Awarded the LIVERNESS Research Award 2023, Social Implementation Category.
Challenges in R&D and commercialization of "soft" biological robots
- "A peristaltic robot that uses earthworms and intestinal tracts as its norm will transform society! -"
Mr. Taro Nakamura
Professor, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University / Chairman of the Board, Solaris, Inc.

Nakamura has focused on the development of artificial muscles and biological soft robots with the keywords "biological robots" and "soft robotics. In particular, "worm-type robots," which focus on the linear and contractile movements of muscles, the basic driving force of living organisms, have the following advantages: the space required for movement is small, the ground surface area is large, and stable movement and large traction force can be obtained. In 2017, we founded Solaris Corporation as the first venture from Chuo University, and we are also promoting social implementation of soft robots. In 2017, Solaris, Inc. was established as the first venture company from Chuo University.

Profile.
Born in 1975. D. in Engineering from Shinshu University. D. in Engineering.
In 1999, he became a Research Assistant at Akita Prefectural University, and in 2004, a Full-time Lecturer at Chuo University Faculty of Science and Engineering. 2006, he became an Associate Professor at Chuo University, and in 2013, a Professor at Chuo University. From 2012-13, he was a Visiting Professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne. In 2017, he founded SoLARIS, a start-up company from Chuo University. Currently Chairman of the Board. He has received the Incentive Award from the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Young Scientist Award from the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and other awards. Engaged in the development of biological soft robotics and artificial muscle actuators. Currently working on practical applications in space, medicine, infrastructure, etc. through joint research with various companies and research institutions.

Daisuke Tagawa he

DIC Corporation Group Manager, Healthcare Planning and Development Group

After working for a major chemical manufacturer and a healthcare manufacturer, he is currently struggling to launch a new business within a major company at DIC Corporation. His background is in polymer science. After conducting structural control research on hydrophilic resins and urethane resins at a major chemical manufacturer, he developed a number of functional chemical products. He was the youngest person at the time to receive the Best Invention of the Year Award. At a healthcare manufacturer, he planned a wide range of new businesses for pharmaceutical, food, and industrial applications using the food-use capsule technology that was his base technology. In particular, he created solutions by combining technologies from different fields, such as polymer materials x microorganisms and food materials x pheromones. Involved in business management of existing businesses while launching new businesses.

Keita Aoki he

Representative Director and CEO, Aoxintec Inc.

Born in 1980 in Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture. After graduating from Moka Technical High School, he went on to Teikyo University. After joining Aoki Seisakusho (now Aoxintec), he was involved in all aspects of production, and contributed to sales expansion and sales growth. 2011, he succeeded his father, the founder of the company, as Representative Director. He operates Garage Tochigi as a member of the RIVANES SUPER FACTORY Group, which gives shape to the enthusiasm and ideas of venture businesses. With the management philosophy of "taking on the challenge of a symbiotic manufacturing industry," he aims to create manufacturing that will change the world by building a symbiotic network with various organizations such as partner factories, universities, ventures, and companies from different industries.

Hiroshi Mochiyama he

Professor, Systems Information Systems, University of Tsukuba

Soft robotics researcher. He studied electrical engineering at Waseda University and information science at JAIST, and received his Ph. After working at the National Defense Academy of Japan and Nagoya Institute of Technology, he became an associate professor at the University of Tsukuba in 2007, where he leads the Laboratory of Flexible Robotics and will become a professor in 2019. He is currently a professor. He has been engaged in tactile technology research for many years and contributed to the development of Nissan Motor's Soft Feel Grain. Recently, he is exploring the business of eating robots.

Masayoshi Omura he

Representative Director, Robosensor Giken Co.

In 2016, he founded RoboSensor and started developing tactile sensors for robotic hands and prosthetic hands; in 2019, he successfully developed a noiseless ultra-fine wire sensor, and the performance of this sensor was recognized, quickly increasing the number of users to 120 companies. Since then, the company has been developing variations of sensor products and measurement system products that users demand, expanding the number of new users." The company is also working diligently to develop human body measurements and carotid pulse wave sensing for "Realizing wellness for humans and machines.
Graduated from Numazu National College of Technology and completed graduate studies at Hiroshima University. He has worked in research and development of semiconductors and MEMS at Fujitsu Limited and Yamaha Corporation, while also reducing patent fees by more than 2.5 billion yen per year through US patent trials against IBM, TI, Agere, and others.

Mr. Masahito Takeyama

General Manager, Planning Office, Plantex Co.

Mr. Kato holds a Master's degree from the Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Tokyo. After graduating, he joined a general trading company, where he was engaged in corporate operations overseeing the financial business and resource investment business. While working for a general trading company, he encountered Plantex and was attracted by its technology and vision, and joined the company in March 2020. He is currently in charge of corporate planning and cultivation testing.

Shinjiro Ogita he

Professor, Department of Regional Resource Development, Faculty of Bioresource Sciences, Hiroshima University

D. (Agriculture), Department of Natural Resources and Environment, United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology. He specializes in plant cell engineering. He has been involved in establishing plant cell and tissue culture techniques for propagation and functional modification of target plants, and has been conducting collaborative research on various plant species including trees, bamboos, cereals, vegetables, medicinal plants, and flowering plants. Recent major themes include material production by liquid suspension culture, novel cell manipulation by controlling cell humidity, and 3D bioprinting of plant cells.

Tetsumune Tamai he

Lecturer, Department of Biological Resource Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Ryukoku University

D., Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kobe University. D. in Agriculture. After working as a postdoctoral researcher and a high school teacher, he assumed his current position. He is the abbot of Kouhenji Temple of the Honganji School of Jodo Shinshu. Specializes in soil and plant nutrition, combining ancient wisdom and advanced technology in his research to bring out the innate abilities of soil and plants. His research interests include "three-dimensional agriculture," "rowless ditch cultivation," "Lake Biwa waterweed compost," "Anegawa jellyfish," "rice husk charcoal," and "plasma treated water," pursuing sustainable agriculture from a broad perspective.

