Shoichi Teshiba

Executive Officer – MACNICA Holdings, Inc.

MACNICA Inc. was established in 1972, and has been providing leading-edge semiconductors, electronic devices, networking and cyber security products with high value-added technology. More recently, Macnica has been actively developing new businesses in the fields of Smart Manufacturing, Cyber Physical System Security, Smart City, Mobility, Food/Agri-tech, Circular Economy driven by its global sourcing and strategic planning strength for world-leading technologies. Macnica provides unique services and solutions, creating social value and contributing to the betterment of future societies. Headquartered in Yokohama, Macnica’s global business spans 26 countries and 92 locations worldwide.Shoichi Teshiba, Executive Officer – MACNICA Holdings, Inc. has 33　year experience in semiconductor/electronics component sales & marketing business for multiple segments including storage, networking, consumer electronics, industrial equipment and automotive. He has extensive experience in assisting foreign start-ups to successfully enter the Japanese market by leveraging MANICA group’s customer base and technology expertise. Being the General Manager of the group’s Global Innovation Sourcing Department, he is looking forward to meeting the leading-edge technology companies.

Shosuke Kiba

Universal Materials Incubator Co., Ltd. Managing Partner

After joining Toyota Tsusho Corp., seconded temporarily to Toyota Motor Corp., and later worked in the startup of new business in the functional materials field, as well as investments in material related venture companies, and support for global rollout. In 2012, he joined The Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (currently INCJ, Ltd.), where he started up a material/chemicals team, and contributed to the planning of UMI, where he was formally named as a partner in April 2016. He appointed the Program Director of Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program(SIP) led by the Japanese Council for Science, Technology and Innovation (CSTI) in April 2023. He completed degrees in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, and the Graduate School of Bio-Applications and Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology. He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering.

Shota Maeda

Takumi Engineering, Inc.　CEO

He graduated from the Faculty of Law, University of Tokyo. Having aspired to become a lawyer since childhood, he decided to start a startup during his graduate school years. We provide "Takumi Force," a factory management DX system for the manufacturing industry.

Shuhei Okazumi

Ine to Agave Brewery

Born in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. After graduating from university, studied sake brewing in Akita Prefecture. In 2021, opened "Ine to Agave Brewery" in Oga City, Akita Prefecture. Produces a new genre of alcohol called "Craft Sake" while also managing the restaurant "Tsuchi to Kaze" (Earth and Wind). In spring 2023, launched "SANABURI FACTORY," a food processing facility, and began producing mayonnaise made from sake lees. In August of the same year, opened "Ogaya," a ramen shop featuring recipes supervised by Ippudo. Serving as the first chairman of the Craft Sake Brewery Association. Named in Forbes JAPAN CULTURE-PRENEURS 30. Winner of ICC Crafted Catapult Grand Prix

Shuji Honjo

Managing Director, Honjo International / Visiting Professor, Tama Graduate School of Business

Dr. Honjo advises startups, large companies, and investors in Japan, US and Asia. He is active in entrepreneurial education and community development, as a mentor with Techstars, Endeavor, Shido Next Innovator, Fukuoka Prefecture etc. He is also Chair, Health Ministry's Medical Entrepreneurship Committee, a committee member of IPA's MITOU Advanced Program, and a judge of Japan Startup Award. He has consultingexperiences with BCG Tokyo and CSC in California. He was Assistant to Chairman and Group Strategy Manager at CSK/SEGA Group and Represented General Atlantic, a US growth equity firm, in Japan.

Shunsuke Toya

Prodrone Corporation CEO

Shunsuke Toya was engaged in motor sports industry both domestically and abroad when he worked at Dentsu Meitetsu Communications Inc. He joined a Drone Project Working Group when he was a branch manager of the Tokyo office. In 2019, Mr.Toya held a Drone World Cup which was certified by FAI first time in Japan and held a symposium which aimed at Air Mobility Revolution. Fascinated by the possibility of air business, Mr. Toya joined PRODRONE as CEO in 2021 and is committed to bringing the company to becoming the Standard of Air Mobility.

Shunya Chosokabe

FiberCraze Co., Ltd.

Born in Ichinomiya City, Aichi Prefecture in 1997. He has been passionately playing soccer for 17 years since the age of 5. Master of Engineering from Gifu University, specializing in polymer chemistry. Sensing the great potential of the technology he was engaged in research, he took his 2nd year off from graduate university and founded a company with his professor at 23. By combining technological capabilities based in the Gifu region as a textile production center, they are working to prevent infectious diseases caused by mosquitoes and other vectors and to develop fluorine-free materials and other products. Selected for Forbes Japan 30 UNDER 30 in 2023.

Shusaku Hayakawa

RYUKYU ASTEEDA Sports Club Co., Ltd./Chairman and CEO

Faced with the disappearance of his father just before his university entrance exams, he funded his own education by delivering newspapers and gained admission to Meiji University. During his time at the university, he established his first business. He later served as a secretary to a former Prime Minister, where he honed his skills in politics and management.At the age of 28, he ran for the House of Representatives, finishing as a runner-up. He subsequently founded one of Japan's largest executive networking organizations. He has served as an advisor or consultant to approximately 90 companies, playing a key role in guiding venture businesses.In 2018, he was appointed as the CEO of Ryukyu Astida Sports Club Co., Ltd. In March 2021, under his leadership, the company became the first professional sports team in Japan to go public. In April of the same year, he established Kyushu Astida Co., Ltd., a subsidiary, and assumed the position of Director.He also serves as a lecturer at the Meiji University Graduate School of Business Administration (MBA Program) and as a visiting professor at the University of the Ryukyus and Akita University.In December 2021, he published "The Miracle of Ryukyu Astida" and was named one of Forbes JAPAN’s “100 Faces of the Year.”

Shusaku Hirota

Henge Inc. CEO

Born in 1980, he is a researcher and brand consultant. After graduating from the University of Tokyo with a degree in engineering, he worked as a director at NHK, followed by roles in marketing, new business development, and brand consulting at Dentsu Inc. In August 2018, he founded Henge Inc., a company specializing in corporate brand development. They are actively involved in creating unique brand strategies and driving innovation projects.

Soichi Inai

Nikkei Inc. Head of Editorial Department, Nagoya Branch

Stephen J Shaw

X·Y Worldwide Co-CEO

Stephen J Shaw, is a data scientist, demographer, and produced the documentary Birthgap. in 2024 he co-founded non-profit organization X·Y Worldwide with former Hungarian President Katalin Novak to raise awareness of the near-global birthrate crisis.

Suzuki Kaori

XTech Ventures Inc. Investment Manager＆Chief of Staff

Born in Mie Prefecture, graduated from Doshisha University, and joined Recruit Communications Co., Ltd. after graduation. Engaged in business design and internal consulting. In August 2021, joined XTech Ventures as a capitalist. Currently serves as an Investment Manager and Chief of Staff, handling everything from investment activities to fund management and organizational operations.