Speakers
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Dr Adriana Marais
Proudly Human
Dr Adriana Marais
Proudly Human Founder
Dr Adriana Marais has a background in theoretical physics, her PhD and postdoctoral research focused on quantum effects in biology and the origins of the building blocks of life in space. Adriana is currently a researcher at the University of Stellenbosch and the National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences, both in South Africa, and faculty at the Singularity University. Adriana is also a director at the Foundation for Space Development Africa, preparing Africa’s first mission to the Moon, the Africa2Moon Project, she is scientific moderator on space resources with the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator and chair of space sciences at Tod’Aérs Aeronautics and Space Research. In 2019, Adriana left her position as Head of Innovation at SAP Africa to found Proudly Human, and she is currently leading the organisation’s Off-World Project, in preparation for extreme conditions on Earth and beyond.
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Ai Kawaguchi
NewsPicks
Ai Kawaguchi
NewsPicks for WE Editor in Chief
She holds a master's degree from the Graduate School of Letters at Showa Women's University. With previous experience at Shogakukan Creative and HuffPost Japan, she now leads the advertising production team at NewsPicks Studios and serves as the editor-in-chief of NewsPicks for WE, a project dedicated to empowering women in their careers. Her published work spans a range of media, focusing on women's work styles and healthcare.
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Ami Miura
ima Inc.
Ami Miura
ima Inc. CEO
Born in Nagoya, Japan. After founding a business as a student and later transferring its operations, she traveled around the world, experiencing the cultures and arts of various countries. Upon returning to Japan, she engaged in supporting the Japanese market entry of overseas IT companies at a venture capital firm. In 2013, she founded Ima Inc. with the goal of integrating traditional Japanese culture, artisanal skills, and researchers' aspirations into practical applications in society. In addition to implementing Japanese craftsmanship and decision-making processes in primary industries within AI, she is also involved in market implementation projects for research and development at Toyota Motor Corporation. She lectures on "Social Implementation of AI" at Digital Hollywood University and the University of Tsukuba, where she serves as an associate professor. She also serves as an advisor for the AICHI MOBILITY INNOVATION Project.
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Anna Kreshchenko
Flora
Anna Kreshchenko
CEO of Flora
Anna graduated from the Faculty of International Relations, Odessa National University of Ukraine. In 2017, she came to Japan as a MEXT scholar and enrolled in Kyoto University, Faculty of Law. Anna founded Flora in December 2020 to improve women's physical and mental wellbeing with the help of cutting-edge technology.Anna was awarded the Special Award as the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2023, selected as Forbes Japan “Next 100” and Forbes Asia & Japan 30 under 30 in 2024.
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Chisato Kunimoto
Cynthialy, Inc.
Chisato Kunimoto
Cynthialy, Inc. CEO
After engaging in business development at SAP and an AI startup, she founded an AI-focused agency. Subsequently, she established Cynthialy to accelerate the social implementation of generative AI. She is developing a generative AI talent development program called "AI Performer" and an AI Transformation (AIX) business for companies. She also founded the "Women AI Initiative," a community for female AI leaders, and she serves as a council member of the Generative AI Promotion Association, working towards the dissemination of generative AI.
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Fara Taraie
NewNormDesign/ Matinno
Fara Taraie
NewNormDesign CEO / Matinno founder
Fara is recognized for her work in sustainable design in construction. She earned her Master's in Architectural Engineering from Tokyo University and holds several certifications in sustainability and smart city design. Fluent in four languages, Fara has extensive experience in both large and small-scale projects in Japan and internationally. She founded NewNormDesign to transform modern unsustainable practices into environmentally friendly initiatives, aiming to enhance social impact by reducing waste and developing Japan's first material passport and sustainability assessment system. Fara also serves as a judge for JAFMA, is a board member of the Global Entrepreneurs Network Japan, and holds positions as Director and board member of Impactech Japan. Additionally, she is a member of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) and conducts multiple corporate workshops focused on sustainability, while serving on the board of Bscale Japan.
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Fumiaki Ikeno
Stanford University / Medical Officer of MedVenture Partners
Fumiaki Ikeno
Stanford University Principal Investigator/Physician, Director and Chief Medical Officer of MedVenture Partners
A graduate of Jichi Medical University, he began his research career at the Department of Cardiology,Stanford University, in 2001, where he was involved in research and development, animal testing,and clinical trials for a U.S. medical device venture. He has extensive advisory experience in themedical device field and is familiar with the medical situation in Japan and the United States. He hasalso participated in projects involving Japanese and U.S. regulatory authorities in medical devices andis working to establish a cross-border medical device ecosystem.In addition to his research, he has been teaching at Stanford University since 2002 as a member of the Stanford Biodesign Advisory Faculty, where he is training entrepreneurs in the medical devicefield. He is also deeply involved in the establishment of the Japanese version of Biodesign.In addition,he is actively working to establish a Silicon Valley-style medical device ecosystem in Japan.
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Fumito Matsuda
HERALBONY Co., Ltd.
Fumito Matsuda
Co-CEO,HERALBONY Co., Ltd.
After working in a general contractor company on the reconstruction of disaster-affected areas, Fumito established HERALBONY with his twin, Takaya Matsuda. He is the twin's older brother and a recipient of the 'Forbes 30 UNDER 30 JAPAN' award.
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Jett Glozier
Sound Diplomacy
Jett Glozier
Head of Business Development / Global Head of Infrastructure, Sound Diplomacy
Jett is the global lead on all cultural infrastructure projects for Sound Diplomacy. With a portfolio encompassing the comprehensive design, evaluation, and feasibility of diverse projects, he specialises in music venues, arenas, cultural hubs, and placemaking cultural districts. His focus extends to business planning and cultural policy, with a particular emphasis on the viability and strategy for new multi-use venues, creative studios, festivals, and events. In his role at Sound Diplomacy, Jett has successfully spearheaded cultural infrastructure projects in major global hubs, including London, Manchester, Sydney, Singapore, and various locations across the United States. Noteworthy achievements include leading the delivery of the cultural strategy for the Earl's Court Development Company Masterplan in London and serving as an executive consultant for the new Arts Venue at The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh.
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Junichi Ushiba
LIFESCAPES Inc. Keio University, Faculty of Science and Technology
Junichi Ushiba
Professor, Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University / President and CEO, LIFESCAPES Inc.
Born in Tokyo, Japan in 1978, he graduated from the Graduate School of Science and Technology at Keio University in 2004 with a doctorate in engineering. In the same year, he joined the Department of Bioinformatics as a research associate. Since then, he has served as a full-time lecturer ('07-), associate professor ('12-), and principal investigator ('14-'18) at the Keio Institute for Pure and Applied Sciences (KiPAS) before becoming a professor in 2022. He also serves as CEO of LIFESCAPES Inc. ('19-), a company that utilizes research results. He has received the “Young Scientist Award 2015 (Neuromedical Research by Brain-Machine Interface)” from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, as well as other awards. Focusing on the inherent “flexibility” of the brain, he aims to create technology that enables each individual to live a rich and humane life, and is involved in everything from basic research on brain-machine interface technology (BMI), which connects the brain and machines to assist physical movement, to applied research and the development of medical devices. The company is engaged in a full range of activities from basic research to applied research and the development of medical devices.
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Katsura Ito
National Personnel Authority
Katsura Ito
Commissioner of the National Personnel Authority
Katsura Ito is an accomplished strategic business leader in the software industry, with over 30 years of experience in various roles including Systems Engineering, Marketing, and Business Management. She is passionate about transforming traditional Japanese companies and organizations through digital transformation and fostering diverse talent. Katsura began her career at IBM Japan, then moved to Adobe Systems, and later joined Microsoft. At Microsoft, she held several leadership positions, including roles in Technology Evangelism, Startup eco-system, Sales, Customer Success, and ultimately served as Chief Learning Officer. In this capacity, she led digital skilling programs across Japan, supporting the digital transformation and modernization of numerous organizations and companies. In 2022, Katsura was appointed as a Commissioner of the National Personnel Authority (NPA), where she focuses on transforming government officials through digital skilling, promoting diversity, and innovating work styles.
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Kazuo Wakamiya
Metaverse Creators Inc. / uni'que/ Fukuoka Women University
Kazuo Wakamiya
Metaverse Creators Inc. CEO / uni'que CEO / Fukuoka Women University Guest Prof.
After a career as an architect and art researcher, transitioned into the IT industry, launching numerous new business ventures at NTT Docomo and DeNA. Founded uni'que in 2017, a startup focused on creating women-led businesses through "everyone's side hustle" approach, which was recognized by Toyo Keizai's "100 Amazing Ventures." Established Metaverse Creators in April 2023. Serves as an external consultant for companies like Shiseido and is actively involved in art and diversity fields beyond business. Published works include How to Art Thinking and Art Thinking Drill. Visiting Professor at Fukuoka Women’s University and Associate Visiting Professor at Nagano Prefectural University.
