WELCOME TO PANGYO CONNÉCT AT VENTURE CAFÉ!
We're excited to welcome you to Venture Café: The Showcase, a special event introducing Venture Café to South Korea!
Below, you'll find information about the program, the event, registration, the venue, our Community Credo, and Venture Café. Please take a moment to review the details before joining us and register by clicking the "Register for Event" button.
CONNECTING PANGYO TO THE WORLD
Join us for Venture Café: The Showcase, a special event introducing Venture Café to South Korea and offering a first look at PANGYO CONNÉCT, a new innovation and networking program coming to Pangyo
Originating in Boston, Venture Café brings together entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, investors, and changemakers from around the world to connect, learn, and share ideas. Through its global community, Venture Café creates opportunities for meaningful connections, unexpected collaborations, and new possibilities.
This special showcase will bring together leaders from Korea's innovation ecosystem and international guests from the United States and Japan to explore how we can build a more globally connected innovation community.
With a particular focus on life sciences, biotechnology, and research commercialization, the event will feature an inspiring keynote by Kamran Tavangar, Head of Science and Partnership at LabCentral, followed by an international panel discussion on connecting local innovation ecosystems with the world.
Whether you're a startup founder, researcher, investor, corporate innovator, student, or simply someone curious about new ideas and connections, everyone is welcome!
Come experience the Venture Café community, meet inspiring people, and be part of the journey toward PANGYO CONNÉCT.
■ EVENT OVERVIEW
Date: Wednesday, December 2, 2026
Time: 16:30–20:00 KST (Korea Standard Time)
Venue: CGB (Cell Gene Bioplatform) West Tower, Pangyo, South Korea
Format: In-person only
Language: English and Korean (Sessions primarily in English with Korean live translation available)
Who Can Join: EveryoneーEntrepreneurs, startup founders, researchers, investors, corporate professionals, university representatives, students, and anyone interested in innovation and collaboration.
Please check the Event Program section below for further session details.
■ REGISTRATION INFORMATION
How to Register for the Event
To participate in Venture Café: The Showcase, please click the "Register for Event" button on this page to complete your registration. We encourage all participants to register in advance to ensure a smooth check-in experience on the day of the event.
Why Pre-Register?
Pre-registering helps us prepare for your arrival and allows you to check in smoothly at the venue. It also helps our organizing team create a welcoming and engaging experience for everyone joining this special showcase.
■ VENUE INFORMATION
The event will be held in person at CGB (Cell Gene Bioplatform) West Tower in Pangyo.
Upon arrival, please follow the event signage and proceed to the registration desk for check-in. Our team will be available to welcome you and help you navigate the venue.
■ VENTURE CAFÉ COMMUNITY CREDO
At Venture Café, we believe that innovation happens when people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together. Our Community Credo reflects our commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative environment where everyone feels comfortable connecting, sharing ideas, and learning from one another. The Community Credo isn't about limiting what you can do. Think of it as a few simple, friendly ground rules so that everyone in our community feels welcome and can enjoy their time together. We encourage all participants to familiarize themselves with the Venture Café Community Credo before attending.
Learn more about the Venture Café Community Credo: https://venturecafe.org/
■ ABOUT VENTURE CAFÉ
Connecting innovators to make things happen.
Venture Café is a global innovation ecosystem activator that brings together people, ideas, and opportunities to foster meaningful connections and accelerate innovation. Founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 2009 by Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC), Venture Café has grown into a global network connecting innovation communities across cities and countries.
Our mission is simple: Connecting innovators to make things happen.
We believe that innovation thrives when people have opportunities to connect beyond their usual networks, share knowledge, and collaborate across disciplines, industries, and borders. Through inclusive gatherings, educational programs, networking opportunities, and community-driven initiatives, Venture Café creates spaces where entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, corporate innovators, students, and other changemakers can meet and inspire one another. At the heart of Venture Café is the belief that innovation is a social process, and that unexpected connections can lead to extraordinary possibilities.
