On Thursday, September 4, 2025, the Joint Symposium 2025 of the Integrated Initiative for Designing Future Society and Data-Driven Innovation Initiative was held at the Inamori Foundation Memorial Hall (Inamori Hall) on Kyushu University’s Ito Campus and online. 123 participants from within and outside the university, including representatives from companies, local governments, and universities, attended. This year’s symposium, themed “The Future of Food Originating from Kyushu,” was designed as a forum to explore cutting-edge research aimed at solving social issues and creating new value, as well as possibilities for collaboration and co-creation with local communities.
Opening Remarks
President Ishibashi, Director of the Integrated Initiative, delivered the opening address. He introduced initiatives based on the university’s “Kyushu University Vision 2030” and outlined the roles of the Integrated Initiative for Designing Future Society and Data-Driven Innovation Initiative.
Keynote Speech
Director Kizuki delivered a keynote speech titled “Towards Solving Food-Related Social Issues and Creating New Value,” presenting approaches to addressing these challenges.
Invited Lecture 1
Mr. Kenta Yamato, Representative Director of KAICO Co., Ltd., delivered a lecture titled “Changing the World with Silkworms.” He shared valuable insights into the company’s approach to tackling social challenges through its initiatives as a Kyushu University-spinoff venture.
Initiatives Introduction (FS Section)
Prof. Atsuhiko Isobe (Research Institute for Applied Mechanics), Sub-Leader of the Environment and Food Unit, and Prof. Takahiro Nakamura (Faculty of Agriculture) introduced the following two research programs:
“Environmental Plastics Research Complex (EPReC)”: Addressing environmental plastic pollution
“Sustainable Food Resource Design Research Program”: Knowledge and practices for cultivating the future of food
Invited Lecture 2
Mr. Fumitaka Fujiwara, Planning Officer at the Cabinet Office’s Science and Technology Innovation Promotion Office, delivered a lecture titled “Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy.” He introduced national policy trends based on the next Science and Technology Innovation Basic Plan.
Initiatives Introduction (DX Section)
Executive Director Uchida, Deputy Head of the Integrated Initiative, gave a presentation on “Initiatives Toward a Data-Driven Society and Their Applicability in the Food Sector,” discussing the potential for societal transformation from a DX perspective.
Panel Discussion
Following a presentation of proposal drafts by Design Director Okada on the theme “Toward Think Tank × Environment and Food Proposals,” a lively exchange of opinions took place involving Regional Support Writer Mori and relevant faculty members from the university.
Closing Remarks
Finally, Vice President/Pro-Vice President and Director Aratono, Deputy Head of the Integrated Initiative, delivered closing remarks. He discussed insights gained through the symposium and future prospects. He concluded by expressing gratitude to all participants and encouraging continued engagement and support for the university’s initiatives.
This symposium served as a step toward building a future society through co-creation with the local community, widely sharing Kyushu University’s efforts to realize its vision of being “a university that drives social transformation through comprehensive knowledge.” We kindly ask for your continued attention to the university’s activities.
We sincerely thank everyone who participated.
Materials from the invited lectures and initiative presentations can be viewed below.
＜Program＞
13:00-13:05 Opening Remarks
13:10-13:30 Keynote Speech
13:30-14:20 Invited Lecture 1
– Break –
14:30-15:10 FS Initiative Case Studies
15:10-15:40 Invited Lecture 2
15:40-15：55 DX Initiative Case Study
– Break –
16:10-17:10 Panel Discussion
“Toward Proposals from the Think Tank Unit and the Environment & Food Unit”
17:10-17:15 Closing Remarks
