Mission
Accelerate Deep Tech Revolution,
Cultivate a Better Future
Automobiles, computers, smartphones, and other everyday items have become increasingly convenient and enriching thanks to the power of science.
We aim to support the world's most talented scientists, driving the next "Deep Tech Revolution" following the Industrial and Information Revolutions, to create a better future for everyone.
Vision
Opening the Doors of Possibilities to the World by maximizing the value of researchers
We have accumulated expertise in the effective utilization of R&D resources.
We accelerate the research activities of companies and research institutions by maximizing the value and potential of the researchers.
CEO message
I am an outsider in the R&D market.
Why did I decide to start a business in this field?
It was because, as an outsider to the R&D field, I felt a strong sense of discomfort with the current situation of scientists.
Although I originally majored in biomedical sciences, I became interested in business after I participated in the planning of a new business and the establishment of a company in my second year of undergraduate school.
When I was assigned to a laboratory in my fourth year, my supervisor allowed me to participate in an internship during the daytime and conduct research works from evening to late at night.
Between that time period, I heard the actual employment situation in the R&D industry from many post-doctoral fellows, and I still remember how shocked I was to learn that some PhDs who had obtained their Ph.D. degree before the age of 30 were earning less than 300,000 yen per month.(*approximately USD 2,000 per month)
Also, unlike the rapidly evolving IT industry, highly skilled and knowledgeable corporate researchers often face limited opportunities to apply their research skills.
"Why aren't suitable environments provided for such logical and talented individuals whose capabilities are so exceptional?"
In the financial industry, where I worked as M&A Advisor and doing investment work by creating a fund, it was a relatively favorable "market," both in terms of the economic environment and the diversity of opportunities to use skills.
This was not because of the superiority or inferiority of the people working in this field, but simply because of the market environment that had been created.
We cannot ignore the current market situation since science has a deep relationship with our life. Science can improve our lifestyle with innovation.
That is why I decided to start the business with the hope of building such a "market" in the R&D field, and to help scientists who are competing against the world.
Again, I am an outsider in this industry.
So I am truly aware of the need for support from various people.
As a person who believes in the potential of scientists more than scientists, I will operate our business with the aim of creating an environment where people can continue working as scientists as a matter of course.
Service
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CoA Career
CoA Career is a matching platform for researchers and scientists seeking part-time or full-time opportunities in R&D.
Leveraging our proprietary database, we connect R&D talent from academia and industry with opportunities across sectors worldwide, enabling precise and efficient matching.
By facilitating talent acquisition in the challenging R&D sector and support globally competitive companies and professionals, we aim to achieve "workstyle reform" for scientists and "enhance the R&D capabilities of companies."
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CoA Atlas
A next-generation AI-powered matching platform backed by a database of over 30 million research papers and 1 million patents, providing access to more than 3 million R&D professionals worldwide.
Using technical keywords from papers and patents, the platform quickly identifies relevant talent, enabling faster and more accurate discovery and outreach than traditional search methods.
Beyond recruitment, it supports outsourcing, advisor selection, partner discovery, and R&D trend analysis.
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CoA Accel
We provide hands-on support for companies, academic institutions, and researchers across all stages of R&D, from commercialization to industry–academia collaboration and deep tech startup creation.
Leveraging our global R&D talent database, we support team building and streamline R&D processes to accelerate real-world implementation.
We also help strengthen employer brand to attract top talent and support the development of R&D ecosystems.
Media
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CoA Study
A media platform highlighting the work and career paths of R&D professionals across academia, large corporations, and startups.
We provide opportunities for individuals to reflect on their expertise and explore new career possibilities.
Through interviews and research reports, we share real voices from the R&D field and deliver distinctive content focused on the often-overlooked careers of R&D professionals.
Member
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Kota Nozaki
CEO / Founder
Born half Japanese and half Korean. He went to study in Dalian, China by himself at the age of 12, graduating at the top of his school from a local prestige school.
Worked at Crosspoint Advisors, an independent M&A advisory firm which founded by former CEO of Lehman Brothers, to lead cross-border M&A deals.
After that, he led more than JPY100billion of fundraising for project finance and fund establishment at Pacifico Energy, which is the top renewable development company in Japan.
Established Srust in September 2020.
Multilingual: Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean
Graduated from Waseda University / Biomedical science department -
Kazuma Tamagami
Executive Officer / Head of Talent Business
While at university, he studied in the United States and founded a human resources company.
After graduating, he joined Toyota Tsusho Corporation, where he worked in global supply chain operations. In his third year, he was appointed as the company’s youngest expatriate to North America, overseeing overseas operations and building systems to manage disruptions, including those during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He joined CoA Nexus Inc. in 2024, where he leads initiatives across international business expansion, operational development, and organizational building.
Graduated from Yokohama National University / International Business Department
Advisory Board
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Akio Katsuragi
Former President and CEO of Lehman Brothers Japan Inc. He has held prominent leadership roles, including head of corporate and financial institution groups, at the Industrial Bank of Japan, Bankers Trust, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley. In January 2010, he co-founded Crosspoint Advisors, assuming the role of President and CEO.
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Tokyo; Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the University of Pennsylvania Law School -
Hiroki Oka
Associate Professor
Associate Professor, Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University. Concurrently appointed to the Graduate School of Engineering and the Graduate School of Science.
His research focuses on functional organic materials, polymer chemistry, electrochemistry, and energy conversion, with an emphasis on developing innovative materials for a sustainable society.
He has published over 100 papers and received numerous awards, including the JSPS Ikushi Prize and the Inoue Prize for Science. He was also selected as an Emerging Investigator by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
He received his Ph.D. in Engineering from Waseda University.
Company
| Company Name | CoA Nexus, Inc. (formerly Srust, Inc.) |
|---|---|
| Address |
4F, THE PORTAL Nihombashi East 21-1 Nihonbashi Kodenmacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0001, Japan 1259 El Camino Real Unit #1241 Menlo Park, CA 94025 |
| Business |
Recruitment support for specialized talent in R&D and deep tech fields AI-powered matching systems based on analysis of research papers, patents, and related data R&D support from research strategy development to startup creation |
| Recruitment License No. | 13-ユ-313573 |
| info@coanexus.com | |