Introducing PANGYO CONNÉCT
PANGYO CONNÉCT is a new innovation and networking program powered by Venture Café, designed to connect Pangyo's dynamic innovation ecosystem with communities and opportunities around the world.
Building on Venture Café's global experience, PANGYO CONNÉCT aims to create an open and inclusive community where people from diverse backgrounds can connect, learn, share ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Visit the official website to learn more: https://venturecafepangyoconnect.org/
■ GET IN TOUCH WITH VENTURE CAFÉ
Interested in learning more about Venture Café, PANGYO CONNÉCT, or opportunities to get involved?
Whether you're interested in attending future events, becoming a community partner, contributing to our programming, or exploring collaboration opportunities, we'd love to hear from you!
Please visit our website for more information about Venture Café and our global community.
Venture Café Global: https://venturecafe.org/
Please note that this event is hosted in-person. If you’d like to participate, please click the ‘Pre-register’ button at the top of this page to select your participation method and complete your pre-registration.
■ Event Program
Please note that the program and schedule are subject to change without prior notice.
16:30–17:00 | Doors Open
Registration & Welcome Networking. Arrive, check in, and connect with fellow participants.
17:00–17:05 | Opening
Welcome to Venture Café: The Showcase! Join us as we begin this special event introducing the event and the venue.
17:05–17:15 | Welcome Remarks
Welcome remarks by ChaBio.
17:15–17:40 | Welcome to Venture Café: Connecting Innovators to Make Things Happen
Discover Venture Café's mission, global community, and approach to connecting innovators through learning, networking, and collaboration. Learn about the vision for PANGYO CONNÉCT and the opportunities ahead.
- Kristen Playmale - Co Executive Director, Venture Café Global Institute
- Ryusuke Komura - Executive Director, Venture Café Tokyo | Head, Venture Café Japan
17:40–18:10 | Keynote - From Research to Venture: The Ecosystem Behind Life-Science Startup Creation
How does groundbreaking scientific research become a successful venture? Explore the ecosystem, partnerships, and support structures that help life-science startups move from research to commercialization.
- Kamran Tavangar - Head of Science and Partnership, Biotech Launchpad, LabCentral
18:10–18:20 | Break
18:20–19:10 | Panel Discussion - Building a Truly Globally Connected Ecosystem: Local and Global Perspectives
How can Seoul and Pangyo connect their strengths with the world and turn international exchange into meaningful local opportunities? Bringing together perspectives from Korea, Japan, and the United States, this discussion will explore cross-border partnerships, research commercialization, and the role of innovation communities in supporting entrepreneurs and emerging ventures.
- Kamran Tavangar - Head of Science and Partnership, Biotech Launchpad, LabCentral
- Byung Geon (BG) Rhee - Special Advisor in South Korea, Flagship Pioneering
- Ayano Kagami, PhD - Director, CIC Catalyst APAC
- James Lee (Moderator) - Senior Manager, CIC Catalyst Global Expansion & Advisory
19:10–19:20 | What's Next for PANGYO CONNÉCT?
Discover opportunities to stay connected, contribute to the community, and get involved in the next chapter of Venture Café in Korea.
19:20–20:00 | Networking - Connecting Pangyo to the World
Continue the conversations and meet innovators, speakers, and ecosystem leaders from Korea and around the world. Exchange ideas, build new relationships, and explore possibilities for future collaboration.
■ Networking at Venture Café
At Venture Café, we believe that innovation begins with meaningful human connections.
Networking is an essential part of The Showcase. We encourage participants to connect with people from different backgrounds, share their ideas, and discover unexpected opportunities for collaboration.
Whether you're joining Venture Café for the first time or are already part of our global community, we invite you to Connect. Learn. Share.
■ Photography & Video Recording
Please note that photographs and videos may be taken during the event by event staff and media representatives for documentation and communications purposes.
