Waseda University Podcast Explores Dynamic Entrepreneurial Paths

Waseda University Podcast: Rigorous Research, Real Impact

Waseda University, located in Tokyo's Shinjuku district and led by President Aiji Tanaka, has launched a new episode of its English podcast series "Rigorous Research, Real Impact". The seventh episode, titled "University vs. Corporate Startups: A Tale of Two Entrepreneurial Paths," was released on December 16, 2025. Listeners can enjoy this episode for free across various platforms, including dedicated smartphone apps, the internet, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube.

In this insightful episode, the guest is Professor Alex Coredor of the Business School, who has conducted cutting-edge research comparing university-born startups with corporate startups. The episode features a dialogue with Fabian, a doctoral student from the Graduate School of Economics, discussing the motivations behind these ventures, their organizational cultures, and their performance metrics. This conversation delves deep into the idea that successful university research doesn't always translate into successful startups and explores the cultural gaps and identity shifts faced by entrepreneurs emerging from academic institutions.

Furthermore, the episode highlights the entrepreneurial climate surrounding innovators globally as well as the burgeoning startup movement taking root in Japan. It also sheds light on how Waseda University’s Business School, along with Professor Coredor’s seminar, equips future innovators with both theoretical frameworks and practical skills necessary to transform ideas into reality. Listeners can expect to gain fresh insights on what it takes to actualize their innovative ideas.

The Waseda University podcast series comprises eight episodes in its second season, each lasting approximately 15 minutes. It features leading researchers discussing their current studies, activities as faculty at Waseda University, and the appealing aspects of the university's English degree programs. This season will cover diverse topics, including the concept of translanguage in Japan’s sociolinguistic context, insights from the legendary game designer Hideo Kojima, and complex peace-building strategies.

This podcast is particularly beneficial for listeners contemplating studying at a university in Japan, current students considering further graduate education, and researchers interested in working at universities emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach.

Upcoming Episode Release Schedule

Episodes are set to be released bi-weekly, although schedules may be subject to change.

Episode 8 (Release date: January 13, 2026):
Professor Yuki Zheng (Institute of Social Sciences)—"Institutionalized Socialization: How Companies Help Newcomers Belong"

About Waseda University

Waseda University offers English medium degree programs across six faculties and 15 graduate schools. According to a report by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) in 2024, Waseda University ranks as the institution with the highest number of international students accepted annually in Japan. Moreover, in the QS World University Rankings by Subject for 2024, Waseda ranked within the top 100 worldwide in the Humanities and Arts (overall ranking 65th) and Social Sciences and Management (overall ranking 99th).

For more details, listeners can access the podcast through various channels: