#Japan #Okayama #Okayama University #2WINS #Acaridge

Bridging AI, Entrepreneurship, and Student Initiatives at Okayama University

On April 30, 2025, Okayama University’s Research and Innovation Co-Creation Organization hosted a remarkable event titled 'Okayama University DS Club × Tokyo University Startup Collaboration Event (Business × Academia)' at the Tsushima Campus. This initiative, part of the Cabinet Office's 'Regional Core University Innovation Creation Environment Enhancement Project,' partnered with the Okayama Digital Innovation Creation Platform (OI-Start) to engage students, faculty, and staff interested in AI, startups, and local innovation.

Around 100 participants, including students and university staff, gathered at the Co-Creation Commons (OUX) to share ideas, learn from experts, and network. The event made a significant impact by highlighting the importance of research application in real-world scenarios.

In the opening session, Ryohei Ogawa, CEO of 2WINS, a startup emerging from the University of Tokyo’s Matsuo Laboratory, captivated the audience with his insights on the value of research when applied to real-life challenges. He passionately stated, 'Let’s create a whirlwind of innovation starting from Okayama and reach the world!' His words stirred enthusiasm, emphasizing the potential for local innovation.

Additionally, Ikki Onishi, representative of the Okayama University-founded venture Acaridge, spoke about creating a platform aimed at connecting researchers and students. His initiative focuses on ensuring students get involved in research early on, facilitating both career development and acceleration of research work.

Moreover, Sō Oizumi, a second-year master's student also from the DS Club, presented the club’s activities that revolve around mastering advanced technologies through practical involvement in collaborative projects with other universities and industries. He explained how vital such projects are for the future of students and technology adoption in society.

The event featured a passionate panel discussion, inviting Ogawa, Onishi, Oizumi, and Yudai Sekino, Executive Officer of 2WINS. They engaged in dynamic discussions surrounding themes like 'Student Entrepreneurship', 'Social Implementation of AI Technologies', and 'Global Expansion', with students actively participating by asking insightful questions. This interaction reflected a deep sense of awareness regarding how academic knowledge can translate into societal applications.

The latter part of the event held exhibitions and networking sessions, where attendees shared insights on cutting-edge technologies and career development. This facilitated a hands-on learning environment and valuable networking opportunities for students, enhancing their educational experience.

Okayama University is committed to providing practical learning environments that support students’ challenges and foster talent who can bridge local and global communities. The continuous efforts in these collaborative projects promise a bright future for the university and its students.

The collaboration between academia and startups exemplifies a growing trend that seeks to establish a robust ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship in Japan. As Okayama University advances towards its goal of fostering a vibrant community of innovators, we eagerly anticipate the impacts of these initiatives.

Stay tuned for more updates on the exciting developments from Okayama University’s commitment to education, innovation, and community engagement.

Keynotes from the Event:

• - Ryohei Ogawa from 2WINS: Importance of practical application of research.
• - Ikki Onishi from Acaridge: Connecting researchers with students.
• - Sō Oizumi: Student-led initiatives in technology and collaboration.
• - Panel Discussion: Engaging the student body in real-world entrepreneurship and AI implementation.