[Okayama University] Holds "University-Launched Startup Support Human Resource Development Program" to Enhance Support Capabilities of Administrative and Technical Staff
Okayama University holds a startup support human resource development program for administrative and technical staff.
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- 📰 Published: March 30, 2026 at 07:07
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March 29, 2026
National University Corporation Okayama University
◆Overview
The Organization for Research and Innovation Co-creation, Startup and Venture Creation Headquarters at National University Corporation Okayama University (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Okayama City, President: Yasutomo Kono) held the "University-Launched Startup Support Human Resource Development Program: Acquiring a Business Perspective and Accompanying Mindset through GAP Fund Applications" on February 27 and March 13, 2026, at the Co-creation Innovation Lab (KIBINOVE) on the Tsushima Campus.
This program was implemented as part of the JST University-originated New Industry Creation Fund Project "Co-creation Program for Startup Ecosystems." It was designed to foster internal human resources who support the social implementation of research results, primarily targeting administrative and technical staff. It is also part of the J-PEAKS initiative to cultivate individuals with the conceptual and practical abilities to connect research value to society, with a total of 18 participants.
The training, led by instructors from Leave a Nest Co., Ltd., consisted of three sessions. Through lectures and exercises, each lasting approximately two hours, participants learned the fundamentals of supporting university-launched startups. The first session focused on organizing the basic concepts of social implementation of research results and GAP fund applications. The second session covered how to approach customers and challenges, and the basics of market analysis. The third session involved an exercise to review research concepts from a business development perspective, using actual research themes, thereby fostering a supportive mindset for researchers.
Feedback from the questionnaire included comments such as, "I understood that the perspectives required for research and business development are different," and "I learned the priorities for thinking through practical examples." There were also opinions expressing the realization of the importance of researchers and supporters engaging in dialogue on an equal footing to support decision-making. Participants showed a strong desire to apply what they learned to their respective practical tasks in intellectual property, joint research, research support, and compliance.
This training provided an opportunity to learn the fundamental perspectives and support concepts necessary to facilitate the social implementation of research results. Okayama University's Startup and Venture Creation Headquarters will continue to strengthen the development and support system for administrative and technical staff who support the social implementation of research results, thereby creating new value for the region and society. We look forward to your continued support for Okayama University, an open, community-centered, and distinctive research university.
This information was released by Okayama University on March 26, 2026.
FAQ
What is the main objective of the "University-Launched Startup Support Human Resource Development Program"?
The main objective is to foster internal human resources, primarily administrative and technical staff, who can effectively support the social implementation of research results and the creation of university-launched startups.
Who is the target audience for this program?
The program primarily targets administrative and technical staff at Okayama University.
What key skills or perspectives does the program aim to develop in participants?
The program aims to develop a business perspective, an accompanying mindset for researchers, and the ability to connect research value to society, including skills in market analysis and business planning.
What is the GAP Fund mentioned in the program title?
The GAP Fund likely refers to a funding mechanism or application process designed to help bridge the gap between research and commercialization, enabling researchers and their support staff to develop business plans.
What was the feedback from participants regarding the program?
Participants reported understanding the different perspectives needed for research versus business development, learning prioritization through practical examples, and realizing the importance of equal dialogue between researchers and supporters.
What is Okayama University's commitment to supporting startups?
Okayama University is committed to strengthening its support system for administrative and technical staff to facilitate the social implementation of research results, thereby creating new value for the region and society.
What organization provided the training?
The training was provided by instructors from Leave a Nest Co., Ltd.
When and where was the program held?
The program was held on February 27 and March 13, 2026, at the Co-creation Innovation Lab (KIBINOVE) on Okayama University's Tsushima Campus.