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Nagoya University × University of Colorado Joint Innovation Pitch - Startup Business Idea Presentation in Nagoya
-- Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Aging Societies --

FY2023 MEXT Inter-University Exchange Project "U.S.-Japan Co-Creation of Interdisciplinary Leaders for Differentiated Growth"

Final Presentation Announcement

As part of the international entrepreneurship program "Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Aging Societies" jointly organized by Nagoya University and the University of Colorado, students from both countries have worked intensively for two weeks to develop startup ideas that address the societal challenges of aging.

The program will conclude with a final pitch event, where students will present their startup proposals. We invite you to witness the creativity and ambition of these future global leaders.

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Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025

Time: 13:00-14:30

Venue: Idea Stoa, 1st Floor, NIC, Nagoya University (Google Map)

Theme: Startup business ideas addressing the challenges of aging societies

Presenters: Student teams from Nagoya University and the University of Colorado

Judges & Commentators: Nagoya University faculty, Dr. Ryoichi Ichihashi (Director, Kagayaki Home Healthcare Clinic)

Free Admission / Free Light Meals & Drinks

Sample Presentation Topics (tentative)

• Remote health management services for the elderly

• AI-driven mobility solutions to support community-based healthcare and welfare

• Digital platforms promoting social participation of senior citizens

• Real-world problem-solving inspired by feedback from healthcare professional

Registration

If you would like to attend this event, please register in advance using the link below. (Free admission, with light meals & drinks provided.)

https://forms.office.com/r/V56KbM15aV

Program Title

Nagoya University × University of Colorado Joint International Program
Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Aging Societies

Program Overview and Objectives

"Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Aging Societies" is a new international education program launched in collaboration between Nagoya University and the University of Colorado Boulder. The goal of the program is to bring together students from Japan and the U.S. to co-create and propose innovative solutions to the urgent global challenge of population decline and aging.

The program consists of two phases. In March, students participated in an online preparatory course, where they acquired foundational skills in design thinking and global teamwork. In May, an in-person program was held in Japan, with Nagoya University as the base, combining field visits, lectures, site tours, and cultural experiences. Through visits to healthcare facilities, government offices, and startup incubators, students developed practical insights and solutions rooted in real-world challenges.

Japan, where aging is progressing rapidly, is often considered a "window into the future," requiring innovation across healthcare, welfare, community development, and technology. This program provided participants with both academic and practical opportunities to tackle such challenges, culminating in a final pitch of their startup ideas.

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Program Outcomes

• Real-world social issue engagement
  Students explored solutions to the challenge of rapid aging by integrating technology, culture, and policy.

• Global collaboration and entrepreneurial experience
  International teams worked creatively and practically to design startup solutions.

• Learning from experts and professionals
  Lectures and site visits from startups, researchers, and government officials broadened students' perspectives.

• Practical skills for future careers
  Students gained critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

• Cross-cultural and human networking
  Connections with global peers and mentors nurtured growth on both professional and personal levels.

This program also contributes to the ongoing internationalization of education and research at Nagoya University, and it lays the groundwork for future collaboration with global partner institutions.

Program Duration and Structure

The program was conducted in two phases:

Phase 1: Online Preparatory Program (March 2025)

Contents:

• Introduction to Design Thinking

• Problem Definition and Hypothesis Building

• International team collaboration through online discussions

Phase 2: In-Person Program in Japan (May 15-25, 2025)

Locations:
Nagoya University (Tsurumai & Higashiyama Campuses), Greater Nagoya area, Nakatsugawa City, Tokyo

Activities:

• Field visits to healthcare and government institutions focused on aging and integrated care

• Lectures and site tours of startups in AI, mobility, and health tech

• Incubation facility visits, hypothesis testing, and idea development

• Final business pitch presentations

Participants

Students

• ~5 undergraduate students from the University of Colorado Boulder and Denver

• Several students from Nagoya University

Faculty & Coordinators

• Samuel Goodman (Program Coordinator, Ludus Group / Colorado House)

• Hitoki Hasegawa (Lecturer, Office of International Medical Education, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University)

• Sawako Tanaka (URA, Tongali / NU Academic-Industry Innovation Hub)

Program Schedule (Excerpt)