President Yoshida Attends Gifu Startup Conference 2026
On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, President YOSHIDA Kazuhiro of Gifu University attended the Gifu Startup Conference 2026, held at Minamo Hall on the first floor of the Gifu Prefectural Government Office (Gifu City).
The conference is an annual general meeting-style event that brings together members and stakeholders of the Gifu Startup Support Consortium, which was established in June 2023 to promote the creation and growth of startups through collaboration among industry, academia, finance, and government, thereby contributing to the development of the Gifu Prefecture economy. The event was moderated by Ms. SATO Ai (currently enrolled in the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology), a member of Gifu University's Start-up Club and Representative Director of Unique Agri Co., Ltd.
During the conference, a certification ceremony was held for four companies selected as Gifu Prime Startups for FY2026. The designation is awarded annually to outstanding companies that serve as role models for startups in the prefecture. The event also featured a panel discussion involving student entrepreneurs, Gifu Prefectural Governor ESAKI Yoshihide, and experienced entrepreneurs, providing participants with insights into the startup ecosystem and its future prospects.
During the Gifu Prime Startup certification ceremony, President Yoshida, who also serves as Vice Chair of the Consortium, congratulated the four newly certified companies, stating: "As new startups continue to emerge across Gifu, I sincerely hope that you will take the lead in shaping the future and driving the region forward."
In the panel discussion, Mr. SUGIMOTO Ryota (student of the Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University) and President and CEO of Umai Japan Inc., a certified Business Ventures Originating from GU, and Ms. KITAGAWA Aiko (a student of the Faculty of Regional Studies), President and CEO of the student venture GIVE LOVE Co., Ltd., participated as representatives of student entrepreneurs in the prefecture. Under the theme "Growing Startups: Envisioning the Future with Gifu," they posed questions unique to student entrepreneurs to Governor Esaki and Mr. MATSUSHITA Ken, President and CEO of OPTIMIND Inc., an accomplished entrepreneur. Topics included collaboration with local communities, talent recruitment, and selecting suitable mentors, leading to a lively exchange of ideas.
Gifu University will continue to collaborate with industry, academia, finance, and government through the Consortium to support the creation and growth of startups that generate meaningful social impact.
