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Okayama University R&D Showcase 2025: A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration

On December 2, 2025, Okayama University hosted its R&D Showcase 2025, a significant event designed to foster collaboration between researchers, students, and industry leaders. Held at the Tsushima Campus in Okayama City, this showcase attracted over 400 attendees eager to engage with groundbreaking research across various fields.

The R&D Showcase served as an interactive platform where researchers presented their innovative projects through 78 exhibition booths. Attendees were encouraged to participate in dialogue and discussions, reflecting a strong interest in the advancements being made at the university. Comments from visitors highlighted the diverse range of presentations, which piqued their intellectual curiosity. One participant noted, "The presentations covered a variety of fields, stimulating my curiosity," while another praised the exhibitors for their ability to explain complex concepts in an accessible manner.

Among the features of the event were hands-on demonstrations led by students, which contributed to a vibrant exchange of ideas. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as researchers and attendees engaged in lively discussions about the potential applications of their work.

The event's significance was underscored by the remarks of Akira Imai, the head of the Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration Division at the Okayama University Research and Innovation Co-Creation Organization. He expressed gratitude for the increased attendance from industry representatives compared to previous years and emphasized the importance of sustained partnerships between the university and various sectors. Imai stated, "We are committed to deepening collaborations with our industry partners, further enhancing our research activities."

The R&D Showcase 2025 received support from the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) under its initiative to enhance facilities for promoting superior medical devices, and it formed part of the project entitled "Enhancing Core Research Universities with Distinctive Features (J-PEAKS)." Through this initiative, Okayama University seeks to strengthen its connections with a variety of stakeholders, collaborating with both local communities and industries to create new value.

For those interested in partnerships with the university or who wish to engage in academia-industry collaboration, Okayama University encourages inquiries. The institution is dedicated to fostering connections that contribute to the advancement of research in diverse fields.

Event Overview

• - Date: December 2, 2025
• - Time: Doors open at 12:00 PM
• - Location: Okayama University, Tsushima Campus, 50th Anniversary Memorial Hall, Okayama, Japan
• - Eligibility: Open to industry professionals, local government representatives, support organizations, and other academic institutions
• - Participation Fee: Free (networking session may require a fee)
• - Program Includes:

- Special lectures
- Research seed poster presentations
- Demonstration booths

Several notable presentations took place during the event, focusing on current trends and innovations in healthcare and technology, including:
1. Development of a Medical and Wellness Support Platform Based on Empathetic Dialogue AI
Presented by Professor Kazuya Nagataki from the Faculty of Medicine, this talk examined how AI can be leveraged in medical care.
2. The Essence of Innovation: Insights from Social Design
Associate Professor Yuko Kataoka explored the role of social design in driving innovation.
3. Innovating the Future of 3D Spatial Information
Associate Professor Yuichiro Toda presented on topological clustering technologies and their wider applications.

The event concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding exhibitors, followed by an interactive networking session facilitated by researchers at the Peach Union.

Through initiatives such as the R&D Showcase 2025, Okayama University aims to solidify its role as a core research institution and a leader in fostering innovation that resonates with local and global challenges.

For more information about the showcased projects and photos from the event, visit the Okayama University R&D Showcase website.

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This event marks a significant step in integrating research with societal needs and showcases Okayama University's commitment to innovation and community engagement.