#Japan #Okayama #Okayama University #PSI #Hydrovenus

Okayama University Hosts the PSI Entrepreneur Support Seminar

On June 17, 2026, Okayama University, located in Okayama City, Japan, hosted a significant event titled the "PSI Entrepreneur Support Seminar" aimed at enhancing the startup ecosystem in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions. This seminar took place at the university's Tsushima Campus, specifically at the Co-Creation Innovation Lab named KIBINOVE.

The seminar was part of the Peace & Science Innovation Ecosystem (PSI), a collaborative effort involving universities across the regions to motivate the development of innovative technologies and solutions for global challenges. The goal was to encourage the birth of startups that address pressing social and environmental issues.

With over 40 participants joining both in-person and online, the event attracted a diverse crowd including members of the PSI GAP Fund, university faculty and students, and interested members of the general public. The seminar featured a lively exchange of ideas and perspectives on the startup landscape.

Keynote Lecture by Hydrovenus CEO

The first segment of the seminar included a keynote speech from Mr. Goji Ueda, the CEO of Hydrovenus, which is a university-affiliated startup commercializing research conducted by Professor Shinji Hiejima from the Faculty of Environmental Life Sciences. Ueda shared insights from his journey of transforming research findings into a viable business. He candidly discussed the challenges he faced along the way and offered practical advice on navigating similar difficulties. This session provided attendees with a deeper understanding of the realities involved in launching a university-affiliated startup.

Panel Discussion on Startup Potential

Following Ueda's presentation, a panel discussion featured seasoned venture capitalists who have a track record of supporting university-born startups. The panelists elaborated on the potential of these startups, key points of commercialization from investors' perspectives, and the expectations placed on researchers. This insightful dialogue allowed participants to grasp the significance of investment and mentorship in the startup incubation process.

Networking Opportunities

One of the most valuable aspects of the seminar was the networking session that followed the discussions. Participants had the chance to interact directly with the speakers and each other, fostering connections that could lead to future collaborations. This informal setting encouraged the exchange of ideas and facilitated the development of innovative partnerships within the entrepreneurship community.

Interactive Workshop for GAP Fund Recipients

The second part of the seminar was dedicated to a workshop aimed specifically at recipients of the PSI GAP Fund and related stakeholders. Participants engaged in a more hands-on approach, discussing challenges related to business commercialization. Topics included building effective teams and identifying skilled individuals needed for successful startup growth. This interactive session emphasized practical considerations essential for moving research from concept to social implementation.

Okayama University remains committed to collaborating with institutions and organizations across the Chugoku and Shikoku regions to pave the way for the creation of university-originated startups. The PSI GAP Fund is set to continue in the upcoming fiscal year, inviting researchers interested in commercialization of their findings and startup creation to engage with the initiative.

As a leading research university, Okayama University is dedicated to developing the local entrepreneurial ecosystem and looks forward to contributing to global innovations through programs like the PSI initiative. With the support of academic and industry partners, they are determined to foster a culture of collaboration and success.

For more information on the PSI Entrepreneur Support Seminar and related inquiries, please visit Okayama University.