NAGOYA CONNÉCT #121

NAGOYA CONNÉCT is a community event held on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of every month from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Nagono Campus, under the theme "Connect with Nagoya. Connect in Nagoya." Through lectures by diverse innovators and workshops that accelerate innovation, participants can gain new insights and expand their networks by leveraging shared experiences. Let’s broaden the circle of innovation and take on new challenges together.
Scroll down to see the details for each session.

Although there is a capacity limit shown on this page, participation is flexible, and walk-ins are more than welcome!
Online participation is also available. For more details, please visit the event page here:
https://community.venturecafetokyo.org/events/cc03503c-9d3a-4e84-90a3-c8c87bbe5c86

Operated by: Venture Café Tokyo
Hosted by: City of Nagoya
Participation is free.

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## ❏ Sessions

17:00 - 18:00 | HYBRID (In-person & Online) Opening the Future 2026 | NEDO × Deep Tech Startup This session features a business overview of "NEP (NEDO Entrepreneurs Program)," a startup support program by NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization) that encourages entrepreneurship in deep tech fields, followed by pitches from selected startups. A NEDO project representative will provide an overview of deep tech startup support and details of the NEP program. Additionally, startups selected for the NEP program will pitch their technologies and business models. We welcome anyone challenging the deep tech field or looking to utilize support systems.
【Presenters】

• Kanna OMAE | President & CEO, IZANA Inc. Founded IZANA Inc. in 2024 with ultra-sensitive magnetic sensing as its core technology, handling everything from R&D to manufacturing and sales. Engaged in magnetic sensing research at the Nagoya University Graduate School of Engineering. Started full-scale business development with a co-founder after being selected for the NEP "Pioneer" course during her Master's program. Currently working on commercializing manufacturing-based deep tech with support from the NEP "Leap" course.
• Taiyo KURODA | Founder & CEO, Helioverse Innovations Japan Co., Ltd. Founder and CEO of Helioverse Innovations Inc. and Helioverse Innovations Japan Co., Ltd. Gained clinical experience as a cardiac surgeon and engaged in R&D for artificial hearts at the Cleveland Clinic (USA). Founded this MedTech startup to develop fully implantable wireless power supplies and ultra-compact artificial hearts. Aims for the social implementation of next-generation medical technology through Japan-US collaboration.
• Kohei SHIMASAKI | Founder & CEO, SYNRA Inc. Majored in System Cybernetics at Hiroshima University Graduate School; engaged in high-speed image analysis and vibration sensing research after earning his PhD. Associate Professor at Hiroshima University Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering since October 2025. Founded SYNRA to implement non-contact facility visualization technology based on proprietary high-speed vision. Contributes to predictive maintenance and safety in manufacturing and infrastructure as a deep-tech entrepreneur.
• Yuta HIRAYAMA | Founder & CEO, ArchileonDesignLab Inc. / First-class Registered Architect Founded a University of Tokyo-affiliated venture in 2025 based on graduate research results. Works on creating new spatial designs and manufacturing infrastructure by merging architectural design with 3D printing and robotics. Participates in Mitou Advanced projects, ERATO projects, and NEDO business. Active internationally, including exhibitions at SXSW (USA) and InnoVEX (Taiwan). Currently promoting 3D-printed mold production and architectural product development.
• Seiji SHIRAKI | Team Leader, NEP Team, Startup Support Department, NEDO
• Mari KATO | Senior Project Manager, NEP Team, Startup Support Department, NEDO

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18:00 - 18:30 | HYBRID (In-person & Online) How to enjoy NAGOYA CONNÉCT We will explain the vision of Venture Café Tokyo and NAGOYA CONNÉCT. We will also provide information on the startup ecosystem in Nagoya. If you are participating in NAGOYA CONNÉCT for the first time, please be sure to watch this session.

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18:30 - 19:30 | HYBRID (In-person & Online) Changing Society Through Sports: The Power of Sports Beyond Competition Sports possess the power to change society beyond mere competition. Promoting gender equality and diversity are crucial themes directly linked to corporate value and sustainable growth. In this session, a university expert and a women's soccer team representative will discuss social transformation, female empowerment, and regional co-creation. Taking the Asian Games and Asian Para Games as a catalyst, we will explore challenges and possibilities seen on the ground and the roles the next generation can play. Produced by Sugiyama Gender Café

• High school and university students interested in sports and gender issues.
• Companies wishing to support women's sports or promote D&I.
• Anyone interested in the collaboration between sports, regions, and corporations for social contribution.

