Okayama University Unveils Innovative PRESIDENTITY Chair at KIBINOVE

Unveiling the PRESIDENTITY Chair at KIBINOVE

On July 27, 2026, Okayama University held a ceremony to showcase the PRESIDENTITY Chair, developed by Bizen Hatsujo Co., at the KIBINOVE facility on its Tsushima campus. This event marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between the university and industry, promoting innovation and practical applications of cutting-edge technology.

Bizen Hatsujo Co., a member of the Okayama University Research Cooperation Association and the Okayama Digital Innovation Creation Platform (OI-Start), presented the chair, leveraging their extensive expertise in manufacturing and ergonomics. At the unveiling ceremony, President Noriyo Yamane highlighted the chair's development as a representation of Green Transformation, underlining the company’s commitment to converting traditional mold manufacturing into products of greater societal value.

Yamane expressed enthusiasm for continuing the partnership with Okayama University: "We aim to communicate new values to society through industry-academic collaborations." This sentiment was echoed by Akira Imai, the head of the university's Research and Innovation Collaboration Department, who emphasized KIBINOVE as a meeting ground for researchers and businesses, fostering dialogues that can lead to innovative advancements.

The unveiling of the PRESIDENTITY Chair is the first product showcase aimed at promoting excellent technologies from local businesses to a broader audience. At this milestone event, key personnel experienced the chair firsthand, noting its comfort and functionality.

The initiative was significantly inspired by Shota Morimoto, a graduate student in the Health System Integration Sciences program, who proposed this exhibition to Bizen Hatsujo through his activities as an SDGs ambassador. Morimoto’s proactive engagement exemplifies the ideals of a ‘Knowledge Worker’ as defined by Okayama University’s J-PEAKS initiative, which strives to develop flexible, broadly informed talents capable of creating new value from knowledge.

The collaboration between Okayama University and Bizen Hatsujo symbolizes the practical application of research and technology in addressing societal needs. This synergy not only enhances academic resources but also strengthens the local economy by showcasing regional enterprises capable of delivering innovative solutions.

Moving forward, Okayama University plans to utilize KIBINOVE for similar initiatives, allowing other member companies of its Research Cooperation Association to exhibit their products and technologies. Once the details regarding the exhibition process and costs are finalized, the university will share this information on its official website, inviting interested businesses and organizations to participate.

Fortunately, KIBINOVE serves as a crucible for collaborative efforts between students, researchers, local communities, and businesses. It seeks to convert academic knowledge into societal benefits, aligning with Okayama University’s commitment to sustainable development goals (SDGs) and emphasizing its role as a leading research institution in the region. The institution welcomes continued expectations for its efforts to foster open regional engagement and distinctive research initiatives.

In conclusion, this initiative is not just a product launch; it is a testament to what can be achieved when academia and industry unite for a common goal, embodying innovation, sustainability, and community empowerment. As articulated during the ceremony, the unveiling of the PRESIDENTITY Chair is a stepping stone toward deeper collaborations and further development of shared value creation in both local and global contexts.