In May 2025, a new trend is emerging in Japan's research and development sector. Interest in decentralized science (DeSci: Decentralized Science) utilizing blockchain technology is rapidly increasing among universities and companies. While successful examples like VitaDAO are emerging overseas, how should Japan confront this innovative approach?
We conducted an exclusive interview with Tomohiro Terazono, Executive Officer in charge of advanced technology at Deloitte Tohmatsu Consulting LLC. He discussed in detail the challenges and possibilities of implementing DeSci in Japan.
What is DeSci?
An abbreviation for "Decentralized Science". A new initiative aimed at solving issues in scientific research activities by utilizing blockchain and Web3 technologies. It is attracting attention for providing decentralized funding and collaboration models for long-term research themes that are difficult to tackle with traditional VC investments.
The future of research and development changed by DeSci
Deloitte Tohmatsu Consulting LLC Executive Officer in Charge of Advanced Technology, Tomohiro Terazono
Question: How is DeSci innovative compared to traditional models?
The first major difference is that the scope of defense varies greatly. I believe it is characteristic that research and development funding can be obtained from the market as long as there are researchers, even in the absence of venture capital.
Additionally, the amount of funding raised is overwhelmingly larger compared to typical joint research between companies and universities or crowdfunding. The ability to raise funds globally is also a characteristic of this large scale.
From the perspective of openness, the transparency of fund distribution is particularly important. The process of fund distribution after fundraising being transparent and easy to understand is also a characteristic of blockchain, and I believe this transparency makes a significant difference. For example, in a DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization), after issuing tokens and receiving funds into the DAO, there is a feature where the distribution to various research themes is decided by voting.
In some cases, the conventional Grants for Scientific Research and Expenditures for internal research and development were distributed without knowing how they were decided, and they did not come to me. On the other hand, there are many people who say that the ability to distribute funds in a highly transparent manner through a collegial system is a very good thing from the perspective of researchers, and I think this is also a major feature.
New Solutions for Securing Researchers
Question: How can DeSci address challenges such as securing researchers for companies?
Securing researchers has the advantage of making it easier to gather talent globally. After the token issuance, by expanding not only in the Japanese market but also in overseas markets, it is possible that overseas researchers will take notice and express interest in participating in this DAO. Being able to secure engineers globally is a significant benefit.
Question: Will participation from younger individuals such as young researchers, students, and graduate students be encouraged?
It has already begun overseas, but there are institutional issues that need to be addressed in Japan. The issue is how freely individuals affiliated with universities can engage in personal activities.
We have started discussing whether we can make use of the cross-appointment system (a form of employment in which researchers and experts belong to multiple institutions at the same time, such as universities and companies, and fulfill their roles and responsibilities in each institution), and I think it will be possible if this system is resolved. Overseas, there is a system where the period of enrollment at a university is about 9 months and a side job can be done during the vacation period, but in Japan, it is necessary to adjust these system aspects because you belong to the university for one year.
However, there are voices suggesting that students and graduate students may be able to challenge themselves sooner, as they are not technically employed by the university.
The spread of DeSci in Japan
Question: While there are successful cases abroad, how do you view the current situation in Japan where large projects have not yet been launched?
There are still no concrete cases established, and we need to take the first step.
As Deloitte, we believe it is important to widely raise awareness of the concept of DeSci and its benefits. The recent event (DeSci Japan Summit 2025) was also part of this effort.
A professor from a certain academia suggested that it would be beneficial to have a DAO-like space to realize DeSci, which would serve as a preparatory stage for the establishment of the DAO, where research meetings can be held while sharing information. I believe that providing a space where continuously interested individuals can gather and discuss accounting aspects and legal systems is the first step toward popularization.
Approach complex implementation challenges
Question: What are the countermeasures to the complexities such as regulations and tax systems, similar to "mixed martial arts"?
The approach differs between companies and academia. On the corporate side, rather than suddenly issuing tokens, I believe a more realistic approach is to first partially incorporate elements of DAO (such as theme selection through voting) into the R&D process, gradually acclimating to DeSci, and then transitioning to full-fledged DeSci.
Since there are still few cases of large corporations being involved in DeSci, it is important for Japanese companies to participate and step up while approaching DeSci.
The academia side faces significant institutional challenges regarding the status of researchers and the handling of IP (intellectual property), and it is necessary to reach a consensus with the industry-academia collaboration department. I think this will take time.
A phased approach is effective on the business side, but academia needs someone to take the lead. I believe that if a certain industry-academia collaboration department reforms, including systems, and creates successful cases, others will follow.
Short- and long-term strategies for improving scientific capabilities
Question: Please tell us about the impact and vision that DeSci brings to the enhancement of Japan's scientific capabilities.
