Speakers
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Tomoki Osato
SoraMaterials inc.
Tomoki Osato
SoraMaterials inc. CEO
During university, served as a pilot for a "Birdman" club focused on human-powered aircraft.Conducted research on composite materials using carbon nanotubes (CNT) as a Special Collaborative Research Fellow at ISAS/JAXA.Completed a master's degree in Chemical Systems Engineering at Nagoya University, earning the Outstanding Master's Thesis Award.Worked in the Manufacturing Technology Department at IHI Corporation (seconded to IHI Aerospace), developing manufacturing technologies for aerospace applications using composite materials.Co-founded SoraMaterials Inc. after experience in a consulting firm and assumed the role of CEO.
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Tomonori Iwata
Nagoya Railroad Co., Ltd.
Tomonori Iwata
Nagoya Railroad Co., Ltd. Business Creation Dept./General Manager
After joining Nagoya Railroad Co., Ltd. in 2000, engaged in group business management, consolidated accounting, and fundraising.Since 2017, involved in new business development, leading the establishment of Meitetsu Drone Academy and promoting co-creation with startups.Since 2023, in the current position, managing Meitetsu Open Innovation Lab.
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Toshihiko Tsukamoto
Illumi Medical Inc.
Toshihiko Tsukamoto
Illumi Medical Inc. CEO
The company is taking on the challenge of establishing the world's first “transvascular optical delivery system/device technology for light irradiation of extravascular tissues” by combining two of Japan's strongest technologies: “IVR technology for device delivery into blood vessels” and “cutting-edge laser technology. By achieving this, the company believes it will be able to “create medical devices capable of selective light irradiation of affected areas, including deep inside the body” and innovate to “significantly expand the indications for phototherapy and photodiagnosis and provide products on a global scale.
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Toshio Sumi
CITY of NAGOYA
Toshio Sumi
Director Startup Support Division, Innovation Promotion Department Economic Affairs Bureau, CITY of NAGOYA
After joining the Nagoya City government in 1998, I worked on industrial development in the Economic Affairs Bureau following my duty at Nagoya City University.I managed incubation facilities and engaged in university-industry collaboration office work. Starting with “Robo Cup 2017 Nagoya Japan”, I supported robotics and AI-related projects in the area of verification tests for advanced technologies.In 2018, I proposed the "Nagoya Innovation Strategy" to advance the establishment of "NAGOYA INNOVATOR'S GARAGE" and "NAGONO CAMPUS".I am managing a couple of startup projects as the first director of the startup support division, while also working as a member of the staff office at the Central Japan Startup Ecosystem Consortium.
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Tosihihiro Nakatomi
TOHO GAS Co., Ltd
Tosihihiro Nakatomi
TOHO GAS Co., Ltd Digital Transformation Promotion Dept. / IT Senior Expert
Except for 8 years in the middle of my career, I have been in the IT department for almost 20 years since I joined the company. I have mainly planned and implemented terminal, network, and system development technologies. Recently, I have been working on the implementation of DX-related technologies such as cloud computing and agile.
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Takehiro Ueda
Author
Takehiro Ueda
Author
Born in 1979 in Hyogo Prefecture. After graduating from the Faculty of Law at Waseda University, he participated in the launch of a corporate solutions company and continued writing while serving as an executive. In 2013, he made his debut by winning the 45th Shincho Newcomer Award for "Taiyo" (The Sun). In 2015, he won the 28th Yukio Mishima Prize for "My Lover." In 2016, he was selected as one of GRANTA magazine's Best of Young Japanese Novelists. In 2018, he received the 68th Minister of Education's Newcomer Award for Fine Arts for Towers and Gravity. In 2019, he won the 160th Akutagawa Prize for "Nimrod." In 2022, he received the 46th Kawabata Yasunari Literary Award for "Without Travel." In 2024, he won the 30th Shimase Award for Love Stories for Beloved. His works include The Sun and Planets, My Lover, Friends from a Foreign Land, Towers and Gravity, Nimrod, Cue, Without Travel, Lack of Gravity, Beloved, K+ICO, and The Story of the Multi-Headed Beast.
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Victor Ejeh
Office of Nigeria Digital Innovation (ONDI), NITDA
Victor Ejeh
Office of Nigeria Digital Innovation (ONDI), NITDA / Acting Head of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Desk
Victor Ejeh is a dynamic leader and innovator driving digital transformation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria’s burgeoning tech ecosystem. As Program Officer at the Office of Nigeria Digital Innovation (ONDI), a division of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Victor spearheads programs that empower startups, foster regional innovation hubs, and align Nigeria’s digital economy with global best practices.Victor’s expertise spans startup mentorship, policy design, and strategic project management. Before his role at ONDI, Victor worked as a Management Consultant at Hawksworth Advisors, where he managed strategic projects in digital transformation, economic infrastructure, and education, collaborating with public and private stakeholders. His contributions have been instrumental in initiatives such as the $125 million TESS ICT Infrastructure Project and policy frameworks for the Marine and Blue Economy sectors.
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Vivienne Sato
artist
Vivienne Sato
Artist, Writer, Non-Architect, Drag Queen
Artist | Writer | Unbuilt Architecture | Drag QueenAn unorthodox creator across all genres, Vivienne has proudly embraced an identity as a drag queen for 30 years. Vivienne serves as a town revitalization consultant throughout Japan and am the tourism ambassador for Onomichi. As a talent affiliated with Sun Music, Vivienne also holds the position of visiting professor at Taisho University."My deep love for Shinjuku is reflected in my declaration: "I am Shinjuku." "Shinjuku is me."
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Yasuhiko Yurimoto
Global Brain Corporation
Yasuhiko Yurimoto
Global Brain Corporation CEO
Yasuhiko founded Global Brain after holding senior positions in Citibank N.A. and Fuji Bank (Mizuho Bank).Leveraging his experience as a founder and overcoming financial crisis in 2000 and 2008, he is a mentor to many entrepreneurs.
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Yasuhisa Ushida
Nagoya University
Yasuhisa Ushida
Nagoya University Designated Associate Professor
豊田合成株式会社に入社後、高輝度青色LEDの開発および事業の立ち上げ・拡大に従事。開発を通じて培ったGaN材料に関する技術を活かし、新規応用分野の開拓を目的として名古屋大学へ出向。社会実装に向けた研究を実施し、次世代ディスプレイ、高周波回路、ワイヤレス電力伝送などの分野に取り組む。
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Yasuo Murata
Future Food Fund Inc.
Yasuo Murata
Future Food Fund Inc. Fund Maneger
Fund manager of Future Food Fund, a CVC that invests in startups at Oisix Ra Daichi Co., Ltd. I was fundraising for Future Food Fund No. 1 Investment Limited Partnership in 2019 and No. 2 in 2024. Prior to moving to CVC, I worked as a product merchandising manager at Oisix and in business management for real shops. I specialize in plant physiology and completed a master's degree at the Graduate School of Science at Osaka City University.
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Yohei Azakami
Zebras and Company Inc.
Yohei Azakami
Zebras and Company Inc. Co-Founder
Graduated from the School of Commerce at Waseda University. After working at a media company, a digital agency, and a startup, became inspired by the “zebra” philosophy, which strives to address social issues while maintaining sustainable business practices. In 2021, co-founded Zebras and Company together with Tabuchi and Suyama. By leveraging marketing, branding, and storytelling, helps zebra companies expand their network of supporters and drive business growth. In December 2024, oversaw and published the Japanese translation of Adventures in Finance through Eiji Press.