Moderator.

Yosuke Miyauchi

Director, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Research Center, Riverness, Inc.
Representative Director, Agronome Research Institute, Inc.

D. (Agronomy), Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University. In graduate school, he established high-yield cultivation technology of soybean in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. In 2019, he established the Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Research Center to actively promote cross-sectional research in the field of agriculture.

Mr. Fabian Tan
Enterprise Singapore Regional Director

Mr Fabian Tan is the Counsellor (Commercial) at the Singapore Embassy in Tokyo and is also the Regional Director in the Northeast Asia and Oceania Group at the ESG is the government agency championing enterprise development. Fabian works with government agencies, trade associations and corporate partners to He is also active in engaging Japanese incubators and accelerators, VC and PE funds to anchor their presence. He is also active in engaging Japanese incubators and accelerators, VC and PE funds to anchor their presence in Singapore, as part of building the Singaporean startup ecosystem.

Mr. Keith Tan
CEO & Founder, Crown Digital Pte.

Keith Tan is the Founder and CEO of Crown Digital, a Robotics and Coffee start-up solving key challenges in the F&B industry. In 2016, Keith recognized that Asia's coffee offerings were not meeting the expectations or needs of all consumers. To solve this issue, Keith assembled a team of technologists, baristas, and coffee lovers to explore how cutting-edge robotics and zero-touch technology could bring Asia's time- The result was "ELLA", the robot barista. True to Keith's original vision of addressing the commuter whitespace, ELLA has been embraced by some of the busiest commuter hubs in Asia, with industry players including East Japan Railway Company and Stellar Lifestyle bringing ELLA to Singapore and Japan's subway systems.

Mr. Taj Campbell
Co-founder and CEO, Tonari Co.

Taj is the co-founder and CEO of tonari, an early stage technology startup and social venture. The company builds room-sized portals that unify remote locations, enabling seamless lifelike communication that transcends physical distances and borders. tonari's products are used in Japan by companies such as JR East, freee, CTC, Okamura, Sompo Japan, and Frontier Consulting; and more recently tonari made its first leap overseas, connecting Leave a Nest at Block71. Taj previously worked at Google from 2007 to 2015, where as a Product Manager he co-led the design and development of Google Maps. In 2016, he also co-founded Straylight, a new product development company, which is now working on the development of Google Maps, as well as numerous foundations for Google's mobile and location platforms. In 2016, he also co-founded Straylight, a Tokyo-based makers collective.

[Claire] Moderator.
Shohei Michael Maekawa
Director, Leave a Nest Singapore Pte.

With Enterprise Singapore he plays a pivotal role in connecting both Singapore & Japanese ecosystems. He was born in USA and raised in Europe. He studied Zoology for his undergraduate degree and Evolutionary With experience aboard and passion towards advancement of science and technology. With experience and passion towards advancement of science and technology.

Mr. Hideki Hayashida
Graduate School of Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
Professor, Department of Industrial Technology, Graduate School of Engineering

D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, and a Master of Business Administration in Contemporary Business Administration, Graduate School of Business Administration, Kobe University. Currently teaching and conducting research in technology management at the Department of Industrial Technology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology. He has been active in the chemical industry for a total of 32 years, including 19 years at a Japanese chemical company and 13 years at a major foreign chemical company. He has experience in R&D, new business development, and management of existing businesses of functional chemicals on a global scale, as well as venture investment business. Through open innovation activities in a wide range of fields such as chemicals, semiconductor materials, biotechnology, medical devices, and IoT for nursing care, he has created new business projects by combining the resources of large companies with the technologies owned by other companies, universities, and ventures.

Mr. Naohiro Nanatake
Professor / Deputy Director, Center for the Advancement of Social Data Science Education and Research, Hitotsubashi University

He graduated from the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, the University of Tokyo, and received his Ph. He joined the University of Tokyo's Interfaculty Initiative in Information Studies as an assistant professor at the time of its establishment. He has since been engaged in innovation research and human resource development in the field of digital content as a specially-appointed assistant professor and associate professor (associate professor). After working at the Institute for Advanced Study at Waseda University, the National Institute of Science and Technology Policy of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and the Tokyo University of Technology, he joined Hitotsubashi University. He was then involved in the establishment of the Faculty and Graduate School of Social Data Science. His research focuses on understanding complex phenomena through data-driven approaches. His research interests include advanced materials, research and development in universities and companies, science and technology policy, future insights, and animation production process.

Masajune Marubayashi he
Kyocera Corporation
General Manager, Medical Development Center, Device R&D Management Division, R&D Headquarters; General Manager, Social Implementation Development Center

Graduated from Kyushu University, Graduate School of Engineering (Master's Program), and joined Kyocera Corporation in 1996. He was in charge of artificial bone design and manufacturing technology. Transferred to Japan Medical Materials Corporation, where he was in charge of research and development and new business development. After business integration with Kyocera Corporation, he promoted development of biomaterials, bio-sensing, and healthcare systems at the Medical Development Center. 2020: Director of the Medical Development Center; from 2022: Director of the Social Implementation Development Center.

Moderator.
Shuichiro Takahashi
Representative Director, President and COO, Liverness, Inc.

D. (Life Sciences), Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo. Founding member of RIVANESS. He established the RIVANES research institute and built the foundation for research support and R&D projects. He has devised unique business models such as "RIVANESS Research Fund" and "L-RAD," a platform for unused research ideas, and has led many projects involving industry, academia, and education.

