#Japan #Tokyo #Microalgae #Tokyo University #One Earth Guardians

Tokyo University's New Industry Creation Colloquium

Tokyo University’s Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, through the One Earth Guardians Program, has announced the opening of applications for the second session of the New Industry Creation Colloquium aimed at professionals and students. This course will run from October 2026 until March 2028, with an emphasis on developing new industries centered around microalgae.

Course Objectives

The primary goal of this course is to foster talent that can contribute to the creation of new industries that harmonize with the environment and enhance human well-being. By focusing on microalgae, which is expected to play a critical role in sustainable industrial practices, the course seeks to engage participants in innovative thinking and practical applications of this resource.

Important Dates and Details

Applications are scheduled to open in early July 2026, with detailed information becoming available around June 9. The course will accept approximately 25 adult learners who hold at least a bachelor's degree. The costs associated with the course include:

• - Examination Fee: 9,800 JPY
• - Enrollment Fee: 28,200 JPY
• - Tuition: 14,800 JPY per semester (for both the first and second halves of the program)

Professionals will be enrolled as non-degree students in the Graduate School of the University of Tokyo. For more information, please refer to the application details.

Information Session

An online information session will be held for prospective participants on June 11, 2026, from 18:00 to 19:00 (JST) via Zoom. Those interested must register by June 9. There will also be an option to access a recorded version of the session if participants are unable to attend live.

Participate here.

Course Structure

This interactive course will consist of lectures and hands-on sessions, led by a diverse group of faculty from academia and industry. Participants will learn about the applications of microalgae, their potential impacts on the environment and society, and how to generate new industry ideas based on their findings.

Key Topics Covered:

• - Lectures and Discussions: Instructed by notable professionals from various fields.
• - Hands-on Activities: Participants will engage in microalgae collection, cultivation, and the extraction and analysis of compounds.
• - Fieldwork: University visits to domestic and international microalgae-based projects.
• - Idea Development: Collaborative sessions aimed at crafting new industry proposals.

Schedule

The course is structured into two main phases:

• - First Phase: October 2026 to March 2027
• - Second Phase: April 2027 to March 2028.

Lectures will primarily occur on Thursdays from 16:50 to 18:35, excluding workshops and fieldwork sessions, all taking place on the University of Tokyo’s Yayoi Campus.

Skills Developed

Participants will build essential skills needed to assess environmental impact accurately, design viable business models, and engage in creative visioning for future industries. This includes understanding diverse aspects of human well-being and enhancing collaborative efforts.

Leading Instructors

Some esteemed instructors expected to participate include:

• - Ikuko Oda, OSINT Tech / RuleWatcher Thesaurus Co.
• - Ken Kasahara, Chitose Research Institute.
• - Izumi Kubota, National Institute for Environmental Studies.
• - Yoshihiko Tanabe, National Institute for Environmental Studies.
• - Tomoko Nagano, Fujitsu.
• - Hiromiko Fukui, Musashi Paint Holdings.
• - Tomohiro Fujita, Chitose Group.
• - Takahito Hoshino, Chitose Group.
• - Mayuko Fukunaga, University of Tokyo.
• - Keiko Igarashi, University of Tokyo.
• - Shigeru Okada, University of Tokyo.

Industrial Partnerships

The program is actively supported by major companies and research organizations, including Kao Corporation, Mitsubishi Chemical Engineering, and Nippon Steel Corporation.

Conclusion

The New Industry Creation Colloquium by Tokyo University represents a unique opportunity for professionals to deepen their understanding and engagement with sustainable practices through the lens of microalgae. By fostering innovative solutions, this course aims to shape the leaders of tomorrow's environmentally conscious industries.

For further details, please visit the official website or follow One Earth Guardians on social media for updates.