team

TEAM

At Epistra, we bring together deep expertise across life sciences, computer science, and software engineering.

Our core team is supported by experienced advisors from across the industry, ensuring we stay aligned with cutting-edge insights and real-world challenges.

Fouder

Yosuke Ozawa, Ph.D.

Co-founder, CEO

•Ph.D. in Systems Biology

•Former Researcher at IBM Research

•Holder of over 20 patents

•Startup experience in the UK (Ranked 83rd fastest-growing company in Europe by the Financial Times, 2012–2015)

Dr. Ozawa studied bioinformatics at Keio University and began his career as a researcher at IBM Research. He later moved to the UK, where he developed the core system and filed nine foundational patents for Ecrebo, a startup that grew to a valuation of over 10 billion yen. Upon returning to Japan, he led information system development for the experimental robot Mahoro at RBI Inc., a spin-off from the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). He then founded Epistra. He has published original research in the fields of mathematical optimization, databases, and computational biology.

Tsuyoshi Sakurada, PMP

Co-founder, COO

M.A. in Bioinformatics

Certified Project Management Professional (PMP), PMI USA

Multiple entrepreneurial ventures

Extensive experience in project and operations management of large-scale systems

Mr. Sakurada studied systems biology at Keio University and demonstrated strong project management skills even during his student years. He went on to manage development and operations for mobile carrier billing systems at IT firms, as well as lead business initiatives such as ISMS implementation and new company formation. He also contributed to the launch of the Whole Brain Architecture Initiative, supporting legal negotiations and internal governance setup. Later, he joined RBI Inc. and then co-founded Epistra, bringing both deep technical experience and strong leadership.

Koichi Takahashi, Ph.D.

Co-founder, Technical Advisor

•Ph.D. in Systems Biology

Team Leader, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR)

Chief System Architect, The E-Cell Project

Former CIO, Robotic Biology Institute Inc.

Dr. Takahashi leads a research team at RIKEN BDR and holds concurrent positions as a Visiting Professor at Osaka University, a Specially Appointed Professor at Keio University, and Director of the Whole Brain Architecture Initiative. He developed E-Cell, the world’s first whole-cell simulator, and was also involved in the founding of RBI Inc., where he served as the first CIO. He has published extensively in the fields of robotic biology, cell simulation, and brain-inspired AI, and is a leading advocate of AI-driven science.