Moderator.
Mr. Shinya Kirihara
Director, Robotics & AM, Sigmaxis Inc.

After graduating from Tokyo Institute of Technology with a bachelor's degree in Bioscience and Biotechnology, he worked for a foreign consulting firm before joining Sigmaxis in 2013. He has worked on a number of themes such as advanced technology utilization, new business development, and R&D innovation for the manufacturing industry. He has lectured at numerous training programs and external seminars. Currently, he is focusing on creating a mechanism for industry creation involving industry, government, and academia, such as 3D bioprinting with Osaka University to produce cultured meat with sashi and the establishment of the AM Research Group. He is the author (supervisor) of the book "New Manufacturing: The Frontline of 3D Printer Applications" (NTS Publishing).

Mr. Jun Ogawa
Frontier Center for Organic Materials and Systems, Yamagata University
Project Associate Professor

Completed his studies at Hokkaido University in 2015. D. in Information Science. After working as a postdoctoral researcher at Hokkaido University, a visiting researcher at Columbia University in the U.S., and an associate professor at the Univ. of Aizu, he will be an associate professor of the project at Yamagata University from 2019. He is an information scientist who aims to research, develop, and socially implement "soft machines" that create mechanisms and intelligence derived from soft materials in order to promote POC of soft manufacturing using soft materials and 3D printing from the viewpoint of information science. Major developments include the communication robots "Gel Hachitaro and Gel Hachitaroids," the texture recognition device "Gel Biter," and the simple assembly-type soft actuator "MORI-A.

Mr. Masashi Degawa
Fellow (Doctor of Science), Advanced Technology Application Laboratory, Sigmaxis Inc.

After graduating from the University of Maryland (USA), he worked as a researcher at the Jülich Central Institute (Germany) and RIKEN Neuroscience Research Center, and at a foreign data mining company before joining Sigmaxis in 2016. After completing his PhD in solid state physics/surface science, his post-doc was in biophysics/molecular biology. Alexander von Humboldt Scholar. After joining Sigmaxis, he participated in AI model building projects such as anomaly detection models for factory plants, backed by his data analysis skills. Currently, at the Advanced Technology Application Laboratory, he conducts research not only on information technology, but also on various advanced technologies such as environment/energy-a/biotechnology/quantum.

Mr. Satoshi Sawai
Professor, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo

B.S. in Applied Physics, Waseda University, M.S. in Applied Physics, Tohoku University, Ph.D. in Information Science, Tohoku University, 2001. After working as a postdoctoral fellow at Princeton University and as a leader of the Kaneko Complex Systems Life Group at JST ERATO, he has been an associate professor at his current affiliation since 2008 and in his current position since 2018. He specializes in biophysics of cells and cell populations, embryology of cellular slime molds, and theoretical biology. He was awarded the Young Scientists' Prize of the Commendation for Science and Technology by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in 2012. His main publications include "Theoretical Biology of Cells" (Kaneko, Sawai, Takagi, Furusawa; University of Tokyo Press, 2020).

Mr. Kamarul A Muhamed
Founder and Group CEO, Aerodyne Group

Mr. Kamarul is the Founder and CEO of Aerodyne Group, a Malaysian-based drone solutions provider that is ranked second in the world by Drone Industry Insights of Germany. He was recently named 'EY Entrepreneur of The Year 2020', 'EY Technology Entrepreneur of The Year 2020 Malaysia' as well as 'SEBA Entrepreneur of The Year 2020'. Kamarul led Aerodyne from a 3 person startup in 2014 to a global company with presence in 35 countries in just 6 years. He is a TEDx speaker and a drone industry He is a TEDx speaker and a drone industry thought leader, who has presented his ideas and innovation on AI, Drones and Industry 4.0 around the world. An auditor by training, Kamarul spent his formative years in the city of London before switching his career to the tech industry upon returning to Malaysia after a 10 year stint in the UK. an avid explorer and has traveled to more than 100 countries, both for business and pleasure.

Dr. Hanaflah bin Yussof
Founder and Group CEO, Robopreneur Sdn. Bhd.

Dr. Hanafiah Yussof is the Founder and Group CEO of Robopreneur Sdn Bhd, a pioneer and market leader in service robotics technology and solutions in Malaysia. Robopreneur has been involved in modernizing businesses and accelerating digital lifestyles in the country. With more than 20 years of experience in robotics research and development, Dr. Hanafiah is a prominent figure for the adoption of robotics technology in businesses. has won several academic and business awards including the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year Award 2021 (top nominee in Technology Category). Dr. Hanafiah started the business in 2015 as a Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) start-up company to commercialize his patented research on a Robotics In 2018, Robopreneur developed the first humanoid robot in Malaysia named ADAM. Upon its success, Dr. Hanafiah expanded Robopreneur's R&D capabilities to offer robotics, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) products and Upon its success, Dr Hanafiah expanded Robopreneur's R&D capabilities to offer robotics, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) products and solutions for the digital transformation of commercial businesses and social enterprises.

Ts. Suria Affendi Amirrudin
CEO, UMORIE Graphene Technologies Sdn. Bhd.

Ts. Suria Affendi Amirrudin is the founder and CEO of UMORIE, a company focused on developing cutting-edge energy storage solutions using graphene nanotechnology. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from Tun Hussein Onn University of Malaysia and has had a successful career in various roles, including as a Site Engineer. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from Tun Hussein Onn University of Malaysia and has had a successful career in various roles, including as a Site Engineer, Project Development Executive, and Executive Officer (Assessor) with the Inland In pursuit of his passion for technology invention, he founded UMORIE® in 2018, which won the Good Design Award in Tokyo, Japan, for its high-tech universal mobile phone accessories He was also selected to further his studies in Tokyo, Japan, under the program name SME@University . Currently, he is focused on developing a graphene battery factory and the commercialization of high-speed electric motorcycles, with a goal of public Currently, he is focused on developing a graphene battery factory and the commercialization of high-speed electric motorcycles, with a goal of public listing by 2028.

