#Japan #Okayama #Okayama University #Tech Garage #PSI Ecosystem

Overview

On November 12 and 13, 2025, Okayama University, located in Okayama City, held a tour and discussion event at the Okayama Tech Garage for students and faculty from member institutions of the startup creation platform PSI (Peace & Science Innovation). This event aimed to strengthen the education and support systems for startup creation in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions.

PSI is a wide-area collaborative platform led by Hiroshima University, where universities in the Chugoku and Shikoku areas work together to promote interactions and coordinate programs to foster startup innovation. The event was part of initiatives supported by the Cabinet Office’s "Regional Core University Innovation Creation Strengthening Project" and the JST’s "University-initiated New Industry Creation Program (START)". Approximately 30 participants from five universities engaged in discussions to enhance their understanding of entrepreneurship education and the potential for student-led innovation.

The Okayama Tech Garage serves as a "student-centered manufacturing hub" where students take the lead in prototyping and conducting experiments, allowing them to turn their creative ideas into reality. The opening day featured a presentation by Mr. Takao Funakura, Deputy Head of the Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration Headquarters, who explained the origin of the Tech Garage, its management structure, and the student-driven prototype development initiatives. Participants had the opportunity to experience the process of value creation initiated by students through viewing prototypes and products they developed.

Following this, attendees visited the co-creation innovation lab "KIBINOVE" on the Tsushima campus to participate in the interim presentation of the second cohort of the Okayama Tech Garage Project. Student teams presented their projects aimed at solving regional issues, including app development and unique product ideas. Active discussions ensued as participants from other universities posed questions and offered insights into these innovative projects.

Networking Opportunities

The subsequent networking program divided students and faculty into groups to exchange ideas on entrepreneurship education curricula and practical examples of startup support. This year, five students from Kagawa University introduced their initiatives and regional collaboration projects, energizing the discussions among attendees.

After completing the tour and discussions, a social gathering took place that transcended barriers between universities and regions, fostering connections among students, faculty, and professionals. Many participants expressed their admiration for the entrepreneurial spirit and problem-solving approaches demonstrated by Okayama University students, leading to stronger networks among attendees.

The second day included a visit to the "Momotaro Startup Cafe" in Okayama City, where representatives discussed the city’s initiatives in supporting startups. Participants gained insights into the latest trends in regional entrepreneurial support and the structure of governmental assistance. Students from Okayama University engaged in discussions with Kagawa University members about sustaining regional innovation developments.

This tour and discussion event further solidified collaborative connections among PSI member institutions, providing students and faculty with new learning experiences and perspectives. Participants shared reflections like "the Okayama Tech Garage is an inspiring platform where students can think, prototype, and connect with society," and expressed aspirations for launching joint projects between universities in the future.

Going forward, Okayama University plans to enhance inter-university collaboration centered on the Okayama Tech Garage and further accelerate co-creative activities aimed at student-led innovation and addressing regional challenges through platforms like PSI. We invite you to continue following the initiatives of Okayama University as a distinctive research university dedicated to community innovation.