[Okayama University] PSI Entrepreneurship Festival Held - Okayama University Cooperates in Planning and Operation, University Affiliates Take the Stage

March 30, 2026 National University Corporation Okayama University

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

◆Overview

The "PSI Entrepreneurship Festival - Achievement Reporting Session Connecting Chugoku and Shikoku Regions," in which National University Corporation Okayama University (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Okayama City, President: Yasuyuki Hibino) cooperated in planning and operation, was held in Hiroshima City on March 14, 2026, with affiliates of our university taking the stage.

This event, organized by PSI (Peace & Science Innovation), was held with the concept of "Peace for Your Challenges." It aimed to bring together students, researchers, companies, and university officials involved in entrepreneurship education in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions to share achievements and deepen exchanges.

On the day, a diverse range of speakers, from elementary school students to graduate students, university faculty, and representatives from companies and NPOs, gathered to present their practices and challenges. Pitches covered a wide range of themes, including introductions to SSH (Super Science High School) initiatives in high schools, startup experiences by elementary, junior high, and high school students, and practices for solving regional issues. After each presentation, a "Round Table" was set up, allowing speakers and participants to exchange opinions at close proximity, fostering a space for dialogue and co-creation that went beyond mere presentations.

Affiliates of our university also participated in the program. Ayumi Miyamoto, a second-year doctoral student in the Graduate School of Social and Cultural Sciences, presented on the theme of "AI KakerAI: Turning Research Papers into Classes." In the panel discussion held later, which featured the entrepreneurship clubs of Hiroshima University, Kagawa University, and our university, Kumi Nagata, an alumna of our entrepreneurship club, took the stage. Lively discussions took place regarding student-led challenges beyond university boundaries, the characteristics of each activity, and common issues.

Furthermore, pitches by companies and NPOs presented diverse perspectives connecting education and society. Mizuho Pochette Inc. and Dappi NPO, among the presenting organizations, are both collaborating with our university on initiatives, providing an opportunity to feel the expansion of our university's entrepreneurship education and regional collaboration. Through this event, it was reaffirmed that entrepreneurship is not something for a select few, but something that is nurtured through connections between regions, schools, companies, and universities.

At our university, the Startup and Venture Creation Headquarters serves as the contact point for entrepreneurship support, assisting students and faculty in their diverse challenges by providing advice on commercializing technological seeds and business plans, and connecting them with support organizations and experts. Moving forward, we will continue to promote the development of next-generation entrepreneurial human resources and the creation of regional innovations through collaboration with regional ecosystems such as PSI. We look forward to the continued initiatives of Okayama University, a open regional core and distinctive research university.

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