Okayama University Students Shine at Okayama Innovation Contest 2025

Resounding Success at Okayama Innovation Contest 2025

On November 29, 2025, the Okayama Innovation Contest took place at Kurashiki Civic Hall, featuring a vibrant competition among budding entrepreneurs. The contest drew significant participation, highlighting innovative business proposals that aim to solve contemporary challenges within the Okayama and Bihoku regions. This edition attracted an impressive number of applicants, leading to 15 promising finalists showcasing their innovative solutions through dynamic presentations.

Among the finalists, three individuals from Okayama University stood out, including students and faculty members. Of note, Yuuta Murase, a first-year master's student in the Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, received a category award in the division for university and vocational school students. The award was graciously presented to him by President Yasuyuki Nasu, who also attended the event as a presenter.

Murase's presentation captured the audience's attention with his revolutionary concept titled "Protein Production Revolution Using Yeast: Creating Proteins on an Unprecedented Scale." He proposes utilizing a unique protein production technique known as the gTOW method to produce high-value proteins at a lower cost and in greater quantities. His visionary approach aims to make cultured meat a common feature on dining tables in the near future.

Moreover, Murase is recognized as a first-generation participant of the Okayama Tech Garage, an initiative aimed at bolstering the university's innovation ecosystem. Reflecting on his award, he stated, "The Tech Garage provided me with my initial platform to challenge myself. Moving forward, I aim to advance towards actualizing my business plan and officially launch this venture through KIBINOVE."

In the general category, Junpei Uchiyama, a research professor from the Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, addressed an international concern by presenting his deep-tech university project titled "Creating Veterinary Medicines Using Antimicrobial Enzymes." His research aims to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a critical challenge in today's medical landscape.

Additionally, another finalist, Kentaro Fusayasu, a third-year mechanical engineering student operating the startup KYOUSOU ROBOTICS, presented a transformative concept themed around "Realizing the 'Future Factory' Through Manufacturing, Robotics, and Okayama." His innovative business plan proposed the implementation of specialized robots for logistics processes in the manufacturing industry, underscoring the region's commitment to technological advancement.

The category award won by Okayama University students is a proud achievement that underscores the institution's dedication to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs. The university aims to continue supporting its researchers and students in their pursuits, striving to foster entrepreneurship that bridges local innovation with global outreach. We invite everyone to keep an eye on Okayama University as it embarks on this journey of community-based innovation toward a bright future.

In Attendance

Left to right: Professor Uchiyama, Yuuta Murase, President Nasu, and Kentaro Fusayasu.

As Okayama University actively collaborates with local institutions and industries, it remains at the forefront of the region's research landscape, aligned with global trends in sustainability and innovation. With its unique position as a key regional university, it recognizes its role in shaping a sustainable future.

To learn more about the Okayama Innovation Contest and ongoing initiatives in entrepreneurship at Okayama University, visit the links provided below:

Together, let’s look forward to more innovative endeavors and entrepreneurial success stories emerging from Okayama University!