#Japan #Kyoto #U-GAKU #SPIKES #AIer

U-GAKU Celebrates Innovation at SPIKES 2026

In a remarkable event that showcased student innovation and entrepreneurship, U-GAKU, operated by Crepity Inc., announced that the winning team of the SPIKATHON competition, AIer, will receive a study abroad program in Cebu valued at 1 million yen. This exciting announcement took place during the SPIKES event, hosted in Kyoto from July 1 to July 3, 2026. The event brought together over 2,100 students, entrepreneurs, and investors, making it one of the largest student-centered gatherings in Japan.

SPIKATHON: A Platform for Aspiring Innovators

The SPIKATHON was structured as a hands-on business hackathon, engaging students in a collaborative environment where they formed teams on-site. Through a series of consultations with seasoned entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and industry professionals at the IVS 2026 conference venue, participants developed viable business ideas. On the final day, eight teams advanced to the final pitch, where AIer was declared the eventual winner.

The team comprised four members, including Hiroki Hiragiyama from Keio University, Takuya Kataiwa and Tsubasa Nozaki from Shizuoka University, and Yuma Boda from Nagoya University. Together, they crafted a unique service aiding businesses in attracting customers through AI search optimization (AIO), enabling them to thrive in an age where AI recommends companies to users.

Key Results from SPIKATHON

• - Event Name: SPIKATHON
• - Date: July 1 - July 3, 2026
• - Venue: Miyako Messe, Kyoto
• - Organizer: 4S Co., Ltd.
• - Participation Fee: Free (Teams formed on-site)
• - Finalists: 8 teams

The event's format proved effective in igniting creativity among participants, allowing them to pitch their ideas to a live audience. The winner, AIer, not only secured the prestigious study abroad program but also received invaluable feedback during their development process.

What Makes SPIKES Special?

SPIKES serves as an integral part of Japan's startup ecology, running alongside the illustrious IVS 2026 conference. It cultivates a rich ecosystem where talented students engage with industry leaders, fostering connections and insights crucial for their growth. The event enabled students to experience hands-on entrepreneurship and discover their true potential in business.

U-GAKU's Role in Fostering Global Opportunities

U-GAKU's mission is clear: to empower individuals to know their true selves and live the lives they aspire to. As a special sponsor of the SPIKATHON, U-GAKU provided the prestigious Cebu study abroad program, aiming to broaden participants' horizons. The initiative reflects U-GAKU's commitment to encourage youths to tackle challenges on an international level, enhancing their views through such diverse experiences.

Insights from the Winning Team

Commenting on their experience, AIer expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with new team members. They were particularly appreciative of the feedback received from over 100 attendees, which guided them in refining their service to meet actual user needs. They emphasized that this experience taught them the importance of cooperation and how diverse perspectives can lead to innovative solutions. Moving forward, the team intends to leverage this feedback not just for improving their product but also to explore it as a viable business venture.

Crepity's Vision for Future Success

Katsuyuki Ikubo, the CEO of Crepity, praised the participants for their tenacity and vision during the hackathon. He noted the significant value of engaging with unknown individuals and being exposed to varied viewpoints as essential for personal and professional growth. Crepity, established in February 2021, operates various educational programs under U-GAKU, focusing on the dual goals of enhancing language proficiency and providing experiences that foster new perspectives.

With a dedicated team of 60 members, Crepity aims to help participants discover untapped potential through global educational experiences.

For those interested, Crepity welcomes inquiries at [email protected], ensuring that more students can benefit from their innovative programs. Through valuable initiatives like U-GAKU and engaging events like SPIKATHON, the future looks bright for the next generation of innovators in Japan.