According to a joint paper by Tsukuba University and Hirosaki University, innovative research worthy of a Nobel Prize requires a diversified investment in a wide range of themes rather than concentrating on a specific theme. However, the current system of research funding makes it difficult to realize this.
In DeSci, decisions can be made through an open consensus, which may prevent funding from concentrating on only specific researchers. Furthermore, while new emerging research themes continue to increase in Europe and the United States, the current situation in Japan shows that they are not increasing. DeSci has the potential to improve the current system, which struggles with pioneering new fields.
Many researchers are spending a tremendous amount of effort in preparing grant applications. By using smart contracts, the contracts can be simplified, and a system where funding distribution is determined by votes upon submitting research proposals is also possible. If funding methods other than grants are established, it will lead to an improvement in scientific capabilities in the long term.
Question: What are the visions for the short term and long term?
In the short term, the goal is to establish a full-scale case in Japan.
In the long term, as a precursor to an innovation platform for university-launched ventures, we would like to create a DeSci platform that fosters research themes that have not yet occurred. Therefore, if we create a flow of mature projects becoming ventures, we will be able to solve the shortage of ventures in Japan.
I think there are many people who want to invest in niche or fan-driven research fields. For example, instead of donating to their alma mater, they could create a system that leverages their attachment to their school by investing in DeSci.
Finally
Question: Please give a message to the readers of CoinPost.
DeSci is still an emerging field, but if there are those who are interested, I hope we can work together to promote it.
CoinPost Editorial Department - Summary
Regarding global fundraising and a highly transparent deliberative system, Mr. Terazono presented it as a new option for research and development in Japan. According to him, investments in diverse research themes, which were difficult under the traditional scientific research funding system, as well as the inflow of funds into a wide range of fields not limited to specific research areas, would become possible through the mechanisms of DeSci.
Challenges in Japan's research and development include insufficient challenges in new areas, a cumbersome application process, and rigid funding allocation. In response, the solutions offered by DeSci include a phased approach that aims to create the country's first successful case in the short term and build a platform to nurture research themes in the long term.
original interview
Interview
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Deloitte Executive: "Japan's Scientific Power Will Improve with DeSci" | Exclusive Interview
In May 2025, a new trend is emerging in Japan's research and development sector. Interest in decentralized science (DeSci: Decentralized Science) utilizing blockchain technology is rapidly increasing among universities and companies. While successful examples like VitaDAO are emerging overseas, how should Japan confront this innovative approach?
We conducted an exclusive interview with Tomohiro Terazono, Executive Officer in charge of advanced technology at Deloitte Tohmatsu Consulting LLC. He discussed in detail the challenges and possibilities of implementing DeSci in Japan.
What is DeSci?
An abbreviation for "Decentralized Science". A new initiative aimed at solving issues in scientific research activities by utilizing blockchain and Web3 technologies. It is attracting attention for providing decentralized funding and collaboration models for long-term research themes that are difficult to tackle with traditional VC investments.
The future of research and development changed by DeSci
Question: How is DeSci innovative compared to traditional models?
The first major difference is that the scope of defense varies greatly. I believe it is characteristic that research and development funding can be obtained from the market as long as there are researchers, even in the absence of venture capital.
Additionally, the amount of funding raised is overwhelmingly larger compared to typical joint research between companies and universities or crowdfunding. The ability to raise funds globally is also a characteristic of this large scale.
From the perspective of openness, the transparency of fund distribution is particularly important. The process of fund distribution after fundraising being transparent and easy to understand is also a characteristic of blockchain, and I believe this transparency makes a significant difference. For example, in a DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization), after issuing tokens and receiving funds into the DAO, there is a feature where the distribution to various research themes is decided by voting.
In some cases, the conventional Grants for Scientific Research and Expenditures for internal research and development were distributed without knowing how they were decided, and they did not come to me. On the other hand, there are many people who say that the ability to distribute funds in a highly transparent manner through a collegial system is a very good thing from the perspective of researchers, and I think this is also a major feature.
New Solutions for Securing Researchers
Question: How can DeSci address challenges such as securing researchers for companies?
Securing researchers has the advantage of making it easier to gather talent globally. After the token issuance, by expanding not only in the Japanese market but also in overseas markets, it is possible that overseas researchers will take notice and express interest in participating in this DAO. Being able to secure engineers globally is a significant benefit.
Question: Will participation from younger individuals such as young researchers, students, and graduate students be encouraged?
It has already begun overseas, but there are institutional issues that need to be addressed in Japan. The issue is how freely individuals affiliated with universities can engage in personal activities.
We have started discussing whether we can make use of the cross-appointment system (a form of employment in which researchers and experts belong to multiple institutions at the same time, such as universities and companies, and fulfill their roles and responsibilities in each institution), and I think it will be possible if this system is resolved. Overseas, there is a system where the period of enrollment at a university is about 9 months and a side job can be done during the vacation period, but in Japan, it is necessary to adjust these system aspects because you belong to the university for one year.
