Timetable

As the world enters an era of significant transformation, emerging technologies are poised to revolutionize the economies and societies. Japan, recognizing this major shift, holds immense potential to drive the future through new value creation. In this session, the CEO of MUFG, one of Japan’s leading financial groups, will talk about Japan's promotion of innovation with an eye to the future and the evolving landscape of Japanese businesses. Through real-world examples and dialogues with startups, the session will highlight the potential of Japanese society and companies in shaping the future.

As the mission of universities continues to diversify and evolve, their role in nurturing talent and shaping changemakers, who will drive the transformation of society in the future, is becoming increasingly important. Against the backdrop of academia’s changing landscape, the presidents of two of Tokyo’s leading, and among Japan’s most renowned and oldest, universities will address the new challenges that institutions of higher learning, such as their own, need to take on.
Recent years have seen a rise in the number of students pursuing entrepreneurship not just as a means for achieving economic success, but also as a vehicle for creating a better society. The urgent mission that universities are charged with is to build and provide an environment for the cultivation of individuals who can collaborate with others coming from diverse backgrounds, and to create new value and find solutions to the challenges facing our society.

This session explores how quantum technology can pave the way to a sustainable future. Experts will discuss innovations brought about by quantum technology, including improvements in energy efficiency, environmental protection, and new material development. By considering the societal transformations made possible by the practical application of quantum technology, the session aims to offer new perspectives and approaches for building a sustainable future.

This session will feature key figures of leading corporate venture capital (CVC) firms from Indonesian and Malaysian conglomerates with a core focus on real estate, and the heavy industry and engineering sectors in Singapore, and a prominent independent venture capital (VC) firm in Vietnam, these entities are actively engaged in fostering collaboration between the ecosystems of Japan and various Southeast Asian countries. This session will introduce the latest trends within each country's ecosystem and the initiatives undertaken by these companies, followed by a discussion on the roles expected of Japanese startups and business corporations, as well as the opportunities for collaboration.

Our world is at a tipping point. As we confront a convergence of global challenges - from a rising population and deepening food insecurity to biodiversity loss and a changing climate - the need to radically rethink how we produce, distribute, and consume food has never been more urgent.
Innovation - especially from bold startups and visionary technologists - holds the key to feeding the future while protecting our planet. At FAO, we believe that harnessing the power of science, data, and digital tools can unlock a new era for agrifood systems: one that is more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable. But no one actor can do it alone. We need partnerships that bring together public policy, private ingenuity, and grassroots innovation.

As Japan’s startup ecosystem seeks to globalize, the internationalization of VCs is vital. This session features five Kauffman Fellows sharing how the program shaped their growth as global investors—through its selection, training, and powerful network. Drawing on their post-fellowship journeys, we’ll explore the impact of global VC mindsets and what it takes for Japanese VCs and CVCs to connect with the world and lead on the global stage.

Toshiaki HIGASHIHARA, Executive Chairman of Hitachi, Ltd., will explore the founding spirit that dates back 115 years and how it has shaped the Hitachi Group Identity.
The Chairman will also share insights into the mindset required of leaders driving social innovation and how this philosophy guides the company’s efforts to create a human-centric society through its Social Innovation Business. Furthermore, the session will highlight Hitachi’s Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) initiatives and the role of co-creation with startups in accelerating social innovation.