Brian Roy Tan, PhDOrganization Co-founder & CEO, Wisdom Approach Pte Ltd Bio Brian hails from Singapore and graduated Valedictorian from NUS in 1999. In 2007, he received his Ph.D. from UW, Seattle. Brian was a consultant at BCG and a professor at both NTU and NUS. In 2025, Brian founded Wisdom Approach Pte. Ltd with…
Pandi AgnesOrganization Global MBA ‘25, Doshisha Business School Bio Originally from Hungary, Agnes holds an MBA from Doshisha Business School. She has over 10 years of experience in communication and coordination roles and is currently based in Kyoto, working in the tourism sector, helping international visitors navigate and experience Japan. Business idea in short Mobility…
Yuya OgawaOrganization Noevis inc. Founder/CEO Bio After completing high school in New Zealand and attending college in the US, returned to Japan and joined multiple early-stage ventures. In 2020, founded a first company focused on agency work. In 2025, founded Noevis to address challenges in the disability space. Business idea in short “Razi” ：An AI…
Su (SuKha)Organization Fashion designer and icon [University of Toronto, 2019] Bio SuKha is a Canadian fashion designer born in Saudi Arabia, ethnically Bengali. With a science-based degree, SuKha found her calling as a sustainbility-focused fashion icon, racking up over 250 thousand followers on social media inspiring women and queer folks. Business idea in short “Something…
Kaori TadaOrganization Daikin Industries, Ltd. Bio After worked in sales promotion for the manufacturer, handling factory users, design office. In current position of sales planning handle one commercial product. Purchasing negotiations, supply coordination, and planning and implementing measures to improve profitability. Business idea in short Maximizing customer value and realizing a circular economy Business idea…
Toshiyuki YamadaOrganization Research & Bussiness Planning Dept. Ajinomoto Co., Inc. Bio In1998, I joined Bioscience Laboratory. Between 2003-15, I had experienced pharmaceutical sales planning and product manager. Since 2015, I had conducted R&D of “aminoVital”. I’m working on new business development themes that have been applied for and adopted from 2025. Business idea in short…
Kazuki TaokaOrganization/Title The University of Tokyo Hospital | Clinical application for development of therapy for rare disease Bio Based on clinical experience, I founded Clinical Application for development of therapy for rare disease, University of Tokyo Hospital in 2023. It has led physician-driven intraocular lymphoma trials and AI COVID-19 prediction, now focusing on real-time sepsis…
Alejandra RodasOrganization/Title Doshisha Business School, Global MBA ’25 Bio Originally from Guatemala, Alejandra is a Global MBA graduate from Doshisha University (2025, Kyoto). She participated in SDGs training, the World Recycling Convention (2024), and ISAP2025. She is now developing ReCrea, a startup with a circular economy model. Business idea in short Vegan leather from used…
Heidi OngkowijayaOrganization/Title Kyoto University Graduate School of Management, MBA ’26 Bio Heidi graduated from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in 2012, currently pursuing dual degree from Cornell University for Masters in Hospitality and from Kyoto University for MBA. Prior to Masters, Heidi had been working for tech companies in Singapore. Business idea in…
Ian KnivesOrganization/Title Big Other, Founder and CEO Bio Originally from Moscow, Ian holds a CEMS Master in International Management and a master’s degree from Keio University’s Graduate School of Media Design. His professional background spans cybersecurity and consulting, with experience at Aon. In 2025, he founded Big Other, an educational fintech startup focused on improving…
Ousuke KambayashiOrganization/Title SHOBIEN KYOTO Textile Director | Ritsumeikan University undergrad (business administration) Bio At seven, I began selling vintage clothing online. After entering Ritsumeikan University, I interned at Koto3D under a French CEO, then apprenticed at my family workshop, Shobien Kyoto. After a U.S. internship, I returned to Shobien in 2025 to lead its global…
Yvonne HungOrganization/Title Otelier, Founder and CEO Bio Yvonne Hung is a multidisciplinary designer from California and Hong Kong. As founder of Otelier, she merges design, innovation, and craft. Trained in urban planning and UX design, she studied at Stanford, Harvard, the Royal College of Art, and Imperial College. Business idea in short Reviving traditional crafts…
Mutsumi HayashiOrganization Institute of Human and Life, music therapist, PhD, representative Bio Certified music therapist (Japan/USA). Holds a PhD from Kyoto University. Completed graduate studies at Colorado State University after graduating from Osaka College of Music. Conducted clinical research in music therapy at Mihara Memorial Hospital. Currently provides music therapy for Parkinson’s disease patients and…
Kazuhiro IshidaOrganization Daikin Industries, Ltd. – Air Conditioning Sales Division. Bio The energy-efficient renovation project addressing the rising issues of heatstroke and vacant houses Business idea in short The energy-efficient renovation project addressing the rising issues of heatstroke and vacant houses Business idea summary Heatstroke cases are increasing annually, with nearly 40% occurring at home.…
Shingo AkitaOrganization Seed Bank / Advisor Bio Music creator before/after graduation from Osaka university of foreign studies. A precision machineries manufacturer employee for overseas food market including creating company 6-year project. Now, ready for own start-up company. State of Michigan exchange student, studied at Moscow university, MBA at Graduate school of Management, GLOBIS University. Business…