[Claire] Moderator.
Dr. Yuko Ueno
Director, Leave a Nest Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

Dr. Yuko Ueno received her Ph.D in Ocean microbiology and joined Leave a Nest in 2013. With the experience of tech-startup accelerator, she is bridging With the experience of tech-startup accelerator, she is bridging Japanese tech startups to global tech-startup platforms to interconnect the technology and social issues. She is also working as a General Manager of the She is also working as a General Manager of the Group Creation Division of Leave a Nest headquarters.

Mr. Koichi Nakahara
General Manager, Research Promotion Department, Suntory Global Innovation Center Ltd.

In 1988, he completed a master's degree in fermentation science at the Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, and joined Suntory Ltd. in the same year. He has been engaged mainly in new technology development work, from basic research on polyphenols and material development to the development of new technologies and raw materials that form the basis of alcoholic beverage products and beverage products. D. in Agriculture, and received the Society of Chemical Engineers of Japan Award for Technology in 2004. Visiting professor at Tokyo University of Agriculture.

Mr. Yosuke Yamada
National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition
Director, Exercise Guidelines Laboratory, Physical Activity Research Division

Currently, Director of the Laboratory of Exercise Guidelines, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, National Institute of Health and Nutrition. 2009, Ph.D. (Human and Environmental Science), Kyoto University. 2009, Postdoctoral Fellow, Fukuoka University. 2011, JSPS Research Fellow (SPD), Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine. 2013, Visiting Research Fellow, Department of Nutrition, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA. 2013, Visiting Research Fellow, Department of Agriculture, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Visiting Research Fellow, Department of Nutrition, College of Agriculture, University of Wisconsin-Madison, U.S.A., 2013 Research Fellow, National Institute of Health and Nutrition, 2014 Current position from 2022. He is the recipient of the Best Young Scientist Presentation Award at the International Sarcopenia Conference, the Best Young Scientist Award at the International Osteoporosis Foundation-International Bone Density Conference, and the 65th Anniversary Paper Award at the American Geriatrics Society in 2010, etc. In 2022, the first author of his paper will be published in Science.

Hiroki Nakanishi he
Representative Director, Lipidome Labs, Inc.

After serving as a specially-appointed assistant professor at the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine in 2009 and as an assistant professor at Akita University Biomedical Informatics Research Center in 2010, he started Lipidome Labs, Inc. in December 2018, and from 2020 will serve as a visiting associate professor at Akita University School of Medicine and a specially-appointed researcher at the National Center for Global Health from 2022, focusing only on his current position. He aims to realize a society in which "the value of Lipidome replaces the value of things. D. in pharmacology.

Moderator.
Joe Inoue
CKO, President and Representative Director, Liverness, Inc.

D., Pharmacist, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, founded REVANES in 2002 with only undergraduate and graduate students of science and technology while in graduate school. After completing the doctoral process, he worked as Assistant Professor and Lecturer at the Faculty of Science, Kitasato University, Assistant Professor at the Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, and Specially Appointed Associate Professor at Keio University, before assuming and concurrently serving as Professor of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University and Visiting Professor at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Keio University from 2018. While conducting research and development, he has been involved in launching joint research projects with universities and research institutions and supporting the establishment of research institutes. He has also been involved in the launch of many venture companies and serves as an advisor.

Ms. Kanako Matsumoto
Producer, Research & Development Strategy Department, Asahi Soft Drinks, Ltd.

Mr. Kurokawa is in charge of CSV activities in the R&D Strategy Department of Asahi Soft Drinks, which handles a wide range of activities including the formulation of mid-term research strategies, organizational revitalization, and public relations activities. As part of these activities, he was in charge of subsidizing the activities of junior and senior high school student researchers, and of providing laboratory classes for the children of employees. In parallel, he is also conducting research on changes in employees involved in these activities.

Mr. Yasunori Kawasaki
Executive Officer, Rohto Pharmaceutical Co.
General Manager, Human Resources & General Affairs Dept.

Born in Osaka, he joined Rohto Pharmaceutical in 1986. After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, he spent three years as the head of the Reconstruction Support Office and devoted himself to reconstruction efforts. He established the Michinoku Future Fund, a scholarship program to support the dreams of children orphaned by the disaster. After returning to Rohto Pharmaceutical, he worked on health management as Director of Public Relations and CSV Promotion Department from 2014, and on promotion of work style reform from 2016. 2017: "Member of the Study Committee for Flexible Work Style Reform and Model Employment Regulations", Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare; April 2018: Part-time lecturer at Kobe University Graduate School; current position from July 2020.

Mr. Ikutaro Masaki
Lecturer, Faculty of Modern Liberal Arts, Tokyo Women's University

He is engaged in research on the psychology, behavior, and management of people working in organizations from the perspectives of social psychology and industrial/organizational psychology. He is currently conducting empirical research on workplace diversity in Japanese companies and the impact of office environments and work styles on human psychology and behavior. He is also involved in research on the effects of CSV activities and human resource development at Asahi Soft Drinks.

Moderator.
Satoko Tachibana
Leave a Nest Co., Ltd.
Director, Career Design Research Center

In 2019, it will move to human resource development and continue to support former junior and senior high school student researchers who have grown into PhDs. At the Career Design Research Center, he researches new ways of working and creating organizations for people who generate knowledge from their own curiosity and awareness of issues, as represented by researchers.

