Okayama University Graduate Wins Grand Prize at the OKAYAMA STARTUP AWARD 2025

Okayama University Graduate Wins OKAYAMA STARTUP AWARD 2025

In a remarkable achievement, Ryotaro Horiuchi, a graduate student pursuing his Master’s degree at Okayama University, emerged victorious by winning the Grand Prize in the student category at the esteemed OKAYAMA STARTUP AWARD 2025. The award ceremony was held on March 29, 2025, at the Momotarou Startup Café in Okayama City, where innovative minds gathered to showcase their business ideas.

The OKAYAMA STARTUP AWARD aims to cultivate entrepreneurial spirit rooted in the local community and foster new business ventures from Okayama. This annual business plan competition targets entrepreneurs and students possessing innovative ideas that contribute to resolving social issues and revitalizing the regional economy. The judging process is based on five criteria: originality, social impact, profitability, future potential, and performance. Outstanding plans from various categories receive recognition and awards.

Horiuchi presented his pioneering platform, "Aqzoo," designed for individuals who face challenges visiting aquariums. This unique platform allows users to enjoy live aquarium footage and expert commentary online. It aims to create an accessible environment for various groups, including the elderly and those in care facilities, enabling everyone to experience the wonders of aquariums from the comfort of their homes. Moreover, a portion of the platform’s revenue is dedicated to supporting local aquariums, showcasing its high social contribution potential and garnering attention.

Expressing his sentiments about the pitch, Horiuchi confidently stated, "In this presentation, I emphasized our vision and the motivation behind this project more than ever. To be honest, I had concerns whether such a distinct concept would resonate with the audience. However, we conveyed our unwavering belief in the future and presented it without compromise."

Accompanying Horiuchi were fellow presenters Takahiro Hirayama, an assistant professor from the Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Kento Sasaki from the Department of Chemical Engineering. Although they did not secure awards, they engaged in fruitful discussions with the audience, enriching their entrepreneurial journey.

Okayama University places great importance on fostering startup and venture initiatives through its Startup and Venture Creation Headquarters. This department provides multifaceted support to aspiring entrepreneurs among faculty and students, including advice on commercializing technological innovations and introducing management consulting services. Those interested in establishing their venture companies are encouraged to reach out to the university for assistance.

As a leading research university in the region, Okayama University remains committed to nurturing innovative projects while aligning with sustainable development goals (SDGs). The university has received notable recognition, including the Special Award at Japan's inaugural SDGs Awards.

Looking ahead, the faculty members and student entrepreneurs at Okayama University are poised to continue making strides in developing technology-driven businesses and contributing to local and global communities. The university eagerly anticipates future endeavors and collaborative opportunities that will further define its role as a key research and innovation hub in the region.

For more information about the OKAYAMA STARTUP AWARD and the innovative projects emerging from Okayama University, visit the official links below:

Okayama University continues to spearhead initiatives that enhance regional growth and innovation, and the institution warmly welcomes discussions on potential partnerships and collaborative projects.