Okayama University Students Unveil Innovative Projects at Tech Garage Report Event

Innovation Unleashed at Okayama University

On August 7, 2025, Okayama University hosted the Okayama Tech Garage Project report event in the Co-Creation Innovation Lab, KIBINOVE, located at its Tsushima Campus in Okayama City. The event gathered approximately 30 participants, including university stakeholders and industry representatives, to witness the groundbreaking ideas presented by students and researchers.

The Okayama Tech Garage serves as a collaborative hub designed to address local issues and foster the creation of new businesses. It provides students with access to necessary equipment, such as 3D printers, and dedicated working spaces, thus functioning as a creative 'secret base' for students eager to bring their ideas to life.

In the latter half of the 2024 academic year, the first phase of this project saw the recruitment of student teams. Out of 11 proposals received, four teams were selected to receive funding and mentoring for over six months. During the report event, these teams presented innovative projects aimed at solving diverse societal problems. The initiatives included:

- Elimination of Jumbo Apple Snail Eggs: A creative approach to address invasive species in local ecosystems.
- Base Development for Mobile Robot Expansion Modules: Designing versatile modules that enhance the utility of mobile robots.
- Cell Culture Device for Mass Protein Production: Aiming to contribute to sustainable food production, this project focuses on innovative techniques in biotechnology.
- Next-Generation Mobility SDGs Project: Featuring a self-driving wheelchair alongside data analytics for sustainable daily living.
- aqzoo: A live-streaming service that fosters new connections with living organisms.

Each team articulated the motivations behind their projects and the insights gained throughout their endeavors. They also engaged openly with reviewers, listening attentively to feedback and addressing queries with care and clarity. One student expressed, "Presenting our six-month journey in front of an audience was nerve-wracking yet incredibly rewarding and enjoyable."

Following the presentations, attendees enjoyed an exhibition space where prototypes and project outcomes were displayed, allowing participants to engage directly with the innovations. Unique exhibits, such as “glowing ice cream,” captivated many visitors and facilitated lively discussions between students and guests.

Looking ahead, the Okayama Tech Garage is currently inviting applications for its second phase, aiming to support even more diverse ideas and their commercial viability. Students interested in entrepreneurship or practical problem-solving activities are encouraged to apply.

This initiative is part of the Cabinet Office's "Regional Core Innovation Creation Environment Enhancement Project." Additionally, Okayama University is committed to supporting the realization of research seeds and business ideas through its Startup and Venture Creation Headquarters. This includes comprehensive support in social implementation for both students and faculty, covering everything from external mentoring to fundraising and management consulting.

Expect great things from Okayama University's initiatives as it continues to serve as a distinctive research university contributing to both local and global innovation.

For more information, refer to the references provided along with this report.