Mr. John Vincent Fiel
Wela Online Co-Founder and CEO

A graduate of computer science with 10 plus years of experience in web development, project management, and previously co-founded a local game development startup. Co-Founder of Wela School System, an end-to-end school system where students, parents can view their grades, announcements, billing statements thru a mobile app. Wela is now running for 5 years and serving 200+ private schools both national and international.

Dr. Takeshi Mizumoto
Co-Founder & President, Hylable Inc.

Dr. Mizumoto received his MSci and Ph.D. from the Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University, Japan. After working for Honda Research Institute Japan, Co., Ltd. as a researcher, he co-founded Hylable Inc. His research topic includes audio signal processing and quantified analysis of communications. He has more than ten years of research on audio analysis and quantification of communications in noisy environments. For seven years, he has analyzed group discussions of 60,000+ people in K-12, junior high, high schools, and universities and employee training.

Ms. Rafaelita C. Castro
ASEAN Japan Center in Tokyo Director of Operations

Ms. Rafaelita C. Castro is appointed to the current position as of October 2, 2020. She assumed the post of Director of Operations in charge of the Research and Policy Analysis Cluster and the Trade and Investment Cluster. She is seconded from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of the Philippines. Prior to the appointment, she was the Chief Trade and Industry Development Specialist at the Export Marketing Bureau (ETI). During her stint at the bureau, she handled various export promotion missions to various countries including Japan. She aims to work towards the enhancement of ASEAN-Japan trade and investment relations and strengthening of network linkages between She aims to work towards the enhancement of ASEAN-Japan trade and investment relations and strengthening of network linkages between ASEAN and Japanese companies.

[Claire] Moderator.
Ms. Ronezza Delos Santos
Leave a Nest Philippines, Inc.

Ronezza "Ezza" Delos Santos was born and raised in Baguio City, the Summer Capital of the Philippines. She graduated from the Philippine Science High School - Cordillera Administrative Region Campus (PSHS-CAR) as part of the pioneer batch. She then entered the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) and graduated with a degree (BS) in Chemical Engineering. After earning her professional license, she worked at Baguio Water District, a Government-Owned and Controlled Corporation that provides potable water throughout Baguio City and some parts of the After taking an internship for Leave a Nest's Tech Planter PH, she took the challenge to be one of the pioneer members of After taking an internship for Leave a Nest's Tech Planter PH, she took the challenge to be one of the pioneer members of Leave a Nest's Philippine subsidiary to help and promote science and technology for advancing the country.

Received the LIBERNESS Research Award 2023 in the category of Advanced Research Promotion.
Cancer Therapeutics Targeting RNA Splicing Abnormalities."
Mr. Akihide Yoshimi
Division of Cancer RNA Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute
section manager

It has been reported that a mechanism called "splicing," which is essential for RNA synthesis, does not work properly in various cancers, including hematopoietic tumors such as leukemia. Dr. Yoshimi has been conducting research focusing on these abnormalities in cancer genomes in order to establish cancer treatment methods. He is also working on the development of a new analytical method to detect disease-related mutations caused by splicing abnormalities by comprehensively analyzing vast amounts of gene expression data.

Profile.
Graduated from the University of Tokyo Faculty of Medicine in 2003 and received his medical license. 2009 JSPS Fellowship, 2011 Ph.D. from the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, and became Assistant Professor at the University of Tokyo Hospital. 2015 Studied at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. After working as a visiting researcher, JSPS overseas special researcher, and senior researcher, he became independent at the National Cancer Center Research Institute in 2020 (Independent Unit Director, Cancer RNA Research Unit), and will assume his current position in September 2022. He specializes in the study of splicing abnormalities in cancer, including ASH Global Research Award, LLS CDP Achievement Award, and JCA-Mauvernay Award.

Mr. Tsunehiko Yokoi
President and Representative Director, R-Plus Japan Inc.
Suntory Holdings Limited
Sub Leader, Sustainable PET Implementation Project Team

Joined Suntory Limited in 1984. After serving as president of a beverage manufacturing company in Shanghai from 2010, he has been in charge of the development and procurement of packaging materials as head of the packaging materials division at Suntory Holdings Ltd. since 2016. As part of his packaging materials development work, he established R-Plus Japan Inc. in 2020.

Mr. Taku Furuta
Director, R-Plus Japan Inc.
Rengo Co.
Executive Officer General Manager, Research & Technology Development & Environmental Management Promotion Division, Central Research Laboratory, and in charge of Environmental Management Promotion Department

In 1986, he graduated from the Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, and joined Rengo Co. He joined Rengo Co., Ltd. in 1986, where he was engaged in research and development of various types of packaging such as corrugated board, film packaging, paperboard, and wood materials, etc. In 2017, he became the General Manager of the Central Research Laboratory, and from 2021, he will be in charge of the Environmental Management Promotion Department, promoting decarbonization and plastic resource recycling. Director.

Mr. Shoichi Katamai
General Manager, Renewable Resources Business Development Department, TOYOBO CO.

After receiving a Master's degree in Synthetic Chemistry from the Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, he joined Toyobo Co. (then Toyobo Co., Ltd.) in 1993, where he was mainly engaged in research and development of polyester polymerization at the General Research Laboratory. After working in the New Business Planning Department, Procurement Department, Corporate Planning Department, and R&D Planning and Administration Department, he became the General Manager of the Renewable Resources Business Development Department in 2022, in charge of recycling technology and bioplastics.

Moderator.
Mr. Tsuyoshi Kadokura
Executive Officer, R-Plus Japan Inc.
Suntory Holdings Limited
Sub Leader, Sustainable PET Implementation Project Team

Graduated from the Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Tokyo and joined Suntory Ltd. After working in the procurement department and overseas group companies, he has been in charge of the R-Plus Japan office since 2021.