If you have concerns about appearing in photographs or recordings, please inform our organizing team at the venue.
■ Event Check-in at the Venue
We will have a check-in desk at CGB (Cell Gene Bioplatform) West Tower. To ensure smooth entry, please register for the event in advance through the "Register for Event" button on the main event page. Upon arrival, please follow the event signage and proceed to the registration desk. Our team will be available to assist you.
■ Upon Your In-Person Participation
Venture Café is committed to creating an open, inclusive, and welcoming environment where everyone can feel comfortable connecting and sharing ideas. We kindly ask all participants to respect our Community Credo and contribute to a positive experience for the entire community. Our event is designed to encourage meaningful conversations and new connections, so we invite you to take part, introduce yourself, and engage with fellow attendees.
Learn more about the Venture Café Community Credo: https://venturecafe.org/
■ About Venture Café
Connecting innovators to make things happen.
Venture Café is a global innovation ecosystem activator founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 2009. Through its international network, Venture Café brings together entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, corporate innovators, and community builders to foster meaningful connections and accelerate innovation.
PANGYO CONNÉCT represents an exciting opportunity to bring the Venture Café experience to South Korea, strengthening connections between Pangyo's innovation ecosystem and the world.
Learn more: Venture Café Global
Ayano Kagami holds a PhD in Science, specializing in molecular biology and genetics. After earning her doctorate from the Department of Biophysics and Biochemistry at the Graduate School of Science, the University of Tokyo, she joined Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). There, she was involved in research and development policy in the life sciences, the establishment of the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), and the integration of ICT into primary and secondary education.
In 2017, she studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she conducted research on startup ecosystems. Upon returning to Japan in 2019, she worked on science, technology, and innovation policy, as well as nuclear fusion research and development.
She joined CIC in July 2021 and currently serves as Director of CIC Catalyst APAC, where she leads startup support programs in deep tech, particularly life sciences, and initiatives supporting the international expansion of startups.
WELCOME TO PANGYO CONNÉCT AT VENTURE CAFÉ!
We're excited to welcome you to Venture Café: The Showcase, a special event introducing Venture Café to South Korea!
Below, you'll find information about the program, the event, registration, the venue, our Community Credo, and Venture Café. Please take a moment to review the details before joining us and register by clicking the "Register for Event" button.
CONNECTING PANGYO TO THE WORLD
Join us for Venture Café: The Showcase, a special event introducing Venture Café to South Korea and offering a first look at PANGYO CONNÉCT, a new innovation and networking program coming to Pangyo
Originating in Boston, Venture Café brings together entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, investors, and changemakers from around the world to connect, learn, and share ideas. Through its global community, Venture Café creates opportunities for meaningful connections, unexpected collaborations, and new possibilities.
This special showcase will bring together leaders from Korea's innovation ecosystem and international guests from the United States and Japan to explore how we can build a more globally connected innovation community.
With a particular focus on life sciences, biotechnology, and research commercialization, the event will feature an inspiring keynote by Kamran Tavangar, Head of Science and Partnership at LabCentral, followed by an international panel discussion on connecting local innovation ecosystems with the world.
Whether you're a startup founder, researcher, investor, corporate innovator, student, or simply someone curious about new ideas and connections, everyone is welcome!
Come experience the Venture Café community, meet inspiring people, and be part of the journey toward PANGYO CONNÉCT.
■ EVENT OVERVIEW
Date: Wednesday, December 2, 2026
Time: 16:30–20:00 KST (Korea Standard Time)
Venue: CGB (Cell Gene Bioplatform) West Tower, Pangyo, South Korea
Format: In-person only
Language: English and Korean (Sessions primarily in English with Korean live translation available)
Who Can Join: EveryoneーEntrepreneurs, startup founders, researchers, investors, corporate professionals, university representatives, students, and anyone interested in innovation and collaboration.
Please check the Event Program section below for further session details.
