TeSH Hosts ISHIKAWA Interdisciplinary Fes. 2026
Eight Universities and One Technical College Present 45 Research Seeds with Startup Potential

Date & Time:	Tuesday, July 7, 2026, 1:00 PM–5:30 PM
Networking Reception:	5:30 PM–6:30 PM
Venue:	DIAMOND, 2F, Hotel Kanazawa
Organizer:	Tech Startup HOKURIKU(TeSH)
Supporter:	Ishikawa Sunrise Industries Creation Organization (ISICO)

TeSH was selected in February 2024 as one of nine regional platforms under the Startup Ecosystem Co-Creation Program of the Japan Science and Technology Agency's (JST) University Startup Creation Fund.
TeSH's mission is to significantly enhance both the quality and quantity of academia-based startups in the Hokuriku region. To achieve this, TeSH launched the Interdisciplinary Fes initiative in FY2025 as a regionally rooted program that brings together local governments, startup support organizations, local companies, financial institutions, and alumni across the Hokuriku region.

The event attracted a total of 208 participants, including 38 representatives from private companies, 33 from prefectural and municipal governments, 8 from financial institutions and venture capital firms, 123 from universities and other educational institutions, and 6 from the media and other organizations.
The event opened with welcome remarks by President Terano of the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST) and President Wada of Kanazawa University, both serving as TeSH Program Representatives.

In the first session, keynote presentations on startup support initiatives were delivered by Mr. Saito, Director of the Industrial Policy Division, Department of Commerce, Industry, and Labor of Ishikawa Prefecture; Mr. Kakimoto, Director of the Industrial Policy Division, Economic Affairs Bureau of Kanazawa City; and Professor Uchida, TeSH Program Head at JAIST. They presented the startup support initiatives of Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa City, and TeSH, respectively.
Now in its fourth year, TeSH has positioned FY2026 as pivotal to accelerating startup creation.
The event also marked an important milestone in strengthening the TeSH–Local Government Collaboration Model.

In the second session, TeSH NEW Stars, Professor Kuwamura, and Representative Imanishi introduced KOGEI PLUS LLC, the first certified startup from Kanazawa College of Art, established in April 2026. This was followed by pitch presentations from six projects selected for the FY2026 TeSH Gap Fund Program. The presenters were Professor Unoki (JAIST), Associate Professor Osaka (Kanazawa University), Professor Kindo (Kanazawa Institute of Technology), Lecturer Sakamoto (Kanazawa Medical University), Director Ohata (Center for Health and Future Society Implementation, Hokuriku University), and Professor Yamaoka (Komatsu University). Constructive feedback on the pitches was provided by Mr. Konishi, President of Asian Bridge Co., Ltd., and Mr. Takada, President of Hokuriku Enterprise Development K.K.

In the third session, TeSH ISHIKAWA Seeds Pitch, researchers from eight universities and a technical college in Ishikawa Prefecture delivered 45 three-minute pitches showcasing promising research seeds across a wide range of fields. The 46 presenters representing 45 teams are all potential applicants for future TeSH Gap Fund programs. Although many were delivering a three-minute pitch for the first time, they gave clear, well-structured, and enthusiastic presentations within the allotted time.

Following the main program, a networking reception was held from 5:30 p.m. During the reception, eight outstanding presenters were recognized for their exceptional pitches, selected from among the 45 presentations. Certificates of recognition were presented to the award recipients by President Terano of the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), Trustee Kinuya of Kanazawa University, and President Miyakawa of Ishikawa Prefectural University.

		Nominators
Kanazawa University	Assistant Professor Hayato Koba	Asian Bridge
Hokuriku University	Professor Hisaaki Takahashi	HED
Kanazawa University	Assistant Professor Shinichiro Takashima	SMRJ
Kanazawa Institute of Technology	Associate Professor Takashi Fukue	HOKURIKU ECONOMIC FEDERATION Industrial Policy Division, Department of Commerce, Industry, and Labor of Ishikawa Prefecture
Ishikawa Prefectural University	Associate Professor Yusuke Ueno	Development Bank of Japan Inc.
Kanazawa University	Assistant Professor Yutaro Yamamoto	JETRO
Kanazawa University	Associate Professor Yusuke Masuo	ISICO
JAIST	Senior Lecturer Koki Ijuin	Industrial Policy Division, Economic Affairs Bureau of Kanazawa City

In closing, Trustee Kinuya of Kanazawa University, serving as a TeSH Program Head, delivered the closing remarks, bringing IIF2026 to a successful conclusion.

As a regional platform, TeSH will continue to leverage its strengths by promoting collaboration among the three Hokuriku prefectures and implementing sustainable, region-driven initiatives that continue to evolve.