[Okayama University] Holds "University-Launched Startup Support Human Resource Development Program" to Enhance Support Capabilities of Administrative and Technical Staff

March 29, 2026 National University Corporation Okayama University

https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/

◆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.

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