Organizer:The Ritsumeikan Trust
Powered by:Venture Café Tokyo
Co-organizer:Osaka Innovation Hub (OIH)
Support:Osaka Startup Ecosystem Consortium、JETRO Osaka
*The event will be held at Ritsumeikan University - Osaka Ibaraki Campus G Tower (Wakebayashi Memorial Building).
*The participation fee is free.
SIGN UP
[https://venturecafetokyo.org/event/oic-connect-30/
(https://venturecafetokyo.org/event/oic-connect-30/)
(*Please sign-up & pre-register to expedite your check-in process on the day of the event, where you will be required to create a name-tag to participate at the event)
OVERVIEW
OIC CONNÉCT is the innovation gathering held at Ritsumeikan University (Osaka Ibaraki Campus). The events will differ from time to time but will include lectures, speaker panels, and breakout sessions from a diverse range of innovations and networking. This is a great opportunity for innovators to be inspired, discover new opportunities, and connect with innovators.
SCHEDULE
16:30 - 17:00 | Session Area | HYBRID (In-person & Online Participation)
"How to enjoy OIC CONNÉCT【JPN/ENG】"
We will introduce the unique vision and atmosphere of OIC CONNÉCT and Venture Café Tokyo. Additionally, we’ll share some tips and simple guidelines to help everyone feel comfortable and enjoy connecting with each other in a relaxed and friendly manner. If this is your first time joining OIC CONNÉCT, be sure to check it out!
17:00 - 18:00 | Session Area | HYBRID (In-person & Online Participation)
"Pathways to a Borderless Future【ENG】"
In this session, we invite professionals who have excelled in both domestic and international arenas to share their insights and experiences on building a global career. The speakers will discuss topics such as overcoming challenges in international business environments, and leveraging their past experiences in their current roles. Through real-life stories and valuable advice, this session will broaden your perspective on thriving globally and inspire you to take concrete steps toward your future. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your horizons!
17:30 - 20:30 | Learning Area | In-person only(Pre-registration Required)
"Office Hours【JPN/ENG】"
Do you have ideas you’d like to discuss with someone, need help refining your business plan, or feel stuck and want to bounce career-related thoughts off someone? If so, Office Hours is here for you! Whether you're an active entrepreneur, someone considering starting a business, a corporate new business developer, or a student, anyone is welcome to take advantage of this opportunity. During OIC CONNÉCT, professionals from various fields will be available for 30-minute consultations to support your goals (free of charge, in-person only). OIC CONNÉCT is here to support all your challenges!
Mentors
Nobusato KOMATSU (JPN)
= President & CEO, Chuo Accounting Co., Ltd., | Director (Audit and Supervisory Committee Member), Securevaile Co., Ltd.
Hyoma SEKI (JPN)
= Seiho Investment Works Co., Ltd.
Ryusuke KOMURA (ENG)
= Venture Café Tokyo Executive Director
Pre-register here
18:00 - 19:00 | Session Area | HYBRID (In-person & Online Participation)
"Unlocking the Potential of Osaka-Kansai in Healthcare and Life Sciences【ENG】"
This session brings together innovators at the forefront of the healthcare industry in Osaka and the Kansai region to discuss the challenges and opportunities within the innovation ecosystem. As Japan faces pressing issues such as a declining birthrate and aging population, increasing social security costs, workforce shortages in healthcare and caregiving, and market saturation for medical devices and pharmaceuticals, innovation is essential to improve efficiency and quality in healthcare and caregiving. Additionally, the creation and utilization of related services are critical. The medical and healthcare fields also hold significant potential as growth industries, driven by the emergence of new domestic demand, such as health management, and the opportunity to capture overseas markets as a pioneer in addressing societal challenges. This underscores the urgent need to cultivate talent with advanced expertise and an international perspective. In this context, the session will feature speakers from diverse backgrounds in the healthcare sector, engaging in dialogue about concrete approaches to addressing these challenges. Topics include adapting to multicultural societies, fostering global collaboration, and exploring the legacy of the Osaka-Kansai Expo. Together, we aim to share insights on the potential of Osaka and Kansai in the healthcare and life sciences fields.
19:00 - 19:30 | Session Area | HYBRID (In-person & Online Participation)
"Côte d’Ivoire Startup Showcase【ENG】"
From Africa, home to a quarter of the world’s population, comes a wave of innovative startups. This pitch event showcases the dynamic startup ecosystem of West Africa, starting from Côte d’Ivoire, the economic hub of Francophone Africa. Experience the future of entrepreneurship here.
19:30 - 20:30 | Session Area | HYBRID (In-person & Online Participation)
"Bridging the Future of Kansai with International Students【ENG】"
This session will dive into the vital role of students and international entrepreneurs in shaping Kansai's innovation ecosystem. Featuring a representative from Kobe University's Entrepreneurship Club and an international student entrepreneur from Osaka University, the discussion will examine the current state of support networks for international entrepreneurial students in Kansai. Topics include the unique contributions of international students, the challenges and opportunities they face, the role of student communities in fostering innovation, and strategies for collaboration to build a thriving ecosystem. Attendees will gain actionable insights and participate in a Q&A to explore ways to bridge the future of Kansai with international students.
16:30 - 20:30 | Networking Area | In-person Only
"Exclusive for On-Site Participants! Three Special Activities to Enjoy English and Global Experiences"
For those joining us in person, we’ve prepared a variety of exclusive activities beyond the sessions that let you casually enjoy English and global connections! These programs are designed to be fun and accessible, even if you’re not confident in your English skills.
Don’t hesitate to join in—this is your chance to create unforgettable memories and forge new connections through unique experiences available only on the event day!
1. Speak English at the SOFA
"Feeling nervous about speaking in English?" Don’t worry! Our 10-minute mini-workshops held in the SOFA area are here to help. Facilitators will support your English networking efforts.
With a new discussion theme each time, this is a great chance to use English casually and enjoy connecting with others! Talk about topics like your favorite movies or hometown, and have fun engaging in English conversations with fellow participants.
2. Let’s Create a Recommended Restaurant Map!
Share your favorite Kansai dining spots in English! A large map will be set up at the venue where you can add restaurants recommended by other participants—just write them down in English!
Looking for the best takoyaki in Osaka? Or a cozy café in Kyoto? Check out the tips shared by others and discover your next destination!
3. Win a Prize with the Stamp Rally!
Enjoy all the activities of the event to earn a special prize! Complete the rally sheet by completing these missions:
・Add a restaurant to the "Recommended Restaurant Map"
・Participate in the "Speak English at the SOFA" booth
・Attend a session
Collect all three stamps and get an extra drink at the drink counter! Have fun mingling and make the most of the event!