Mr. Yushiro Kubo
Solartech K.K.
CEO

After graduating from college, he worked for a building materials manufacturer and spent four years as a professional general fighter, while pursuing rationality in on-site construction of building materials. In 2006, he founded and participated in ALCOME, a solar cell component manufacturer in China, which changed its name to AKCOME in 2008 and was listed on the Shanghai market. In 2010, he founded Solartech, a solar cell component manufacturer. Recently, he has been supporting the introduction of various startup technologies such as drones, AI, and construction robots to major companies by utilizing his own network and that of major companies.

Mr. Takayuki Ito
Ando Hazama Corporation
Structural Design Department, Architectural Design Division, Construction Headquarters

After graduating from the Department of Environmental Construction Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kumamoto University, he joined the Structural Design Department of the former Hazama Corporation in 1988, and encountered the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake on January 13, 1995. He was buried alive on the first floor of a six-story RC dormitory (rented company housing) in Toyonaka due to a layer collapse, and was rescued by a rescue team three hours later. He was rescued by the rescue team three hours later. In 2013, he was assigned to the Structural Design Department of the Hazama-Ando Architectural Division, a joint venture with the former Ando Corporation, and has served as the Structural Design Manager since 2019. Past representative works: Shusei Construction College (seismic isolation), Omi Hachiman South District 1 Project, Utah Giken Ranzan Works, Tokyo Meiraku Chiba Plant, Prologis Park Narashino, and many others.

Mr. Jun Zeze
Humanome Research Institute, Inc.
CEO

D. in Science, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo. He has served as Assistant Professor at the University of Tokyo, Associate Professor at Ochanomizu University, Associate Professor at Tokyo Institute of Technology, Director of the Research Team for the Genome Information Research Center at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), and Director of the Research Team for the Artificial Intelligence Research Center at AIST. He specializes in the development of machine learning and mathematical statistics methods and large-scale data analysis in the life sciences. He won the KDD Cup 2001, a data mining contest of the American Society for Computing Machinery, and the Oxford Journals-JSBi Prize.

Moderator.
Kazuhiro Hasegawa
Leave a Nest Co., Ltd.
Executive Officer CMO

He holds a master's degree in engineering from Tokyo Metropolitan University. He joined RIVERNESS in his first year of master's degree and later became the first new employee of RIVERNESS. He launched the Human Resource Development Division and became an executive officer in 2012, leading the launch of the TECHPLANTER business and Real Tech Fund, building case studies of collaboration between startups and local factories, opening the "Center of Garage" incubation facility, and supporting new business creation for small and medium-sized enterprises. He also serves as Executive Vice President of Realtech Holdings, Director of Glocalink Inc. and Director of NESTiPLAB Inc.

Mr. Masao Hashimoto
Executive Officer and Strategic Design Division, Rohto Pharmaceutical Co.

Joined the company in 1991. She was in charge of the development of Do-Test, a pregnancy test, as well as basic biotechnological research in the Test Development Division. After working in the research institute for about 10 years, he gained practical experience in pharmaceutical affairs, and was involved in the Kampo business and the launch of a new research institute in the development planning department. After working in research team management, four years in the pharmaceutical affairs department, and five years in the intellectual property department, he joined the Strategic Design Division in 2020 to work on future business design.

Ms. Noi Tachizaki
Shibuya Kyoiku Gakuen Makuhari Senior High School

A 5th year student of the Masayoshi Son Scholarship Foundation. graduated from the Robotics Lab run by Rivanes in 2016. designed for Team SAKURA Tempesta, competing in the FIRST Robotics Competition since 2017, winning numerous awards. in 2020, under the new coronavirus epidemic. He founded Face Shield Japan as an individual to produce and donate face shields and has donated over 2,200 face shields. In the same year, she was selected by Lenovo as one of the "10 Young Women Changing the World." In 2021, she became a THK Ambassador for "Monozukuri 0.", an initiative of THK Corporation and Livanes Corporation. 2022, she was selected for Forbes Japan 30 UNDER 30.

Mr. Kosuke Shimizu
Sophomore, Yamagata Prefectural Tozakuragakkan High School / CEO, Litable, Inc.

Born in 2005. While a student at Yamagata Prefectural Tozorogakkan High School, he founded Litable, Inc. in September 2022 and became its representative director. He collaborates with companies in the education field to provide coaching services for junior and senior high school students. In August 2022, he was selected as a member of the 3rd Future Summit of Euglena Co., Ltd. and is working with middle and high school students of the same age to prove the impact that minors can create in society. On the other hand, he is also actively conducting research in collaboration with external organizations, including research on stereophonic sound with researchers at the University of Tokyo within the framework of the Global Science Campus of the University of Tokyo.

Moderator.
Daigo Fujita
Manufacturing and Development Division, Liverness Corporation / Representative Director, NEST EdLAB, Inc.

M.S., Tokyo Institute of Technology, Graduate School of Bioscience and Biotechnology. Specialized in protein engineering. He has loved science and nature since he was a child, and has tried his hand at Boy Scouts, amateur radio, and electronic construction. Upon entering university, he was involved in setting up volunteer activities at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) and founded the Tokyo Tech Science Techno, a science event circle. After joining RIVANES, he has been involved in the development of educational programs for nearly 100 companies, including the "Space Education Project" utilizing the International Space Station and the "Robotics Lab," a robotics class for elementary school students. He also founded NEST EdLAB, Inc. to accelerate this business.

Mr. Takuto Takeuchi
Production Technology Laboratory, Euglena R&D Center Co.

