#Japan #Innovation #Okayama #Okayama University #PSI Demo Day

Okayama University Researchers Shine at PSI Demo Day 2026

On May 3, 2026, eleven esteemed researchers from Okayama University participated in the PSI GAP Fund Demo Day held in Hiroshima, showcasing their groundbreaking research. This event, organized by the Peace & Science Innovation (PSI) platform, aims to catalyze the establishment of university-led startups in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions. The platform is designed to assist promising technologies in being implemented socially and to support the emergence of startups.

The PSI GAP Fund operates in two phases: Step 1 focuses on verifying potential business opportunities with funding up to 5 million yen for one year. Step 2 involves demonstrating business viability and addressing startup challenges, offering support up to 60 million yen over three years. Beyond financial assistance, the PSI provides integral services, including mentoring, networking opportunities, acceleration, and support for global expansion.

PSI Demo Day serves as a critical platform for researchers to present their findings and visions, fostering connections with industries and potential investors. This year's event attracted approximately 230 attendees, including researchers, university officials, venture capitalists, and representatives from various sectors. About 40 research projects were presented, and the presentations were met with palpable excitement and engagement among the audience.

The participating researchers included Takashi Teranishi, Yuki Kadota, Yoshiteru Nonen, Yuhei Chatani, and Junji Yamakawa from the Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, alongside Ken Takahashi, Tsugushi Hodaka, Junpei Uchiyama, and Naoko Nose from the Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, among others. Each of them shared their respective research themes, sparking discussions around commercialization and social implementation.

This initiative not only empowers researchers at Okayama University to promote their findings but also emphasizes the institution's commitment to translating excellent research into tangible societal benefits. The university aims to foster new business ventures while addressing regional challenges through collaboration with industry and government partners.

As the PSI GAP Fund will be open for applications again this year, the Startup and Venture Creation Headquarters of Okayama University is ready to support applicants from the preparatory stage through to project execution. Individuals interested in this opportunity are encouraged to reach out for assistance.

We can expect significant advancements from okayama University as it continues to intertwine its innovative research with practical applications.

For more information, visit the PSI Ecosystem and the Okayama University Startup Support.