【Presenters】

• Aya NOGUCHI | Associate Professor, Seijo University / Deputy Director, International Research Center for Sport and Gender Equality (SGE) / Advisor, Pride House Tokyo A researcher and practitioner specializing in sports, gender, sexuality, and development. Played professional soccer in Sweden and worked on gender equality in Zambia. Served at the Japan Sports Agency before her current roles. Since 2020, she has been the project leader for the "ASEAN-Japan Actions on Sport: Gender Equality" project, promoting gender equality in sports policy across 11 Southeast Asian countries.
• Takashi HOTTA | Representative Director, LOVELEDGE Co., Ltd. / Attorney-at-Law Registered as an attorney in 2000. Involved in the management of Nagoya FC Ladies (now Loveledge Nagoya) since 2012. Became Chairperson of the NPO LOVELEDGE in 2016 and CEO of LOVELEDGE Co., Ltd. in 2020. Works to develop women's soccer and improve the status and environment for female athletes.

【Moderator】

• Shizuho OKATSU | Professor, Sugiyama Jogakuen University PhD in Physical Education. Specializes in "Sports and Gender" and "Women and Lifelong Sports." Serves as a lecturer for the Japan Sports Association on "Diverse Gender Identities in Physical Education and Sports" and holds executive roles in various academic and sports organizations. Research focuses on gender equality, diversity promotion, and ensuring sports rights for minorities.

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19:40 - 20:40 | HYBRID (In-person & Online) Which Game Will Female Entrepreneurs Choose? Love, Victory, or Both? Exploring the Reality of Female Entrepreneurs: Tokyo vs. Regional, Support vs. Investment What values and styles are female entrepreneurs using to weave their businesses today? Is it the form of "Victory" (pursuing hyper-growth and fundraising) or "Love" (deeply cultivating relationships and social significance)? This session features Yojiro Koshi (who experienced entrepreneurship and M&A in Thailand and now supports startups at STATION Ai), Takanori Oshiba from East Ventures (who watches over many female entrepreneurs at the forefront of seed investment), and female entrepreneurs continuing unique challenges in regional areas. We will delve into the philosophies they embed in their businesses and the growth models brought about by the differences between Tokyo and regional fields. We aim to reach the essence of whether "business growth" and "authenticity" can truly coexist in this era.
【Presenters】

• Takanori OSHIBA | Fellow, East Ventures Joined a startup immediately after its founding in 2004, serving as Director and President of a subsidiary. Moved to the VC industry in 2014, joining East Ventures (specializing in seed/early stage). Energetically supports entrepreneurs nationwide. Also a well-known industry blogger and columnist.
• Yojiro KOSHI | Representative Director, Koshi Works Co., Ltd. Born in 1984. Graduate of the University of Tokyo. Founded TalentEx in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2013, operating "WakuWaku," the largest Japanese-language job site in Thailand. After business withdrawal and restructuring due to the pandemic, he successfully executed an M&A of the WakuWaku business to Porters Corporation in 2024. Founded Koshi Works in January 2026 to start anew. A father of three.
• Kana MITSUHASHI | Representative, Nenne Bouquet / Child Sleep Specialist Founded her business in 2021 after experiencing postpartum depression triggered by her child's sleep issues. Has provided over 2,500 consultations with a 97% improvement rate for infant night crying. Currently building "Sleep Consultation Desk" models in collaboration with clinics and nurseries. 2025 "GIRAFFES JAPAN RED CHUBU" finalist. Author and former announcer.
• Katrin MIYAZAWA | Representative, ZANFT organic Born in Berlin, Germany. After working at NGK Spark Plug for 6 years in sustainability education, she founded "ZANFT organic," an ethical sportswear brand. Achieved over 200% of her crowdfunding goal for products using organic cotton and traditional Arimatsu Shibori techniques. Expert speaker for corporations, universities, and the UN. Selected for the 2025 "FLARE AICHI" female entrepreneur program.
• Yukari KAWAI | Founder, Hettette / Canon Marketing Japan Inc. / Nurse & Public Health Nurse After working as a nurse at Nagoya University Hospital for 6.5 years, she joined Canon Marketing Japan as an industrial health nurse. Developed the headache self-care support service "Hettette" through an internal entrepreneurship scheme. Part of the 10th cohort of APT WOMEN (Tokyo's growth promotion program for female ventures).

【Moderator】

• Rie ONIKI | Representative Director, eight Co., Ltd. Founded eight Co., Ltd. in 2014, focusing on work-life balance support, corporate training, and female entrepreneur development. Received the Grand Prize at the 2023 SENTAN Business Plan Contest. Co-founder of Nantsuna LLC (2024). Hosts the official Toyota City YouTube channel and is preparing a podcast with guest Yojiro Koshi titled "Entrepreneurial Tales of Tears." Mother of three.

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17:30 - 21:00 | In-person Only
Networking
All participants of NAGOYA CONNÉCT are invited to network. Let's expand the circle of innovation together through this program.