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Otonari Company Selected for EPOCH Project

Otonari Company, headquartered in Sumida, Tokyo, is making strides in improving research collaboration through its innovative platform, Otonari GO. The company has recently been selected as a participating organization in the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's (MEXT) Advanced Research Infrastructure Refresh Project, commonly known as EPOCH. The initiative, led by the National Institute of Technology and Nagoya Institute of Technology, aims to enhance shared access to research equipment and skilled personnel across different organizations.

The Importance of Visibility in Research Tools and Skills

In many research institutions, equipment is often owned and managed individually by various laboratories. Furthermore, the technical skills necessary to operate this equipment reside with researchers and technical staff, but they are rarely compiled in an accessible format. Consequently, it can be challenging to know:

• - How many devices exist and their locations within the organization.
• - Who can operate specific devices.
• - If multiple departments have the same type of equipment, identifying which department to approach can be confusing.
• - Young researchers may struggle to find the necessary equipment or the right expert to consult for guidance.

Simply knowing when equipment is available is not enough for effective shared use. The simultaneous availability of skilled operators is crucial for practical functionality.

MEXT's EPOCH project seeks to revitalize Japan's research infrastructure, providing an attractive research environment where both seasoned and emerging researchers can thrive. Otonari Company is dedicated to supporting the development of an information infrastructure that incorporates personnel skills, aligning perfectly with EPOCH’s vision.

System Development by Otonari Company

Otonari Company is responsible for creating a unified system that does not separate information regarding equipment and the skills of the personnel handling that equipment. By enabling simultaneous searches for “what is available” and “who can operate it,” the project establishes foundational support for real sharing of core facilities. This not only makes it easier to locate technicians or needed technology but also retains essential operational knowledge even when personnel change or leave.

The approach prioritizes linking skills with equipment rather than treating them as separate attributes. By associating operators with their respective machines and those machines with their operators, both can be traced from either direction. This innovative design allows for a comprehensive understanding of available assets and expertise.

Project Details and Future Outlook

The EPOCH initiative, detailed on its official site, focuses on developing the “Innovation Core Facility Project,” which spans ten years, from Fiscal Year 2026 to Fiscal Year 2036.

Otonari Company will leverage the Otonari GO platform to encourage the effective use of both assets and skills within this project, which is relevant not only in academic circles but also in corporate research and development environments. The overarching goal is to foster connections between underutilized equipment and human skills, creating a collaborative landscape transcending boundaries.

About the Partner Organizations

• - National Institute of Technology: This organization includes Nagoya University and Gifu University, which emphasize world-class research and high-quality education.
• - Nagoya Institute of Technology: Specializing in engineering, it promotes innovation through academic research and expert technician training.
• - Otonari Company: Currently developing the Otonari GO platform, scheduled for its pre-release version in September 2026.

For further inquiries about this announcement, please contact:
Otonari Company PR - Toshiki Tsuchiya
E-Mail: [email protected]

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