Okayama University and Livness: Partnering to Accelerate Startup Creation and Research Implementation
On June 26, 2026, Okayama University, located in Okayama City, officially signed a partnership agreement with Livness, a leading company based in Shinjuku, Tokyo. The ceremony took place at the Creative Innovation Lab (KIBINOVE) on the Tsushima Campus, and it aims to promote the practical application of the university's research findings and accelerate the creation of startups in the region.
The newly established agreement enables a collaborative framework where both entities will work together to connect the university's research outcomes and human resources with local businesses, investors, and partners, both domestically and internationally. This is envisioned as a significant step towards building a new model of collaboration between academia and industry that stretches from the Setouchi region to the global landscape.
Okayama University has previously collaborated with Livness on various initiatives aimed at enhancing educational support for middle and high school students, staff training, and the business development program called the Okayama Tech Planter. This program has successfully led many teams from the university to become finalists and achieve awards, thus linking the university's research and the challenges faced by students and researchers with the local industry and financial institutions.
A significant milestone in this collaboration was the establishment of the Chugoku-Shikoku office of UntroD Capital Japan at KIBINOVE. This has further solidified the partnership between Okayama University and Livness and has led to a more organized and continuous effort in areas such as identifying research themes, fostering entrepreneurial talent, and supporting new business development alongside regional enterprises and investors.
In addition to focusing on the implementation of research outcomes and startup support, the agreement outlines various collaborative activities, including educational exchanges, cooperative experiments with local companies, and international collaborations with universities, research institutions, and startups globally.
The signing ceremony was attended by key figures, including Okayama University's President Yoshiro Nasu, Deputy Director Jun Sakurai, and the Head of the Research and Innovation Co-Creation Organization, Takeshi Shimizu. Representing Livness were Group CEO Yoshihiro Maru and Executive Officer Shuuhei Tsukada. The significance of this agreement was highlighted by both leaders, emphasizing its alignment with the university's values and mission to foster innovation and inclusivity.
President Nasu expressed optimism that this agreement would contribute significantly to the transformation of Okayama University as a research university partaking in the J-PEAKS initiative while building a thriving startup ecosystem in a city recognized as a NEXT global hub. Likewise, Maru reflected on the longstanding relationship built since around 2010, aiming to leverage the research capabilities and local business strengths to expand connections within Southeast Asia and beyond.
Moving forward, both parties are committed to implementing entrepreneurship education in partnership with local businesses, developing training for CXO talents, and sustaining startup creation based on research-driven themes. Okayama University was also chosen for the Ministry of Education's J-PEAKS program in 2023, reinforcing its mission to co-create a sustainable future for both the region and the planet.
The collaboration with Livness aligns with the university's efforts to establish a startup ecosystem centered on the Setouchi region, seeking to connect local intelligence and technological prowess with the global market. As these partnerships develop, Okayama University aspires to produce new startups and industrial values, thereby enhancing the region's knowledge base and capabilities.
This partnership marks an exciting chapter in Okayama University's mission as they continue to foster innovation and collaboration, prompting anticipation for their future endeavors.
The ceremony was concluded with a photo opportunity, showcasing both organizations' commitment to this promising alliance.
The newly established agreement enables a collaborative framework where both entities will work together to connect the university's research outcomes and human resources with local businesses, investors, and partners, both domestically and internationally. This is envisioned as a significant step towards building a new model of collaboration between academia and industry that stretches from the Setouchi region to the global landscape.
Okayama University has previously collaborated with Livness on various initiatives aimed at enhancing educational support for middle and high school students, staff training, and the business development program called the Okayama Tech Planter. This program has successfully led many teams from the university to become finalists and achieve awards, thus linking the university's research and the challenges faced by students and researchers with the local industry and financial institutions.
A significant milestone in this collaboration was the establishment of the Chugoku-Shikoku office of UntroD Capital Japan at KIBINOVE. This has further solidified the partnership between Okayama University and Livness and has led to a more organized and continuous effort in areas such as identifying research themes, fostering entrepreneurial talent, and supporting new business development alongside regional enterprises and investors.
In addition to focusing on the implementation of research outcomes and startup support, the agreement outlines various collaborative activities, including educational exchanges, cooperative experiments with local companies, and international collaborations with universities, research institutions, and startups globally.
The signing ceremony was attended by key figures, including Okayama University's President Yoshiro Nasu, Deputy Director Jun Sakurai, and the Head of the Research and Innovation Co-Creation Organization, Takeshi Shimizu. Representing Livness were Group CEO Yoshihiro Maru and Executive Officer Shuuhei Tsukada. The significance of this agreement was highlighted by both leaders, emphasizing its alignment with the university's values and mission to foster innovation and inclusivity.
President Nasu expressed optimism that this agreement would contribute significantly to the transformation of Okayama University as a research university partaking in the J-PEAKS initiative while building a thriving startup ecosystem in a city recognized as a NEXT global hub. Likewise, Maru reflected on the longstanding relationship built since around 2010, aiming to leverage the research capabilities and local business strengths to expand connections within Southeast Asia and beyond.
Moving forward, both parties are committed to implementing entrepreneurship education in partnership with local businesses, developing training for CXO talents, and sustaining startup creation based on research-driven themes. Okayama University was also chosen for the Ministry of Education's J-PEAKS program in 2023, reinforcing its mission to co-create a sustainable future for both the region and the planet.
The collaboration with Livness aligns with the university's efforts to establish a startup ecosystem centered on the Setouchi region, seeking to connect local intelligence and technological prowess with the global market. As these partnerships develop, Okayama University aspires to produce new startups and industrial values, thereby enhancing the region's knowledge base and capabilities.
This partnership marks an exciting chapter in Okayama University's mission as they continue to foster innovation and collaboration, prompting anticipation for their future endeavors.
The ceremony was concluded with a photo opportunity, showcasing both organizations' commitment to this promising alliance.
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