Summer Program

Key Information

Program Structure

1. Entrepreneurship Module

Academic Lead: Associate Prof. Stephane Yu Matsushita

Participants engage in project-based learning focused on social challenges in collaboration with local and regional contexts. The module is designed as a step-by-step process from identifying a problem to developing and communicating a feasible value proposition.

·         Problem Identification – exploring and defining social or market needs

·         Opportunity Assessment – examining the significance and potential of identified challenges

·         Market Exploration – mapping stakeholders, users, needs, and the surrounding environment

·         Problem Reframing – revisiting the initial problem based on research and field insights

·         Value Design – developing a value proposition

·         Feasibility Assessment – considering implementation and execution

·         Pitch and Final Presentation – communicating the proposed solution clearly and persuasively

2. Laboratory Activity Module

Participants are placed in Tohoku University laboratories according to their academic background and interests. They experience research activities and projects under the guidance of faculty members and researchers. The laboratory experience is integrated with the entrepreneurship module so that participants can consider how research-based expertise and technologies may contribute to solving real-world challenges.

Planned laboratory activity dates:

·         December 8–9: afternoon sessions

·         December 11: afternoon session

·         December 15–16: full-day sessions