#Japan #Digital Innovation #Okayama #Okayama University #OI-Start

Open Innovation Match Up Vol. 4

On January 8, 2026, Okayama University hosted the fourth installment of their Open Innovation event titled “Match Up vol.4 – Local Issues x Design x Digital” at Okayama Prefectural University. The event attracted over 220 participants, including representatives from businesses, local government, and academia, all focused on collaborative value creation and problem-solving for regional challenges.

Overview of the Event

The session commenced with an opening speech by Professor Yasunori Nogami, the chairman of OI-Start, who emphasized the significance of combining efforts among various sectors to foster innovation. Following this, Akio Itsukushima, the president of Okayama Prefectural University, shared insights into the university’s initiatives aimed at contributing to the community and sparking innovative projects.

Professor Toshikazu Takahashi from the university’s Faculty of Design then captivated the audience with a talk titled “Casting Design Magic on the Region”. He discussed the crucial role of design in addressing local challenges and presented specific examples of how invisible aspirations can be transformed into tangible solutions.

Reverse Pitch Session & Panel Discussion

Next, a reverse pitch segment featured six presenters sharing their views on diverse topics, including “Co-Learning Agriculture x Sensing,” “Tourism Resources x VR,” “Bizen Sword x Art,” “Bizen Ware x DAO,” “Local Sports x Data Science,” and “Communication x XR.” Each presenter outlined current challenges and visions for the future within their respective fields.

The panel discussion that followed, moderated by Associate Professor Yoshiko Murakami, focused on how to communicate values effectively and foster empathy in collaborative projects. The interaction was lively, promoting an exchange of perspectives on sustainable efforts and comprehensive solutions.

Match Up Sessions

In the second part of the event, “Match Up Sessions” took place in the student hall toitowa. Participants were divided into groups based on the themes introduced earlier, allowing them to engage in brainstorming sessions. Each group combined the resources from businesses, the expertise of researchers, and the creative thinking of students to generate practical ideas aimed at resolving regional issues.

Additionally, a poster presentation segment showcased 38 projects, highlighting active discussions and exchanges among participants. Professor Murakami, who chaired the second part, concluded the event by encouraging all attendees to maintain the connections fostered during the event.

Conclusion

This event effectively showcased the potential for dialogue and collaboration across various sectors, marking a significant step towards enhancing partnerships between academia, industry, and local governance and igniting innovative solutions sourced from local communities.

Okayama University continues to be at the forefront of regional collaboration and innovation. As a core research university, it is committed to fostering a sustainable urban future. Stay tuned for more updates on its initiatives.