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FOOD&AGRI FOODTECH Youth Summit 2025

The inaugural FOOD&AGRI FOODTECH Youth Summit 2025 is set to kick off on October 26, 2025. Organised by the Tokyo Food Institute (TFI) in collaboration with the CIC Institute, and Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, this summit aims to discover and nurture young entrepreneurs who will shape the future of food and agriculture. Taking place at the newly opened Kaikoukan, which serves as a center for innovative collaboration between universities, the event will gather university students from across the country.

Purpose and Background of the Summit

As we strive for a sustainable future in food and agriculture, it is imperative to foster the next generation of entrepreneurs who possess problem-solving skills and creativity. Currently, the number of student entrepreneurs in the food and agri sector remains limited, and the option of starting a business is often perceived as daunting. The summit seeks to change this narrative by providing a platform where students can gain insights from seasoned entrepreneurs and experts through seminars and workshops. The goal is to inspire students to understand real-world challenges while nurturing innovative ideas.

Event Details

• - Date: October 26, 2025
• - Time: 13:00 - 17:00 (Introduction Tour: 10:00 - 12:00; Networking: 18:00 - 19:30)
• - Venue: Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu Campus - West Tokyo International Innovation Collaborative Center, Kaikoukan (Venue Access)
• - Target Audience: University students nationwide
• - Organizers: Tokyo Food Institute, CIC Institute, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
• - Participation Fee: Free (Pre-registration required) Note: A lunch fee of 1,300 JPY will be charged for those attending the introduction tour.
• - Registration: Please register via Peatix at this link.

This event is part of Tokyo's “TOKYO SUTEAM” initiative aimed at fostering diverse stakeholders' support for startups in constructing a global food innovation community.

Highlights of the Event

1. Student and Researcher Pitches

Students and researchers from various universities will pitch their innovative ideas and technologies related to food and agriculture, showcasing new business concepts.

2. Startup Presentations

Established university startups will present their success stories in commercializing their projects, giving insights into real-world entrepreneurship.

3. Cross-Sectoral Sessions

Engagement between academia, government, large corporations, and startups will create discussions around the potential for innovation across sectors, emphasizing research's connection to society.

4. Networking Opportunities

Attendees will have the chance to connect with diverse stakeholders, paving the way for new collaborations.

Preliminary Schedule

1. Introduction Tour (Lunch included: 1,300 JPY/person)
- 10:00 - 10:30: Guided tour of Kaikoukan
- 10:30 - 12:00: Introduction to research facilities and fields related to agriculture and forestry
- 12:00 - 13:00: Lunch at a food-focused restaurant

2. Sessions & Pitches
- 13:00 - 13:10: Opening Remarks
- 13:15 - 13:45: Panel Session
- 13:55 - 14:25: Panel Session
- 14:25 - 14:55: Student Idea Pitches
- 15:10 - 15:40: Panel Session
- 15:50 - 17:10: Researcher Pitches
- 17:15 - 18:35: University Startup Pitches
- 18:50 - 19:00: Review and Awards
- 19:15 - 20:30: Networking Event

About the Tokyo Food Institute

The Tokyo Food Institute is dedicated to supporting new business ventures and talent development in the food sector, creating an ecosystem that fosters collaborative efforts among various players, aiming to shape the future of food from Tokyo.

About the CIC Institute

Open since October 2020, CIC Tokyo is one of Japan's largest innovation centers, offering shared workspaces for over 300 startups and organizations, fostering innovation and business growth through community initiatives.