Okayama University Hosts Web3 Local Revitalization Seminar to Kickstart Innovation

On July 4, 2025, Okayama University, the National University Corporation situated in Okayama City, organized the 'Web3 Local Revitalization First Step Seminar' at the Tsushima Campus's Kibinove Co-Creation Innovation Lab. Co-sponsored by the Okayama Digital Innovation Creation Platform (OI-Start), Okayama University Green Innovation Center (GIC), and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's Chugoku Bureau, this event attracted a diverse group of 61 participants, including university students, faculty members, and representatives from both local and external companies and municipalities.

The seminar aimed to delve into the potential of Web3 technology for solving regional challenges and creating new value within Okayama Prefecture. This event was envisioned as a 'first step' in demonstrating practical applications of Web3 for individuals involved in local development.

In the first session, Professor Yoshiyuki Nogami, Chair of OI-Start and Head of the Green by Digital Division at GIC, delivered a presentation titled 'The Potential of Web3 Local Revitalization and GIC’s Challenges.' Drawing from his expertise in digital transformation (DX) and information security, Professor Nogami discussed the possibilities and challenges of Web3 technology. He highlighted several of GIC's initiatives, including wildlife damage mitigation, the use of game meat (jibie), forestry, and the intersection of Web3/DX with blockchain technology.

The second session, titled 'Needs from the Frontlines of Local Challenges and Expectations from Web3,' featured Jun Akiyama, a board member of the Nishiawakura Village Research Institute. He shared insights about practical local development efforts in Nishiawakura Village and the potential role of Web3 technologies such as decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) in building community. Following Akiyama, Chihiro Tsuchiya from the regional revitalization cooperative team in Niimi City presented on the area's traditional culture, specialty products, and the prospects for value creation through Web3 technology.

The seminar concluded with a panel discussion themed 'Envisioning the Future of Web3 Applications in Okayama.' This session ignited lively discussions on practical use cases, specific applications to local problems, and collaborative possibilities. Participants expressed an enriched understanding of Web3's concrete potential, indicating a hopeful outlook towards future regional revitalization.

OI-Start continues to welcome companies, organizations, and individuals interested in fostering innovation through academia-industry-government collaboration. Interested parties are encouraged to consider joining OI-Start to engage further in these efforts. The ongoing and unique initiatives lead by Okayama University, recognized as a core and distinctive research university, are promising for the future of regional development and sustainability.

Seminar Timetable:

- 15:00 - 15:05: Opening
- 15:05 - 15:30: Session 1: Potential of Web3 in Local Revitalization
- 15:30 - 15:55: Session 2: Local Needs and Web3 Expectations
- 15:55 - 16:00: Break
- 16:00 - 16:50: Session 3: Panel Discussion - Future Vision of Web3 in Okayama
- 16:50 - 17:00: Closing

Speakers (Subject to Update):

- Professor Yoshiyuki Nogami (Vice President for DX and Information Security, Head of GIC Green by Digital Division, Chair of OI-Start)
- Fumihiro Shindo (Director of Hiroshima Web3 Association, CEO of CodeFox)
- Yuki Kamimoto (CEO of N.Avenue, Moderator and Speaker)
- Taro Tokui (Business Development at N.Avenue)

The seminar also highlighted the collaborative efforts between academia, industry, and government to drive innovation and address local issues. OI-Start provides a platform for researchers, companies, and local municipalities to thrive together, reinforcing Okayama University's commitment to fostering sustainable development and community engagement through innovative practices in Web3.

For further information about OI-Start and ongoing initiatives, please visit their official website.