Graduated from Chuo University and Tokyo Institute of Technology with a Master of Science. At university, he was involved in basic research related to oil and ethanol accumulation in microalgae cells, and in 2015, he joined Euglena Co. He has moved from one work location to another, including Kanagawa, Saga, and Chiba, and currently works at the Production Technology Research Institute in Ishigaki, Okinawa. The research themes he has been working on include mass cultivation of aurantiochytrium, cultivation of euglena for biofuel using nutrition derived from sewage treatment, production of useful substances by genetically modified E. coli, cultivation of euglena for cosmetic ingredients, improvement of odor of euglena for food ingredients, cultivation of euglena for food ingredients Cost reduction, etc. His hobby is to think about the question of whether euglena is an animal or a plant, and he is challenging philosophical considerations.

Mr. Kazuhiro Kawashima
CTO, Integriculture, Inc.

Born in 1983. Born in Nara, Japan. He completed his graduate studies at Hiroshima University in 2012, where he earned a doctorate in agriculture. In 2003, he co-founded a cell culture startup, Integriculture Inc. In order to democratize biotechnology such as cultured meat, materials, and regenerative medicine, he invented the Calnet System, a wetware platform, and is developing devices that can be implemented in society.

Mr. Kosuke Hiromori
Assistant Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University

D. in 2018 from the Department of Chemical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University. Specialized in chemical engineering and process engineering.Since 2018, he has been engaged in research and development on process efficiency and utilization of unused resources in existing industries at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University. He started Phytochemical Products in 2018 based on the results of his student research. Currently, he is also engaged in research from development at the laboratory level to the design of demonstration equipment in the field in an integrated manner to find a way to accelerate practical application of the technology.

Moderator.
Hiroyuki Takahashi
Executive Officer, LIVERNESS Co.

D. from Yokohama City University in 2009. D. in Science, focusing on creating new research projects between industry and young researchers, including the launch of the "Liberace Research Fund" for young researchers under the age of 40. He has been leading the "Association of Hyperdifferent Fields" for many years since its inception, and has also been involved in the creation of places to generate research, such as the establishment of life science laboratories.

Mr. Junichi Sugihara
Representative Director, Bio Impact Inc.

It operates one of Japan's largest academia research databases, "Nihon no Kenkyu.com," which combines information on funding for scientific research from ministries and research institutes with press releases. It also conducts industry-academia collaboration matching and KOL searches for pharmaceutical companies, etc., using its own analysis algorithms for research fields, etc., built using natural language processing and machine learning.

Mr. Chihisa Miki
President, Tokyo City University

Born in Tokushima Prefecture in 1947. D. from Tokyo Institute of Technology, he served as Assistant Professor at Tokyo Institute of Technology, Associate Professor at Tokyo University, Associate Professor at Tokyo University of Technology, Professor at Tokyo Institute of Technology, Dean of Engineering, and Vice President (Education and International Affairs), etc. In 2012, he transferred to Tokyo City University, where he served as Specially Appointed Professor and Vice President, and in 2015, he became President of Tokyo City University. At Tokyo City University, he initiated international programs such as the Study Abroad Program in Australia (TAP) for 400 students per year, and has served as an advisor for international human resource development programs such as ASEAN SEED Net, and as the selection committee chair for JST's Sakura Science Program. Specializing in bridge engineering, he has published many papers and books on fatigue and fracture of welded structures. He has participated in many bridge projects such as the Honshihon Yonetsu Bridge and the Tokyo Gate Bridge.

Mr. Kazuhiro Hayashi
MEXT
National Institute of Science and Technology Policy, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Director, Office of Data Analysis and Policy Research

He is a researcher who has been engaged in a wide range of research and practice on the transformation of science and society (open science) centered on the transformation of academic information distribution, starting from the conversion to electronic journals, commercialization, and open access of the English journals of the Chemical Society of Japan, which he began working on around 1995 when he was a graduate student at the University of Tokyo. He has been engaged in research and practice of open science and its policies since 2012. As a member of the Science Council of Japan, Cabinet Office, and Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, he has supported the formation of Japan's open science policy, and has contributed as an expert to the G7 Science and Technology Ministers' Meeting, OECD, UNESCO projects, and others to build an international consensus on the foundation for creating new academic knowledge that will change society, including universities. Part-time lecturer at Chiba University.

Moderator.
Shuichiro Takahashi
Representative Director, President and COO, Liverness, Inc.

D. (Life Sciences), Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo. He established the research institute of RIVERNESS and built the foundation for research support and R&D projects. He has devised unique business models such as "REVANES Research Fund" and "L-RAD," a platform for unused research ideas, and has led many projects involving industry, academia, and education.

Ms. Keiko Yamaji
Professor, Department of Biosphere Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba

Born in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. He received his Ph.D. in Agricultural Chemistry from Hokkaido University in 2000, and his postdoctoral fellowship at the Forest Research Institute of Finland in 2001. In 2005, he started research on plants and functional microorganisms native to former mine sites at Tsukuba University, where he discovered that functional microorganisms are involved in the heavy metal tolerance mechanism of native plants and is currently investigating their use in greening technology. Award, KOBASHI Award, and Focus Systems Award for Imagine the Microbial-Capsule.

Mr. Keita Nishizawa
Assistant Professor, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo

D. in Environmental Studies from Yokohama National University. D. in Environmental Studies from Yokohama National University. He specializes in plant ecology and has been studying various aspects of the mechanisms that maintain plant diversity. Since his student days, he has studied the origins and roles of ecosystems in pristine natural environments, such as the natural forests of Shiretoko, Hokkaido, and the wilds of the Canadian Arctic. Since earning his degree, he has applied his expertise to the study of the origins of diversity on a global scale and to the search for connections between nature and society.

Mr. Tomohiro Kondo
Associate Professor, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University

D., Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University. D. in Agronomy. Specialized in tropical agroecology. He has studied the effects of cultivation environment and management methods on the growth of tropical fruit trees, especially passion fruit, avocado, durian, and cacao. In recent years, he has been conducting research and experiments on slash-and-burn farming in the Kyushu mountains and on indigenous farming methods and crops, to consider how we can continue to use the mountains sustainably.