However, there are voices suggesting that students and graduate students may be able to challenge themselves sooner, as they are not technically employed by the university.
The spread of DeSci in Japan
Question: While there are successful cases abroad, how do you view the current situation in Japan where large projects have not yet been launched?
There are still no concrete cases established, and we need to take the first step.
As Deloitte, we believe it is important to widely raise awareness of the concept of DeSci and its benefits. The recent event (DeSci Japan Summit 2025) was also part of this effort.
A professor from a certain academia suggested that it would be beneficial to have a DAO-like space to realize DeSci, which would serve as a preparatory stage for the establishment of the DAO, where research meetings can be held while sharing information. I believe that providing a space where continuously interested individuals can gather and discuss accounting aspects and legal systems is the first step toward popularization.
Approach complex implementation challenges
Question: What are the countermeasures to the complexities such as regulations and tax systems, similar to "mixed martial arts"?
The approach differs between companies and academia. On the corporate side, rather than suddenly issuing tokens, I believe a more realistic approach is to first partially incorporate elements of DAO (such as theme selection through voting) into the R&D process, gradually acclimating to DeSci, and then transitioning to full-fledged DeSci.
Since there are still few cases of large corporations being involved in DeSci, it is important for Japanese companies to participate and step up while approaching DeSci.
The academia side faces significant institutional challenges regarding the status of researchers and the handling of IP (intellectual property), and it is necessary to reach a consensus with the industry-academia collaboration department. I think this will take time.
A phased approach is effective on the business side, but academia needs someone to take the lead. I believe that if a certain industry-academia collaboration department reforms, including systems, and creates successful cases, others will follow.
Short- and long-term strategies for improving scientific capabilities
Question: Please tell us about the impact and vision that DeSci brings to the enhancement of Japan's scientific capabilities.
According to a joint paper by Tsukuba University and Hirosaki University, innovative research worthy of a Nobel Prize requires a diversified investment in a wide range of themes rather than concentrating on a specific theme. However, the current system of research funding makes it difficult to realize this.
In DeSci, decisions can be made through an open consensus, which may prevent funding from concentrating on only specific researchers. Furthermore, while new emerging research themes continue to increase in Europe and the United States, the current situation in Japan shows that they are not increasing. DeSci has the potential to improve the current system, which struggles with pioneering new fields.
Many researchers are spending a tremendous amount of effort in preparing grant applications. By using smart contracts, the contracts can be simplified, and a system where funding distribution is determined by votes upon submitting research proposals is also possible. If funding methods other than grants are established, it will lead to an improvement in scientific capabilities in the long term.
Question: What are the visions for the short term and long term?
In the short term, the goal is to establish a full-scale case in Japan.
In the long term, as a precursor to an innovation platform for university-launched ventures, we would like to create a DeSci platform that fosters research themes that have not yet occurred. Therefore, if we create a flow of mature projects becoming ventures, we will be able to solve the shortage of ventures in Japan.
I think there are many people who want to invest in niche or fan-driven research fields. For example, instead of donating to their alma mater, they could create a system that leverages their attachment to their school by investing in DeSci.
Finally
Question: Please give a message to the readers of CoinPost.
DeSci is still an emerging field, but if there are those who are interested, I hope we can work together to promote it.
CoinPost Editorial Department - Summary
Regarding global fundraising and a highly transparent deliberative system, Mr. Terazono presented it as a new option for research and development in Japan. According to him, investments in diverse research themes, which were difficult under the traditional scientific research funding system, as well as the inflow of funds into a wide range of fields not limited to specific research areas, would become possible through the mechanisms of DeSci.
Challenges in Japan's research and development include insufficient challenges in new areas, a cumbersome application process, and rigid funding allocation. In response, the solutions offered by DeSci include a phased approach that aims to create the country's first successful case in the short term and build a platform to nurture research themes in the long term.
original interview Interview
| | | --- | | Amid concerns over Trump tariffs, analysts view the direction of this year's cryptocurrency market | TEAMZ WEB3 AI Summit | | Three Industry Key Persons Discuss the Current State and Future of the Cryptocurrency Market｜Hong Kong Web3 Festival 2025 | | Calbee accelerates Web3 deployment with blockchain-based IP management "Karuretto" | | SBI Chairman Kitaboshi Talks About the Future and Strategy of the Cryptocurrency Market | FIN/SUM2025 |
| | | --- | | XRPL Japan Launches to Promote Domestic Adoption of XRP Ledger | | LINE NEXT CSO "Kim Woosok" discusses the strategy for the popularization of Web3 | | Cardano founder Hoskinson discusses the Trump administration's cryptocurrency policy and future prospects | | From ai16z to ElizaOS — Mr. Shaw talks about the future of decentralized AI agents and new developments 【Exclusive Interview】 |