The University of Aizu-Industry Linkage Forum

From Budget and Planning Section

The University of Aizu-Industry Linkage Forum in Aizu, was held by the University of Aizu and the foundation Koriyama Technopolis Promotion Organization in the auditorium of the University of Aizu on Tuesday, October 27th with the support of the Tohoku Bureau of International Trade and Industry and Aizu-Wakamatsu City.

Approximately 250 people, including both representatives from private enterprises in the Aizu region, other areas of Fukushima and nearby prefectures, and concerned government officials, attended the forum with the aim of creating opportunities for linkage and exchange between industry and the university.

After the opening addresses by University President Shoichi Noguchi and Chairman Zenbei Otaka of the Koriyama Technopolis Promotion Organization, Mr. Shunpeita Tamada, Division Chief, Industrial Technology Division, Industrial Measures Bureau, Ministry of International Trade and Industry gave a lecture titled "Promotion of innovations by university-industry linkage", and explained the importance of the industrial innovations resulting from tie-ups between universities and industry.

Following this, Liaison Officer Junichi Tanaka of the Aizu Liaison Office talked about the Liaison Office's services and fundamental concepts behind the promotion of joint research and development by the university and enterprises. Then, Mr. Shohei Muroi, Executive Director, Aizu Electronic Information Industries Cooperative, reviewed the process by which joint research with the University of Aizu led to the production of English conversation software for primary school students. Finally, University Vice-President Tetsuhiko Ikegami briefly introduced the contents of each faculty member's research.

A buffet-style party was held in the cafeteria where participants and faculty members exchanged opinions on university-industry linkage, deepened exchanges, and built up relationships full of hope for future linkage between the university and industry.

The University of Aizu-Industry Cooperation Forum in Tokyo will be held on Monday, December 21st in the Sumitomo Sky Room on the 47th floor of the Sumitomo Building in Shinjuku, Tokyo.