■ REGISTRATION INFORMATION
How to Register for the Event
To participate in Venture Café: The Showcase, please click the "Register for Event" button on this page to complete your registration. We encourage all participants to register in advance to ensure a smooth check-in experience on the day of the event.
Why Pre-Register?
Pre-registering helps us prepare for your arrival and allows you to check in smoothly at the venue. It also helps our organizing team create a welcoming and engaging experience for everyone joining this special showcase.
■ VENUE INFORMATION
The event will be held in person at CGB (Cell Gene Bioplatform) West Tower in Pangyo.
Upon arrival, please follow the event signage and proceed to the registration desk for check-in. Our team will be available to welcome you and help you navigate the venue.
■ VENTURE CAFÉ COMMUNITY CREDO
At Venture Café, we believe that innovation happens when people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together. Our Community Credo reflects our commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative environment where everyone feels comfortable connecting, sharing ideas, and learning from one another. The Community Credo isn't about limiting what you can do. Think of it as a few simple, friendly ground rules so that everyone in our community feels welcome and can enjoy their time together. We encourage all participants to familiarize themselves with the Venture Café Community Credo before attending.
Learn more about the Venture Café Community Credo: https://venturecafe.org/
■ ABOUT VENTURE CAFÉ
Connecting innovators to make things happen.
Venture Café is a global innovation ecosystem activator that brings together people, ideas, and opportunities to foster meaningful connections and accelerate innovation. Founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 2009 by Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC), Venture Café has grown into a global network connecting innovation communities across cities and countries.
Our mission is simple: Connecting innovators to make things happen.
We believe that innovation thrives when people have opportunities to connect beyond their usual networks, share knowledge, and collaborate across disciplines, industries, and borders. Through inclusive gatherings, educational programs, networking opportunities, and community-driven initiatives, Venture Café creates spaces where entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, corporate innovators, students, and other changemakers can meet and inspire one another. At the heart of Venture Café is the belief that innovation is a social process, and that unexpected connections can lead to extraordinary possibilities.
Introducing PANGYO CONNÉCT
PANGYO CONNÉCT is a new innovation and networking program powered by Venture Café, designed to connect Pangyo's dynamic innovation ecosystem with communities and opportunities around the world.
Building on Venture Café's global experience, PANGYO CONNÉCT aims to create an open and inclusive community where people from diverse backgrounds can connect, learn, share ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Visit the official website to learn more: https://venturecafepangyoconnect.org/
■ GET IN TOUCH WITH VENTURE CAFÉ
Interested in learning more about Venture Café, PANGYO CONNÉCT, or opportunities to get involved?
Whether you're interested in attending future events, becoming a community partner, contributing to our programming, or exploring collaboration opportunities, we'd love to hear from you!
Please visit our website for more information about Venture Café and our global community.
Venture Café Global: https://venturecafe.org/
Please note that this event is hosted in-person. If you’d like to participate, please click the ‘Pre-register’ button at the top of this page to select your participation method and complete your pre-registration.
■ Event Program
Please note that the program and schedule are subject to change without prior notice.
16:30–17:00 | Doors Open
Registration & Welcome Networking. Arrive, check in, and connect with fellow participants.
17:00–17:05 | Opening
Welcome to Venture Café: The Showcase! Join us as we begin this special event introducing the event and the venue.
17:05–17:15 | Welcome Remarks
Welcome remarks by ChaBio.
17:15–17:40 | Welcome to Venture Café: Connecting Innovators to Make Things Happen
Discover Venture Café's mission, global community, and approach to connecting innovators through learning, networking, and collaboration. Learn about the vision for PANGYO CONNÉCT and the opportunities ahead.
- Kristen Playmale - Co Executive Director, Venture Café Global Institute
- Ryusuke Komura - Executive Director, Venture Café Tokyo | Head, Venture Café Japan
17:40–18:10 | Keynote - From Research to Venture: The Ecosystem Behind Life-Science Startup Creation
How does groundbreaking scientific research become a successful venture? Explore the ecosystem, partnerships, and support structures that help life-science startups move from research to commercialization.
