Okayama University Hosts Tech Study Lab for Beginners to Learn Raspberry Pi and Generative AI

Learning Basics of Digital Technology at Okayama University

On July 28, 2025, Okayama University hosted its inaugural event of the 'Tech Study Lab Okayama' at the Tsushima Campus Co-Creation Innovation Lab (KIBINOVE). This program was aimed at beginners and witnessed participation from around 30 students, including those from various academic backgrounds unfamiliar with programming.

The students were provided individual Raspberry Pi devices and engaged in hands-on learning about basic programming with Python and the fundamentals of generative AI. This workshop is part of the Cabinet Office's 'Regional Core University Innovation Creation Environment Strengthening Project' and was conducted in collaboration with the Okayama Digital Innovation Creation Platform (OI-Start) and the university's student organization, Momoshimura Juku.

During the workshop, Assistant Professor Yuta Kodera from the Faculty of Environmental Life Sciences guided participants through the initial setup of Raspberry Pi devices and executed simple code snippets. This interactive format allowed students to gain an intuitive understanding of how computers work. The participants then created a program that displayed the current time using Python, which helped them explore the coding process and understand its practical implications.

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. One first-year economics student expressed, "It was thrilling to touch a Raspberry Pi for the first time and feel like I was building my own computer!" Another student added, "I became interested in creating AI-based apps myself!" The excitement in the room was palpable as students discovered the joys and possibilities of programming.

The next session of the Tech Study Lab is scheduled for August 6 and will focus on 'Experiencing Generative AI through Local LLMs.' This upcoming workshop will explore advanced applications such as chatbot development and image generation. Attending both sessions provides a comprehensive experience from foundational concepts to practical applications of AI technology.

In the future, Okayama University plans to continue offering opportunities for local students to engage with the latest technologies and develop practical skills through KIBINOVE. The university aspires to foster interest in AI and programming among students in Okayama Prefecture, reinforcing its commitment as a core, distinctive research university dedicated to innovation.

About OI-Start

The Okayama Digital Innovation Creation Platform (OI-Start) facilitates collaboration among industry, academia, and government to foster innovation primarily through digital technologies. By creating a platform for joint efforts across organizations and disciplines, OI-Start aims to enhance productivity and appeal for local businesses, aiding in the retention and flow of young talent within Okayama Prefecture. Okayama University serves as the secretariat for this initiative.

Through initiatives like the Tech Study Lab, Okayama University not only instills practical skills in students but also nurtures future innovators who will contribute to the region and beyond. The university remains dedicated to its mission of fostering a sustainable future and innovation through education.

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As Okayama University embarks on this journey of digital innovation, it stands as a beacon of learning and development in the region, committed to the principles of collaboration and sustainability as supported by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).