Tsukuba Center Inc.

Tsukuba Center Inc. (株式会社つくば研究支援センター, often abbreviated TCI) is a Japanese third-sector company established in February 1988 by Ibaraki Prefecture, the Development Bank of Japan, and 76 private companies. It is headquartered at 2-1-6 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, within Tsukuba Science City, one of the world's leading research and development zones. The center's founding purpose was to serve as a base for industry-academia-government research exchange and collaboration, and to contribute to regional revitalization. Its facility opened in July 1989. TCI operates a large complex of rental laboratories, offices, meeting rooms, and shared workspaces designed to support companies from startup through growth stages. Its offerings include the TCI Rental Office, TCI Rental Lab, TCI Coworking, TCI Garage for manufacturing ventures, and the Tsukuba Startup Plaza. The center also provides incubation services such as the Startup Preparation Room, the TCI Startup School, and the TCI Venture Award, which recognizes promising ventures. In recent years, TCI has focused on commercializing research seeds in the Tsukuba area and fostering research-and-development-oriented venture companies. The company is capitalized at 2.8 billion yen, with Ibaraki Prefecture holding 18.3%, the Development Bank of Japan 15.0%, and 66 private companies and others holding 66.7%. It is a private, third-sector entity, not listed on any stock exchange. As of June 2025, the representative director and president is Hironori Minowa. TCI remains active, hosting events, supporting startups, and providing facilities for research and business development in Tsukuba.

Tsukuba Center Inc. was established on February 2, 1988, as a third-sector company under the Act on Special Measures concerning Promotion of Private Urban Development (民活法). It was founded with capital contributions from Ibaraki Prefecture, the Development Bank of Japan, and 76 private companies. The center's facility opened on July 11, 1989. Its founding purpose was to create a base for industry-academia-government research exchange and collaboration within Tsukuba Science City, leveraging the area's concentration of research institutions to support regional revitalization. Over the decades, TCI has expanded its role from a pure facility provider to an active incubator for research-oriented ventures. It offers a range of rental laboratories, offices, and shared workspaces, and has launched programs such as the TCI Venture Award, TCI Startup School, and various consultation services. The center has also adapted to the changing needs of startups by introducing coworking spaces and the TCI Garage for manufacturing ventures. As of 2025, TCI continues to operate under its original third-sector structure, with Ibaraki Prefecture and the Development Bank of Japan as major shareholders alongside numerous private companies.

• Tsukuba Center Inc. established as a third-sector company by Ibaraki Prefecture, the Development Bank of Japan, and 76 private companies.

• TCI facility opens.

• Announcement of the 7th TCI Venture Award.

A public-private research support and incubation hub in Tsukuba Science City, offering flexible facilities and programs for startups and established companies.

• TCI Rental Lab

  Rental laboratory spaces equipped for research and development, available for various company sizes.

• TCI Rental Office

  Rental office spaces ranging from small partitioned areas to private rooms.

• TCI Coworking

  Coworking space with membership options, including mailboxes and address use.

• TCI Garage

  Workshop space for manufacturing ventures.

• Tsukuba Startup Plaza

  Shared office and startup support facility.

1. 1株式会社つくば研究支援センターtsukuba-tci.co.jp
2. 2会社概要 | 株式会社つくば研究支援センターtsukuba-tci.co.jp
3. 3案内図 | 株式会社つくば研究支援センターtsukuba-tci.co.jp
4. 4交通案内 | 株式会社つくば研究支援センターtsukuba-tci.co.jp
5. 5Tsukuba Center Inc. (Japan) - Wikidatawikidata.org