- Kamran Tavangar - Head of Science and Partnership, Biotech Launchpad, LabCentral
18:10–18:20 | Break
18:20–19:10 | Panel Discussion - Building a Truly Globally Connected Ecosystem: Local and Global Perspectives
How can Seoul and Pangyo connect their strengths with the world and turn international exchange into meaningful local opportunities? Bringing together perspectives from Korea, Japan, and the United States, this discussion will explore cross-border partnerships, research commercialization, and the role of innovation communities in supporting entrepreneurs and emerging ventures.
- Kamran Tavangar - Head of Science and Partnership, Biotech Launchpad, LabCentral
- Byung Geon (BG) Rhee - Special Advisor in South Korea, Flagship Pioneering
- Ayano Kagami, PhD - Director, CIC Catalyst APAC
- James Lee (Moderator) - Senior Manager, CIC Catalyst Global Expansion & Advisory
19:10–19:20 | What's Next for PANGYO CONNÉCT?
Discover opportunities to stay connected, contribute to the community, and get involved in the next chapter of Venture Café in Korea.
19:20–20:00 | Networking - Connecting Pangyo to the World
Continue the conversations and meet innovators, speakers, and ecosystem leaders from Korea and around the world. Exchange ideas, build new relationships, and explore possibilities for future collaboration.
■ Networking at Venture Café
At Venture Café, we believe that innovation begins with meaningful human connections.
Networking is an essential part of The Showcase. We encourage participants to connect with people from different backgrounds, share their ideas, and discover unexpected opportunities for collaboration.
Whether you're joining Venture Café for the first time or are already part of our global community, we invite you to Connect. Learn. Share.
■ Photography & Video Recording
Please note that photographs and videos may be taken during the event by event staff and media representatives for documentation and communications purposes.
If you have concerns about appearing in photographs or recordings, please inform our organizing team at the venue.
■ Event Check-in at the Venue
We will have a check-in desk at CGB (Cell Gene Bioplatform) West Tower. To ensure smooth entry, please register for the event in advance through the "Register for Event" button on the main event page. Upon arrival, please follow the event signage and proceed to the registration desk. Our team will be available to assist you.
■ Upon Your In-Person Participation
Venture Café is committed to creating an open, inclusive, and welcoming environment where everyone can feel comfortable connecting and sharing ideas. We kindly ask all participants to respect our Community Credo and contribute to a positive experience for the entire community. Our event is designed to encourage meaningful conversations and new connections, so we invite you to take part, introduce yourself, and engage with fellow attendees.
Learn more about the Venture Café Community Credo: https://venturecafe.org/
■ About Venture Café
Connecting innovators to make things happen.
Venture Café is a global innovation ecosystem activator founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 2009. Through its international network, Venture Café brings together entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, corporate innovators, and community builders to foster meaningful connections and accelerate innovation.
PANGYO CONNÉCT represents an exciting opportunity to bring the Venture Café experience to South Korea, strengthening connections between Pangyo's innovation ecosystem and the world.
Learn more: Venture Café Global
Ayano Kagami holds a PhD in Science, specializing in molecular biology and genetics. After earning her doctorate from the Department of Biophysics and Biochemistry at the Graduate School of Science, the University of Tokyo, she joined Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). There, she was involved in research and development policy in the life sciences, the establishment of the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), and the integration of ICT into primary and secondary education.
In 2017, she studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she conducted research on startup ecosystems. Upon returning to Japan in 2019, she worked on science, technology, and innovation policy, as well as nuclear fusion research and development.
She joined CIC in July 2021 and currently serves as Director of CIC Catalyst APAC, where she leads startup support programs in deep tech, particularly life sciences, and initiatives supporting the international expansion of startups.