Recognition of Contributions to IT Education from USP Research Institute
On December 18, 2025, Dr. Ikko Taniguchi, Chairman of the National College of Technology (Kosen), made a significant visit to the Universal Shell Programming Institute (USP Research Institute), a pioneering IT development company based in Tokyo, specializing in domestically developed system solutions. During his visit, Chairman Taniguchi presented an appreciation certificate to Hyotetsu Tomonaka, CEO of USP, acknowledging the company's ongoing support for advanced IT human resource development through the establishment of scholarship programs, provision of educational materials, and enhancement of practical teaching capabilities for Kosen faculty.
The recognition highlighted USP's remarkable contributions to the educational research landscape of the National College of Technology. At the center of this contribution is the “Unicage Scholarship,” funded through USP’s initiatives to foster next-generation IT talent. This scholarship program offers financial assistance to students who have mastered fundamental IT skills through tailored teaching materials and learning environments, particularly focusing on Shell scripting—the essential foundational technique in IT. This support aims not only to enhance programming skills but also to equip students with the ability to construct solutions for societal challenges independently.
Today's IT industry in Japan often gravitates towards the introduction of foreign systems, applying fragmented processes, and following trendy frameworks. In contrast, USP Research Institute has continually addressed the daunting challenges of enterprise system construction through its domestically developed technology,
Unicage®, which relies on the foundational skill of Shell scripting. As a result, students receive a robust educational foundation that empowers them to effectively tackle real-world challenges faced by organizations and society.
The National College of Technology is committed to expediting the development of the next generation of technicians and has demonstrated its support for USP’s practical technology teachings. Their intention is to foster an educational framework capable of generating “true practical technicians” who can navigate an ever-evolving technological landscape without succumbing to fleeting trends. By reinforcing educational systems, they aim to create a society where sincere individuals can manipulate technology effectively and contribute to communal growth.
Dr. Taniguchi expressed his gratitude for USP Research Institute's extraordinary support in cultivating digital talent within Kosen, emphasizing the establishment of the Unicage Scholarship program in the new fiscal year, which extends financial support to students achieving top results in the IT foundational skills examination. This course closely aligns with the international certification exam conducted by the Linux Professional Institute, exploring advanced knowledge and technical skills required for practical applications.
USP CEO Tomonaka remarked, “Receiving this award from the National College of Technology is a profound honor. The current IT landscape tends to compartmentalize engineers into parts of gigantic systems, yet the primary goal of IT is to offer simple and rapid solutions to societal and organizational problems.” He expressed a desire for students to cultivate their inherent abilities to build systems based on core principles rather than relying on overly complex frameworks.
The visit concluded with a discussion regarding the pressing need for a workforce proficient in digital technology, along with the expectations surrounding Kosen's role in societal implementation education. The agreement was made that solving these issues cannot be achieved by Kosen alone; hence, continued support and engagement with industry partners like USP are vital for further enriching digital education and facilitating the growth of students.
Overview of the Visit
- - Date and Time: December 18, 2025, at 14:00
- - Visitor: Dr. Ikko Taniguchi, Chairman of the National College of Technology
- - Location: Universal Shell Programming Institute, Minato, Tokyo
- - Activities: Award presentation, commemorative photography, and discussion (approximately 50 minutes)
About the National College of Technology
The National College of Technology operates under the Independent Administrative Institution Law and was established in April 2004. It encompasses 51 national colleges focused on advancing active learning, globalization efforts, and cutting-edge problem-solving methodologies aimed at nurturing practical talent rooted in deep scientific thinking.
About the Universal Shell Programming Institute
Since its establishment in 2005, the USP Research Institute has built sophisticated information systems for diverse clients, employing its unique enterprise architecture development methodology, Unicage. The organization strives to attain the ideals of autonomy and collaboration, aspiring to create valuable systems that contribute positively to society, leading the next generation of engineers and technicians.