[Okayama University] First Research Equipment Introduced via 'SX Platform' Rental/Lease Service! - Strengthening Financial Management and Centralized Equipment Control -

Okayama University (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Okayama; President: Tomohiro Nasu) announced that on May 14, 2026, it installed the first research instrument under the SX (Shared Transformation) Platform: a 'Triple Quadrupole Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (manufactured by JEOL Ltd.)' at the Analytical Measurement and Cryogenic Division of the Natural Science Research Support Center. This device is capable of both single-mode Scan/SIM measurements and high-speed, high-sensitivity SRM measurements for trace detection and quantitative analysis. Following calibration, full operations will commence on June 4, with user training sessions scheduled for early September. The SX Platform is a new research equipment initiative that expands options from 'buying' to 'renting,' covering four key costs: installation, maintenance, repair, and removal. Established jointly with JEOL Ltd. last year, the platform has now entered full-scale operation to support Japan's research infrastructure and equipment sharing. Associate Professor Shigenobu Kinoshita and Cytec Coordinator Tomosuke Nakano commented, 'Previously, buying was the standard for shared equipment. By using the SX Platform, we can introduce versatile equipment essential for identifying low-molecular compounds in food, environment, engineering, and medicine without worrying about the four major cost burdens. We hope to invite users from neighboring universities and companies to utilize this for research and product development.' Vice President Masahito Sato added, 'We are grateful to everyone involved in this first installation. As the university that founded the SX Platform, we aim to identify operational challenges and foster a culture of equipment leasing. Improving Japan's research environment is urgent, and this initiative represents a necessary shift in mindset and action.' Okayama University remains committed to strengthening research infrastructure and innovation as a designated 'J-PEAKS' university.