New Corporate Training Program 'Climate Lab X' Launched by Kyoto University and PDIE Group

On December 25, 2025, Kyoto University's Kyoto Original Corporation and the PDIE Group (Purpose Driven Innovation Ecosystem) officially launched the 'Climate Lab X', a workforce development program designed to support companies in their transition towards decarbonization and nature-positive initiatives. Instead of viewing green transformation (GX) as just a concept, the program offers a practical platform for the implementation of GX in business.

Key Features of Climate Lab X

How is Climate Lab X uniquely structured to make a significant impact on Japanese enterprises? The answer lies in its fusion of academic and practical approaches.

- Expert Lectures: Participants will benefit from academic insights delivered by top faculty members from Kyoto University, focusing on the latest developments in environmental policies and technologies.
- Networking with Innovators: The program will connect participants with entrepreneurs and experts within the Earthshot Prize Network, founded by Prince William, enabling them to share valuable case studies that highlight real-world applications.
- Project-Based Workshops: Tailored workshops will allow teams to work on their company-specific challenges, guided by experts who will serve as mentors.
- Final Presentations: At the culmination of the program, participants will present their projects in front of senior management, helping to facilitate the transition from project ideas to tangible business initiatives.

The program will run for approximately three months, consisting of six sessions, delivered in a hybrid format combining in-person and online elements. This flexibility is especially beneficial as companies strive to adapt to changing environmental and regulatory landscapes.

The Necessity of Climate Lab X Now

Why is there an urgent need for a program like Climate Lab X? Here are several key reasons:

- Regulatory Compliance is Not Enough: Merely complying with regulations is insufficient for maintaining competitive advantage in today's market.
- Decarbonization as Growth: Embracing nature-positive practices is increasingly viewed not as a cost, but as a significant growth opportunity.
- Internal Innovation Matters: Generating ideas and business solutions internally, rather than solely relying on external resources, is crucial for long-term success.

By simultaneously addressing the challenges of talent development, strategic planning, and implementation, Climate Lab X aims to bolster the sustainable growth of Japanese companies, equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive.

About PDIE Group

The PDIE Group is a non-profit organization devoted to connecting innovative solutions addressing global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss with societal implementation. By forging networks among businesses, universities, startups, investors, and local governments, PDIE Group promotes entrepreneurial initiatives and develops talent for environmental transformation. Additionally, as an official nominator of the Earthshot Prize, the organization continually strives to discover, nominate, and nurture the next generation of environmental startups.

About Kyoto Original Corporation

Kyoto Original Corporation, created to facilitate industry-academia collaborations, is entirely funded by Kyoto University. It works closely with domestic and international enterprises as well as industry organizations to enhance networking opportunities. The company primarily offers consulting and training services, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable business practices.

Representatives' Insights

Christian Schmitz, the founder and executive director of PDIE Group, stated, “The world is undeniably heading towards net zero and nature-positive outcomes. The businesses that can harmonize environmental and economic growth will build the competitive advantages of the future. Climate Lab X is a practical environment where we can cultivate innovators from within companies, bridging their ideas with implementation. We are committed to harnessing the power of academia and global partnerships to support Japanese businesses in securing a sustainable future.”

Professor Makoto Usami from Kyoto University emphasized, “Innovating and driving change on vast and challenging issues like climate change relies on three critical factors: mindset, technology, and policy. Through the program's lectures and workshops, participants will engage with these key elements and global case studies to derive practical insights. I hope many will join to not only learn but also co-create a better society.”

Upcoming Orientation for Companies

In conjunction with the launch of Climate Lab X, PDIE Group and Kyoto Original Corporation are hosting an orientation for team leaders and participants related to SDGs, climate change, ESGs, and sustainability. Details are as follows:

- Date: January 14, 2026, 13:00-14:30
- Location: SHIBUYA QWS (15F) at CROSS PARK
- Participation Fee: Free
- Target Audience: Managers and officers involved in climate change and environmental issues
- Registration: Please register here: Orientation Registration

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding this initiative, please reach out to:

- PDIE Group Office

Address: Akasaka 9-6-12, Minato-ku, Tokyo
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: pdiegroup.com

- Kyoto Original Corporation, Solution Design Department

Address: Yoshida Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: kyodai-original.co.jp

This initiative is set to spark important conversations around climate change and innovation as part of the cooperation between Kyoto University and Kyoto Original, highlighted in a dialogue that took place in March 2024 at Shibuya QWS.