Moderator.
Junichiro Ishio
General Manager, Kansai Development Division, Liverness Co.

D. in International Development Engineering from Tokyo Institute of Technology. D. in Engineering. From engineering to physiological psychology, he does not hesitate to dive into any field that interests him. As a student, he conducted manufacturing projects both inside and outside of Japan. During his doctoral years, he conducted research on measuring human emotions using wearable terminals. In his hometown of Kagawa Prefecture, he established the Kagawa Tech Planter and the Society of Transdisciplinary Studies, and is currently struggling to create a project that will change the world from the local community.

Mr. Tatsuya Okajima
Managing Executive Officer, General Manager, General Engineering Headquarters, Tokai Railway Company

After completing his master's degree at the Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, he joined Tokai Railway Company (JR Tokai) in 1988 as a first-generation employee. Focusing on the electrical and systems fields, he has been engaged in a wide range of work including the development of superconducting linear trains, maintenance and management of Shinkansen and conventional lines, technical development, as well as management strategy and human resource development. After serving as Executive Officer and General Manager of the Engineering Development Department of the General Engineering Division, he assumed his current position in 2022.

Mr. Cheno Hanai
Director, Liberace Capital Co.

In 2003, he established BioWa, Inc. in the U.S. to out-license the antibody-related technologies he had developed, and was appointed president and responsible for company operations. He was appointed Chairman of the Board in 2018 and Chairman of the Board in 2019, He retired in March 2020 and became a director of Liverness Capital in May of the same year.

Ms. Risaki Ishii
Plug and Play Tech Center Director, Japanese Partnerships

After graduating from Waseda University's School of Political Science and Economics, he was assigned to Mizuho Bank's International Operations Department before moving to the Silicon Valley headquarters of Plug and Play Tech Center, one of the world's largest venture capital firms and accelerators, in March 2018. Currently, he supports a wide range of innovation activities for more than 100 large Japanese companies, including startup introductions, strategy development, and culture-building workshops. Recently, he has been involved in entrepreneurship development in Japan and the U.S., including speaking to entrepreneurs at X-HUB Tokyo hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and providing classes for local high school students in an online program at Stanford University.

Moderator.
Yusuke Shinozawa
Executive Officer, LIVERNESS Co.

Graduated from the Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Tokyo (Master of Agricultural Science). 2008 Worked for a PR company before joining RIVERNESS in 2009. In the same year, he launched the Silicon Valley training program for graduate students, the first overseas business for Riverness. 2012, he launched the media development business. 2013, he launched the seed acceleration business "TECH PLANTER". 2018, he became the head of the foundation development business. Started working on the theme of "founding a business" instead of starting a business. started Project Ikkaku in 2019. executive officer since 2021.

Mr. Tomohisa Yoshimura
Senior Manager, Frontier Research Center, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co.

Born in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, he received his Master's degree from Tokyo University of Science Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2006 and is a pharmacist. After working as a researcher at a cosmetics manufacturer, she joined Taisho Pharmaceutical Co. From April 2022, she has been engaged in new business development in her current position. His goal is to create a mechanism and society where people can be healthy naturally and as a result, especially in the healthcare area.

Mr. Masahiro Koyama
Representative Director, WELNAS Corporation

In 2008, he participated in functional food research at the Faculty of Agriculture, Shinshu University, and after working as a postdoctoral researcher at the same university, he established a Shinshu University venture, Wellnas, Inc. in 2017, which delivers effective health through food. In 2019, he will launch an "AI diet" business that optimizes the function of food on an individual basis. In 2019, the company will launch "AI diet," a service that identifies the nutrients necessary to achieve self-actualization goals by analyzing body data related to goals set by individuals (health, beauty, athletic function, academic performance, etc.) and nutrient data contained in the food they consume, and proposes an optimized individualized nutritionally optimal diet, "AI diet," on January 14, 2023. NEWTRISH" service, which identifies the nutrients needed to achieve self-actualization goals and proposes an optimized individualized nutritional "AI diet. NEWTRISH aims to promote wellbeing through food.

Mr. Shinnosuke Murakami
Director, COO/CIPO, Metagen, Inc.
Project Assistant Professor, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University

Born in Tokyo, Japan, in 1988, he completed his doctoral studies at Keio University's Graduate School of Media and Governance in 2016. D. in Policy and Media Studies. In the same year, he joined Metagen, Inc. As a principal researcher, he has been engaged in research on intestinal bacteria, developing technologies for stool preservation and practical application of technologies to control the intestinal environment. as Executive Officer COO from 2018 and Director COO and CIPO from 2022, he oversees the R&D support business and the utilization of intellectual property. He is also working on the utilization of intellectual property. He also specializes in hot spring therapy studies, and in 2015 conducted a study on drinking Nagayu hot springs (Taketa City, Oita Prefecture), which showed that the hot springs increase intestinal bacteria that may contribute to anti-obesity and may prevent or improve diabetes In 2018, he received the Research Encouragement Award from the Japanese Society of Hot Spring Climate and Physical Medicine.

Moderator.
Joe Inoue
CKO, President and Representative Director, Liverness, Inc.

D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences. He is a founding member of LIVERNESS. After completing his doctoral studies, he worked as an assistant professor and lecturer at the Faculty of Science, Kitasato University, and an assistant professor at the Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, before being appointed and concurrently serving as a specially-appointed associate professor at the Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University in 2015, and as a professor of advanced pharmacy at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University and a visiting professor at Keio University's Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2018. While conducting research and development, he is a researcher involved in launching joint research projects with universities and research institutions and supporting the establishment of research institutes.