Hosei University Collaborates with Anfini for Innovative Business Contest

A Unique Partnership: Hosei University and Anfini's Business Contest

On April 16, 2026, Anfini, a company promoting AI-integrated management based in Minato, Tokyo, co-hosted an innovative business contest with Hosei University. This event was aimed not only at students but also at working professionals, showcasing a collaboration that merges academic prowess with industry insights.

The Concept Behind the Contest

The initiative stemmed from a partnership with Professor Kenzō Tanaka of Hosei University's Career Design Department, who also serves as an executive at Anfini. The goal was to enhance practical business creation skills through the fusion of education and real-world applications. Students in their third and fourth years teamed up with Anfini's new hires and interns to tackle a common theme, driving the creation of new business concepts.

Contest Theme

The challenge issued to participants was straightforward yet profound: "Combine your team's talents to maximize Anfini's corporate value through a new business."

Participants were required to define their individual and group strengths, exploring ways in which these talents could be synergized to develop innovative business ideas. The emphasis was on creativity and collaboration, laying the foundation for a competitive yet enriching environment.

Day of the Event

On the day of the contest, a total of 10 teams, consisting of Hosei University students, Anfini's new hires, and interns, delivered their presentations. Faced with a limited preparation period, teams identified target markets, clarified their value propositions, and designed business models. Each team showcased a high level of proposal quality, reflecting the flexible thinking skills typical of students alongside the practical insights brought by the new employees.

The atmosphere of the event was electric, and it highlighted the diversity of business ideas that emerged from this collaboration. The proceedings, which demonstrated the synergy of youthful creativity and professional acumen, will soon be available for viewing on Anfini's official YouTube channel, allowing a broader audience to appreciate the innovative solutions devised during the contest. Watch on YouTube

Results of the Contest

Judging was conducted by Anfini's CEO Jun Hashimoto and Professor Kenzō Tanaka, who selected the winning team: Hosei University's 'My Palette.' This team conceptualized a service aimed at providing feedback to students who had been rejected after interviews, helping them visualize their weaknesses and plan their next steps.

The innovative approach allowed interviewers to input evaluations through multiple-choice options, with AI generating feedback. This streamlined the process, reducing the burden on interviewers while ensuring consistent quality in feedback delivery. This transformation of a rejection into an opportunity for growth was particularly praised by the judges.

Judges' Comments

Jun Hashimoto, CEO of Anfini

"Throughout the contest, I was deeply moved by the enthusiasm of many teams that embraced my belief in the importance of human capital management. Engaging with students and Professor Tanaka provided invaluable insights into how our company is perceived externally, which is extremely meaningful for us. We intend to accelerate our partnerships with universities, particularly in Tokyo, to continue our journey of creating new value."

Kenzō Tanaka, Professor at Hosei University

"This joint venture with Anfini allowed students to engage deeply with the company’s existing assets and the tangible theme of 'Brand Generation.' The experience shared between our 45 seminar students and Anfini's new and intern employees over two weeks was a unique and enriching stimulus that cannot be found elsewhere. The blending of real-world corporate practices with academic learning acted as a marvelous catalyst for nurturing the next generation of business leaders."

About Anfini

Founded by a group of former consulting firm professionals, Anfini is a comprehensive consulting firm dedicated to supporting business growth in B2B sectors through consulting and education, while also functioning as a 'Brand Generator' in the B2C space, creating talents and brands. The firm has been recognized for three consecutive years as one of the 'Best Ventures 100,' beginning in the 2024 fiscal year.