Kyushu University of Health and Welfare and Techvan Co., Ltd. Tokai Branch Conclude Comprehensive Partnership Agreement

Kyushu University of Health and Welfare (Location: Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture; President: Hirokazu Muroi) and Techvan Co., Ltd. Tokai Branch (Location: Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture; Branch Manager: Yoshiaki Ozawa) have concluded a comprehensive partnership agreement aimed at regional societal development, strengthening the development of IT human resources, and integrating food and technology.

■ Background and Purpose of the Agreement

In recent years, with the acceleration of digital transformation (DX), the utilization of IT technology and the development of specialized human resources have become urgent issues in all industrial sectors. Particularly in the fields of food and health, new value creation through the introduction of data science and AI technology is expected, making the integration of food and technology an urgent theme for society as a whole.

Kyushu University of Health and Welfare will open the "Department of Food Environment Data Science" in April 2025 and is focusing on cultivating human resources who possess both specialized knowledge in food and health and data science skills. This initiative aims to foster next-generation specialists who will lead the integration of food and technology. On the other hand, Techvan Co., Ltd. Tokai Branch has long supported companies in promoting DX through the provision of IT solutions, contributing to regional societal development. In particular, it boasts extensive achievements and expertise in IT human resource development.

This agreement aims to maximize the strengths of both parties, strengthen collaboration in educational and research activities, contribute to the sustainable development of local communities, foster IT human resources for the next generation, and strongly promote the creation of new value by integrating food and technology.

■ Details of Collaboration

Based on this agreement, we will promote collaboration in the following areas:

1. Strengthening IT human resource development and career support: We will provide practical learning opportunities, such as accepting student internships, jointly developing educational programs, and holding lectures on IT technology, to foster human resources who can thrive in the IT field.
2. Promoting integrated research in food and technology: We will pursue new possibilities in food and technology by promoting joint research in food environment data science, proposing new food ideas utilizing data analysis technology, and developing solutions that contribute to health promotion.
3. Contributing to solving regional societal issues: We will strengthen collaboration with regional companies and local governments and contribute to solving regional issues using food, health, and IT technology.
4. Other matters agreed upon by both parties.

■ Comments from Representatives

Hirokazu Muroi, President of Kyushu University of Health and Welfare: "We are extremely pleased to have concluded this comprehensive partnership agreement with Techvan Co., Ltd. Tokai Branch. In the field of food environment data science, which our university focuses on, Techvan's advanced IT technology and knowledge are indispensable for deepening students' learning and generating new research outcomes. Through this agreement, we will cultivate IT human resources who can contribute to regional societal development and pioneer the future of food and technology."
Yoshiaki Ozawa, Branch Manager of Techvan Co., Ltd. Tokai Branch: "We wholeheartedly welcome the conclusion of this comprehensive partnership agreement with Kyushu University of Health and Welfare. We are confident that by fusing our expertise cultivated through providing IT solutions with your university's specialization in food and health, unprecedented innovation will emerge. In particular, we will fully support students in the Department of Food Environment Data Science, providing them with practical learning opportunities to grow into human resources who will lead the future IT industry."

■ Future Outlook
Kyushu University of Health and Welfare and Techvan Co., Ltd. Tokai Branch will use this agreement as an opportunity to build a close collaborative system and promote specific projects. Through this, we will revitalize local communities, develop IT human resources, explore new possibilities in food and technology, and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.

■ About Kyushu University of Health and Welfare
Kyushu University of Health and Welfare is a university that trains professionals such as registered dietitians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, elementary school teachers, kindergarten teachers, and childcare workers, focusing on the themes of "food" and "health." In April 2025, it will establish the "Department of Food Environment Data Science," focusing on fostering IT human resources equipped with specialized knowledge in food and health and data science skills.

■ About Techvan Co., Ltd. Tokai Branch
Techvan Co., Ltd. is a company that supports corporate digital transformation (DX) through the provision of IT solutions. The Tokai Branch, based in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, provides consistent services from IT strategy planning to system development and operation maintenance for regional companies, contributing to the development of the regional economy.