The story of Corundum begins with Yasushi Yamamoto, CEO and founder of Corundum.
After graduating with a degree in Economics from Kyoto University, Yamamoto joined Sumitomo Corporation. His desire to explore and make a tangible impact on the world led him on an adventure to Africa, France and then Australia, where he became Managing Director of Summit Agro Australia – a subsidiary of Sumitomo Corporation – setting the record for becoming the youngest head of any subsidiary in the group at the time. From there, Yamamoto became Japan CEO of Makhteshim-Agan, an Israeli powerhouse in crop protection.
Motivated by the idea of connecting the energy, entrepreneurship and innovation of Israel with Japan’s huge industrial base, Yamamoto made introductions between Israeli start-ups and large Japanese corporations. What at first began as exploration became the inspiration to found Corundum (under the original name, Corundum Innovation Co., Ltd.) in 2014.
Established on the concept of convergence, Corundum brings together specialists from the worlds of Science, Technology and Business, all connected by a spirit of discovery and a desire to make a positive impact on the future of humanity.
From day one, Corundum set
out to be a discovery and
innovation engine, with an
emphasis on strategic patience
and long-term visionFrom day one, Corundum set
out to be a discovery and
innovation engine, with an
emphasis on strategic patience
and long-term vision
out to be a discovery and
innovation engine, with an
emphasis on strategic patience
and long-term visionFrom day one, Corundum set
out to be a discovery and
innovation engine, with an
emphasis on strategic patience
and long-term vision
Yasushi Yamamoto, Corundum CEO
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The microbiome has a huge impact on human health. By supporting pioneering research and breakthrough companies in this field, Corundum is investing in the future of personalized medicine and in the health of generations to come.
Professor Eran Segal, Corundum Systems Biology Advisor
Two early investment vehicles – Corundum Neuroscience (CNS) and Corundum Systems Biology (CSB) – bring together the brightest minds from science and industry to advance their respective fields. CNS propels breakthroughs in the field of neuroscience and CSB is advancing research into the human microbiome, as well as the relationship between the gut and the brain.
Humanity doesn’t yet have solutions for many problems related to brain health and mental health, that deeply affect human existence. There are many potential innovations that can become solutions for the mass market and make a huge impact on people’s lives.
Liron Nunez Weismann, Corundum Neuroscience CEO
Supporting high-caliber science in
these complex areas is an ambitious
goal. However, it represents a unique
opportunity to meaningfully impact
progress and potentially change the
course of human history.Supporting high-caliber science in these complex areas is an ambitious goal. However, it represents a unique opportunity to meaningfully impact progress and potentially change the course of human history.
these complex areas is an ambitious
goal. However, it represents a unique
opportunity to meaningfully impact
progress and potentially change the
course of human history.Supporting high-caliber science in these complex areas is an ambitious goal. However, it represents a unique opportunity to meaningfully impact progress and potentially change the course of human history.
Yasushi Yamamoto, Corundum CEO
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These two areas of scientific discovery have the potential to drive breakthroughs in disease models, preventative and personalized healthcare, as well as overall wellbeing. By converging these complex, emergent fields – supported by developments in AI – Corundum is delivering on its purpose and illuminating the future of humanity.
Building on the foundations laid by CNS and CSB, Corundum Convergence Institute (CCI) was established as a US-based, 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to promoting the advancement of science by partnering with the leading innovators in the fields of Neuroscience and Systems Biology, supported by Artificial Intelligence.
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