Program Overview

Program Overview

The Open Technology Innovation Course is a program offered by Kyoto University, focusing on the commercialization of the university's research and knowledge. The program aims to create new businesses by solving social challenges using cutting-edge technology and innovative ideas.

Program Features

The program has several key features:

1. Proven Hypothesis Creation and Verification Process: The program applies a proven process for creating and verifying hypotheses, allowing participants to develop bold and innovative ideas.
2. Practical Business Methods: Participants will learn various practical business methods, including future analysis, business hypothesis creation, and prototyping.
3. Rich Entrepreneurial Experience: The program has a strong track record of successful entrepreneurship, with over 30 companies founded and numerous awards received.
4. Inter-Industry Network: The program provides opportunities for participants to connect with people from various industries, fostering valuable networking and collaboration.
5. Continuous Support from Kyoto University: Participants will receive ongoing support from Kyoto University, including access to the university's incubation facilities and potential investment from the university's venture fund.

Program Schedule

The program consists of 7 sessions, held on the following dates:

• October 25, 2025: Introduction and team formation
• November 8, 2025: Opportunity discovery and scenario writing
• November 15-16, 2025: Ideation and technology exploration
• December 6, 2025: Prototyping and rapid prototyping
• December 20, 2025: Business model construction and lean canvas
• January 10, 2026: Presentation and mentoring
• January 24, 2026: Demo Day

Achievements

The program has a strong track record of successful entrepreneurship, with numerous companies founded and awards received.

Instructors and Mentors

The program features a team of experienced instructors and mentors, including:

• Tetsuo Kitani, Professor at Kyoto University
• Terumasa Matsuyuki, Associate Professor at Kyoto University
• Kazuhiro Shinmura, Professor at Kyoto University
• Nobuhiro Yagi, Investment Manager at Kyoto University Innovation Capital
• Masahiro Shinohara, Manager at Kyoto University Innovation Capital
• Ryoh Matsuo, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Kyoto University Innovation Capital
• Sota Nagano, Managing Director at Abies Ventures
• Atsushi Hirakawa, Representative Director at Pavilion Capital Japan
• Noriko Endo, Manager at Shimadzu Corporation
• Kana Bogaki, Co-Founder at Makuake
• Yuta Funase, Representative Director at noll
• Yusuke Kuwa, Representative Director at Golden Harvest
• Shoh Sato, Academic Specialist at the University of Tokyo

Participating Companies

The program has partnerships with numerous companies, including:

• Industrial Innovation Institute
• NKmedico
• CyberAgent
• KPMG Consulting
• Nomura Securities
• Brainseed
• NTT Docomo
• Sumitomo Electric Industries
• Ushio Electric
• Osaka University
• Waseda University
• Nintendo
• Asahi Kasei Pharma
• Panasonic
• Kansai Electric Power
• Nagoya University of Commerce and Business
• Doshisha University
• Sorval
• Daibiru Parking
• Mitsubishi Research Institute
• Taiyo Green Energy
• Hitachi Construction Machinery
• Azusa Audit Corporation
• Nomura Holdings
• Toshiba
• Kyoto Research Park
• Kyoto University researchers
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
• Ritsumeikan University
• JR West Innovations
• Hitachi
• Hitachi Systems
• The University of Tokyo
• Keio University
• Kyoto University Graduate School
• Deloitte Tohmatsu
• Kyoto Sangyo University
• Chuo University
• NTT East
• Taiyo Holdings
• Chiba University
• Savanna Consulting
• Nisshin
• Optage
• Kyoto Institute of Technology
• Kyoto University of the Arts
• Kyoto Sangyo University
• Kwansei Gakuin University
• Leopalace21

Application Guidelines

• Number of participants: 25 (minimum 16)
• Application documents: Essay (refer to application form)
• Participation fee: 250,000 yen (including teaching materials, excluding consumption tax)
• Application deadline: October 5, 2025, 17:00
• Announcement: October 10, 2025, 17:00 (only successful applicants will be notified)

The program is co-organized by Kyoto University's Growth Strategy Headquarters and Kyoto University Innovation Capital. The program is supported by the Kansai Startup Academy Coalition (KSAC). A pamphlet is available for download. The program is not a regular education course and does not award a degree from Kyoto University. A certificate of completion will be awarded to participants who complete the program.