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Okayama University R&D Showcase 2025: A New Frontier in Collaborative Research

On December 2, 2025, Okayama University held the much-anticipated R&D Showcase at the Tsushima Campus to enhance collaboration between academia, industry, and government. This event, which succeeded the previous year’s “Wisdom Fair,” attracted over 400 visitors and was designed to present a variety of research outcomes by professors and students, highlighting their potential societal implementations.

The showcase featured 78 booths, where researchers and students displayed their innovative ideas through posters and actual demonstrations. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions, posing insightful questions and offering suggestions for practical applications, which enriched the atmosphere of the event. The active exchanges made the day both educational and invigorating for all involved.

Special Guest Lectures

Throughout the day, distinguished faculty members hosted special lectures addressing various groundbreaking topics. Professor Hiroyuki Hasei from the Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences unveiled a project focusing on the development of an empathetic dialogue AI-based platform aimed at enhancing healthcare and wellness support. Meanwhile, Associate Professor Yuko Kataoka from the Center for Audiology discerned the essence of innovation from a social design perspective. Lastly, Associate Professor Yuichiro Toda explored the future of 3D spatial information utilizing topological clustering techniques and its diverse applications. Their presentations drew substantial interest and participation from attendees.

Participant Engagement and Awards

As a highlight, attendees were invited to vote on the presented research projects, culminating in an awards ceremony recognizing the most outstanding contributions. Vice President Atsushi Sakurai, in charge of innovation, presented the winners with their prizes, expressing hopes for further advancements and emphasizing the social significance of their research.

In an innovative addition this year, a networking session was introduced post-showcase. This gathering allowed around 100 attendees, including researchers, students, and representatives from various companies, to discuss in depth any topics that remained unexplored during the showcase. The interactions fostered cross-generational and disciplinary dialogues, potentially leading to fruitful collaborations and innovative solutions in the future.

KIBINOVE: Innovation Lab Tour

On the same day, a tour of the KIBINOVE co-creation innovation lab was conducted, providing participants with insights into the facilities and initiatives that underscore Okayama University’s commitment to industry-academia partnerships.

Visitors shared their positive experiences, saying, “The diverse presentations were intellectually stimulating,” and “It was gratifying to interact directly with researchers and brainstorm ideas on the spot.” Students’ active participation was noted, along with comments reflecting on the utility of the new facilities showcased, making the event a resounding success overall.

The Okayama University R&D Showcase 2025 is supported by Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)’s initiative to strengthen industrial promotion for developing excellent medical devices, as part of the “Regional Core and Unique Research University Strengthening Promotion Project (J-PEAKS).” The University aims to further deepen its connections with various stakeholders, working collaboratively with local communities and industries to create new value.

For those interested, the posters displayed during the event will soon be available on the Research and Innovation Co-Creation Organization’s website. Researchers and students excited about industry-academia collaboration are encouraged to reach out using the detail provided below.

Anticipating Future Developments

Stay tuned for more innovative initiatives from Okayama University, recognized as a core research university with unique characteristics.

Despite the differences in experience and expertise among participants, the event emphasized the shared commitment to innovation and collaboration across fields.

For further inquiries regarding collaborations, a representative from the Research and Innovation Co-Creation Organization at Okayama University can be contacted at:

• - Email: [email protected]

The future looks bright as Okayama University continues its efforts to push the boundaries of research while engaging proactively with the community to address pressing societal challenges.