Masahiro ItohOrganization Software Development Group,Product Development 4 Dept. Product Development Division,Business Management Division HQ Device & Module Solutions Company OMRON Corporation Bio Born in Osaka. Interested in image recognition for monitoring elderly people, I studied high-speed image recognition and tilt detection using point cloud processing at Osaka University. I am involved in the development of…
Hiroki YoshidaOrganization Omron Social Solutions Co., Ltd. Business Development Division Social Design Center NEXT Business Design Group Project Leader Bio After studying abroad, I gained experience in corporate sales at G-STAR RAW and launched a Japan-to-Global apparel business at PING GOLF. I later founded IZAKAYA UTOGARIA, earning TripAdvisor awards. After COVID-19, I contributed to business…
Hanna NguyenOrganization Kyoto University Bio Joined Kyoto University in 2022 under the MEXT scholarship (Faculty of Economics). I became interested in entrepreneurship through my graduation research on Kyoto’s startup ecosystem. Since then, I’ve graduated from the Kingfisher Global Leader Program (Silicon Valley) and JICA’s Social Entrepreneurship Program, which deepened my passion for creating social impact.…
Erina AndoOrganization Electronic Materials Group , Research Institute for Bioscience Products & Fine Chemicals , AJINOMOTO CO ., INC. Bio After completing a Master’s degree in Applied Chemistry from the Graduate School of Engineering at the University of Tokyo in 2023, I joined Ajinomoto Co., Inc. Since joining the company, I have been engaged in…
Soraya UmewakaOrganization MatchHat CEO Bio Debuted on stage at the National Noh Theatre at age three. Studied comparative politics at Princeton University. Directed documentaries in Lebanon and Brazil, screened at international festivals. Worked at YouTube. Founded MatchHat, a global platform connecting creators in film, music, and gaming. Business idea in short A co-creation platform connecting…
Yu Kimura Founder of the blockchain project Sunrise. He has a track record as a white hacker who rescued 500 million yen worth of stolen cryptocurrency.
Seleznov Ivan Ivan Seleznov, Ph.D., is an accomplished researcher and entrepreneur, currently serving as the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Flora Co., Ltd., a FemTech startup dedicated to enhancing women’s well-being through data analysis. Recognized in Forbes Asia’s 30 Under 30 in 2024, Ivan also holds an Affiliate Assistant Professorship at Ritsumeikan University. Previously,…
Chihiro Takenoshita Graduated from International Christian University, earned an MBA from Keio University Graduate School of Business Administration (exchanged to Wharton), and is currently enrolled in a doctoral program in public health. Advisor to Nippon Zoki Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., and Director of Business Development at Cyn-K Bio Co., Ltd. As part of my life’s work,…
Misaki Matsumoto Graduated with a major in Neuroscience from the University of California, Berkeley. Following graduation, engaged in the research and development of medical data at a startup. Subsequently, contributed to speech recognition and large language model (LLM) development at leading U.S.-based technology firms and startups. Since 2024, has been actively promoting community growth and…
Silas David ReyesOrganization/Title Snack Software – Founder / CEO Bio Grew up in Chicago. Moved to California and spent 11 years in the early years of Google building world-class products as Webmaster/Developer, UI/UX, Engineering Manager. Founded Snack Software dev agency, Snack digital marketplace, Snacktix event ticketing, Stat on-demand pharmacy, Aimashou meetup marketplace and Wika language…
Kyle BarnesOrganization/Title Valuufy Inc. Cofounder & CEO Bio Wisconsin native with global experience in Japan, North and South America, and India. Sustainability and ESG leader with a passion for integrating sustainability into business strategies, enhancing market value, and driving impactful change through innovative, sustainable solutions in dynamic environments. Business idea in short Creating a novel…
Kanon HAGIWARAOrganization/Title Unwind Inc. Bio While studying at Kobe College, I wrote a thesis on “The Evolution of Adult Products Coverage in the Media.” After working in live chat marketing, I founded Unwind Co., Ltd. and launched successful crowdfunding campaigns for sexual wellness products. I’ve appeared in various media, including Politus TV and Asahi News…
Mizuki TawaOrganization/Title Kyoto University School of Public Health M1 I &Company. Inc – CEO Bio Originally from Kyoto, I graduated from Hiroshima University School of Dentistry. After working as a resident dentist at a university hospital, I entered the Graduate School of Medicine at Kyoto University. In the same time, I founded I &Company Inc.…
Emino KobayashiOrganization/Title No current affiliation Bio During my time at university, I spent one year in Whistler, a place known for high resident satisfaction, where I developed an interest in community development and the sharing economy. After graduating, I worked as an iOS engineer at a venture company, engaged in collaborative app development with the…
Mizuha Marumoto Career Summary: – 2012: Gained experience in IT solution planning, development, technical project management, and the entire process of product commercialization at Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. – 2018: Conducted research and development on the new business creation methodology “Emotion Driven” at the Graduate School of Kyoto University. – 2020: Established the venture company…
