#Japan #Hiroshima #project management #Eikei University #PM Award 2025

Eikei University's Landmark Achievement in Project Management

Eikei University, located in Hiroshima City and led by President Mitsuhiro Arinushi, has made a significant mark in the field of project management education. The university's practical education program, known as the "Co-Creation Project," recently earned a commendation at the highly esteemed PM Award 2025, organized by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the largest organization in the field. This accolade is a historic achievement, as it represents the first time a Japanese university has received an award in this category, highlighting the value of university-business-government collaborations.

Understanding the Co-Creation Project

The Co-Creation Project is designed to address challenges faced by companies and to foster new business developments. In this initiative, students, faculty, and corporate partners unite as teams to work on practical projects. For example, during the 2023 academic year, Eikei University collaborated with Hirakawa Corporation to drive business recognition and partnered with three other companies. In the 2024 academic year, they engaged with Shingi Corporation to support the utilization of innovative container film covering devices that contribute to reducing plastic waste, alongside three additional partnerships.

Overview of the PM Award 2025

The PM Award is an initiative by PMI Japan aimed at promoting and raising awareness of project management practices. The award honors remarkable projects that contribute to future innovations across various sectors. This year, a multitude of companies from across the nation submitted their projects for evaluation, which underwent a rigorous selection process conducted by project management experts. Noteworthy past recipients of this award include leading companies such as Toyota Motor Corporation, East Japan Railway Company, and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation. Eikei University's recognition in this context underscores the high esteem in which educational institutions can be held when contributing to society through innovative projects.

Highlights from the Award Ceremony

On October 25, 2024, an award ceremony was held in Tokyo, where Professor Motokazu Sadakane from Eikei University's Industry-Academia Collaboration & Research Promotion Center and two participating students represented the institution. The ceremony featured presentations from all the award-winning organizations, providing a platform for networking and knowledge sharing among participants. PMI Japan particularly praised Eikei University students for their ability to learn project management both systematically and practically while effectively applying their skills to solve real-world business challenges.

Future Endeavors

Building on this honor, Eikei University is set to continue its collaborative projects with four companies in the current academic year, with a results presentation scheduled for March 26, 2026. This commendation will serve as a catalyst for even closer collaboration with local businesses and organizations. The university is keen to invite media attention to its endeavors in industry-academia cooperation and continue raising awareness about the impact of its programs in the community and beyond.

For more information, visit Eikei University’s official website at Eikei University.