practical leadership in the startup ecosystem.
