The First Lab Tour for the Gifu University Entrepreneurs' Association

On Thursday, August 27, 2026, the first lab tour for members of the Gifu University Entrepreneurs' Association¹ was held at the Intelligent Production Technology Research & Development Center for Aerospace (IPTeCA) of Gifu University, with 14 members participating.

This inaugural lab tour was organized to provide members with an opportunity to observe firsthand Gifu University's research activities and human resource development initiatives. The event aimed to deepen participants' understanding of the university's research endeavors while fostering new opportunities for interaction and collaboration between the university and member companies.

The tour began with opening remarks by IPTeCA Director, Specially Appointed Professor SAKAI Akihito. This was followed by a presentation from Professor YOSHIDA Yoshinori, Director of the Center for Advanced Smart Die Engineering Technology, who introduced the center's initiatives and activities. Subsequently, Professor ITO Kazuaki of IPTeCA provided an overview of the center, including its establishment, efforts to cultivate professionals in the aerospace field, research and development activities, and collaborations with regional and international partners.

Following the presentations, participants toured facilities within IPTeCA, including the collaborative experimental open space and the production technology research laboratory. As they viewed the research equipment up close, participants listened attentively to explanations about ongoing projects and technologies. Through the tour, they gained a deeper understanding of the university's research and development efforts and its approach to human resource development.

The event concluded with a question-and-answer session, after which Mr. Oguri, Vice Chair of the association, delivered closing remarks to bring the first lab tour to a successful close.

The Gifu University Entrepreneurs' Association will continue to offer opportunities such as lab tours to introduce its members to the university's distinctive research activities and initiatives. Through these efforts, the association aims to further strengthen networking among members and deepen collaboration between member companies and Gifu University.

1) English name is tentative