#Japan #Okayama #Okayama University #Armory #EntreQuest

Okayama University Hosts 'EntreQuest 2025'

On August 21, 2025, Okayama University, in collaboration with Okayama University of Science and Armory Co., hosted an exciting event named 'EntreQuest 2025'. This event took place at the Innovation Lab KIBINOVE on the Tsushima campus, marking its first occurrence in Okayama.

The innovative 'EntreQuest' program integrates the fantasy world of role-playing games (RPGs) into its curriculum, allowing student participants to engage in a stimulating entrepreneurial experience. Over the course of the event, teams of participants from middle and high schools, along with university fellows, collaborated to explore various aspects of starting a business—from brainstorming ideas to designing business models, negotiating virtual funding, and ultimately presenting their final pitches.

The day began with lectures led by expert instructors, alongside team-building activities to strengthen collaboration among students. In the afternoon, teams transformed their ideas into feasible business plans and engaged in simulated fundraising activities with virtual currency.

Each participating team showcased their creative ideas during the final presentations. Notable concepts included a wake-up application that requires users to walk 50 steps after waking before the alarm stops, earning points for walking while losing funds for oversleeping. This innovative idea aims to motivate users to adopt a healthier routine seamlessly linked to technology.

Other noteworthy proposals included a ‘Zero Waste Lunch Box’ that balances food loss reduction with local consumption, a dual system for personal identification and inventory management designed to prevent reselling, and an initiative to invite chefs to schools, providing students with an experience that enhances their enjoyment of school lunches. Additionally, participants introduced a unique ‘Collaborative Consulting’ initiative where children and adults co-create educational classes, utilizing surveys and competitions to enhance the attractiveness of school education.

Despite the short preparation time, the students delivered confident presentations that resonated with the audience, earning heartening applause. Students expressed their enthusiasm, stating, “I enjoyed learning as if I were playing a game,” “I now aspire to become an entrepreneur,” and “I realized the importance of teamwork in transforming ideas into reality.” Through this immersive experience, they developed new perspectives and a spirit of challenge.

This initiative represents a practical approach to cultivating essential skills needed for future generations, such as creativity, collaboration, and self-expression, all critical in facing the demands of the AI era.

Moving forward, Okayama University continues to engage with local communities and diverse organizations to provide opportunities for young people to discover and challenge their own potential. The university is committed to its mission as a prominent research institution in Okayama, fostering innovation and collaboration for community development. This event was part of the Cabinet Office's initiative to enhance innovation in regional core universities.

In short, 'EntreQuest 2025' at Okayama University serves as a creative platform inspiring the next generation to envision their entrepreneurial futures, bridging the gap between education and real-world application, and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration for the benefit of society.