Waseda University's Advanced Manufacturing Program Holds First Final Results Presentation

Waseda University's Advanced Manufacturing Program

On March 9, 2026, Waseda University, located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, held the first final results presentation for its Advanced Manufacturing Program in collaboration with Shimizu Corporation. This event showcased student-led projects aimed at addressing real-world societal challenges through innovative product proposals.

The university's program, endorsed by its president Aiichi Tanaka, focuses on practical, user-centric education that integrates creativity and technology to generate real-world solutions. The students formed teams to work on the projects, facing actual issues and constraints encountered in society while benefitting from guidance provided by professionals at Shimizu Corporation.

Award-Winning Projects

Three standout teams received accolades for their remarkable creations:
1. Grand Prize (ものプロ・アドバンスト大賞) and Passion & Exploration Award - Weaving Diagram Creation App by Reika Kibana, a third-year mechanical engineering student.
2. Design & Idea Award and Passion & Exploration Award - Sound Shape Discovery Composition Support Hardware “Dodeca MIDI” by Rui Takano, a second-year media engineering student.
3. Technical Try Award - Self-Powered Shoes Light, which glows with every step by Kosuke Nakai, a second-year earth sciences education student.

These achievements demonstrate the students' ability to blend creativity with technical skills to address contemporary social problems effectively.

Program Overview

Launched in 2025, the Waseda Advanced Manufacturing Program aims to guide students towards creating value that can be realistically implemented in society. The university invited participation from all undergraduate students, from both liberal arts and science backgrounds, culminating in a selection of six diverse teams.

Throughout the program, students had the opportunity to collaborate with professionals from Shimizu Corporation, which enhanced their learning and provided them with valuable insights into the industry. The final presentation served as a platform for teams to showcase their innovative solutions, considering practical constraints and user perspectives. The projects were evaluated based on their insight into social problems, technical execution, and future viability.

Anticipated Developments

Waseda University aims to expand this innovative program in the upcoming years. The university recognizes the importance of teaching students not only how to learn theories and techniques but also how to apply this knowledge meaningfully in society. As students continually set their own challenges and collaborate on solutions, this program lays a strong foundation for generating future innovators.

In addition to the presentations, Waseda has plans to exhibit the developed products at Shimizu Corporation's Innovation and Human Resource Development Hub, “Onko Choshin no Mori NOVARE,” starting April 2026.

The success of this inaugural round signifies the university's commitment to providing educational experiences that integrate knowledge across disciplines, fostering an environment where diverse social challenges can be actively tackled through entrepreneurship education. By continuously expanding opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, Waseda seeks to forge new pathways for student-driven innovation and societal contributions.

Overall, the Waseda Advanced Manufacturing Program stands as a beacon of the university's forward-thinking approach to education, emphasizing the critical connection between academic knowledge and its practical application in addressing real-world issues.