#Japan #Startup Ecosystem #Okayama #Okayama University #Okayama Innovation

Driving Startup Innovation in Okayama

On August 26, 2025, Okayama University and Okayama City co-hosted the launch event of the "Okayama Innovation Consortium" at KIBINOVE, a co-creation innovation lab located on the university's Tsushima Campus. The consortium aims to promote the formation of a vibrant startup ecosystem in the Okayama region, utilizing a platform that brings together local governments, universities, economic organizations, financial institutions, media, and other startup support organizations.

The consortium serves as a critical hub for the "Setouchi Startup Consortium," a collaborative effort between Okayama City and Ehime Prefecture, which has been designated as the Cabinet Office's second phase of the "Startup Ecosystem Expansion Cities" (NEXT Global Hub Cities). This initiative plays a pivotal role in fostering regional innovation and entrepreneurship.

The event welcomed numerous attendees, including Masao Omori, the mayor of Okayama City, and Kazuo Kasahara, the Vice Governor of Okayama Prefecture, representing Honorary Chairman Ryuta Iharakki. In his opening remarks, Mayor Omori highlighted the city's commitment to supporting young entrepreneurs through the startup hub "Momo-Start," emphasizing the intention to expand the network of support for startups in the area.

Following the speeches, five startups that are either based in or connected to Okayama presented their business initiatives. Among them were:

• - ABABA Inc.: Revolutionizing job hunting for students through a new system.
• - Hydro Venus Inc.: Pioneering water current power generation technologies for a sustainable future.
• - Pekori Inc.: Offering a card-based real-time tipping service, making it easier for citizens to express gratitude in customer service.
• - WAKU Inc.: Developing next-generation fertilizers using glutathione to stabilize agricultural output amid climate change.
• - Cone·Xi Inc.: Utilizing a medical professional matching platform to enhance mobility support for individuals receiving home healthcare or with disabilities.

These startups captivated the audience with their engaging pitches, showcasing their innovative approaches to solving social issues and creating new value using regional resources.

The closing remarks were provided by President Yoshitomo Nasu, who expressed his aspiration for KIBINOVE to be a collaborative space where students, researchers, and entrepreneurs can freely challenge themselves. He emphasized the importance of connecting innovative ideas to social implementations, working alongside organizations such as Momo-Start and N-Square in Kibichuo Town, to energize the local community.

Okayama University is dedicated to continuing its efforts to collaborate with diverse local partners, serving as a hub for knowledge and practice integral to fostering startups and accelerating regional innovation. The university invites ongoing interest in its initiatives as a key research institution committed to superior quality and impactful community engagement.

Event Highlights

• - Mayor Omori's Speech: Insight on local startup support initiatives.
• - Startup Presentations: Showcasing innovative businesses by Okayama University-affiliated companies.
• - Networking Opportunities: Encouraging greater collaboration among attendees focused on driving innovation.

This consortium exemplifies Okayama University's commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), positioning itself as a central player in the creation of sustainable societal solutions through regional innovation.

Additional Resources

• - Okayama University Research and Innovation Co-creation Organization
• - Okayama University Startup and Venture Creation Headquarters
• - Okayama University Innovation Lab KIBINOVE

Contact Information

For inquiries related to this event, you can reach out to the Startup and Venture Creation Headquarters of the Okayama University Research and Innovation Co-creation Organization.