This week’s Thursday Gathering spotlights the connections driving innovation across borders, campuses, and communities. From Japan-Korea startup exchange and university-industry dialogue to practical support for founders in Fukuoka, the program offers fresh ideas and meaningful opportunities to connect.
Date and Time: Thursday, June 25, 2026, 16:00 to 20:00
Location: ONE FUKUOKA BLDG. 6F SKY LOBBY
Admission: Free (registration required)
Registration & details: Event website (Japanese)
Event Highlights (In-person only):
16:00 – 16:50
Exploring Startup Ecosystem Collaboration Between Kyushu, Okinawa, and Korea: Pitches by Japanese and Korean Students and Faculty
What could deeper startup collaboration between Kyushu, Okinawa, and Korea look like? In this session, leaders from IP-focused university initiatives in Busan, Chungnam, and Jeju come to Fukuoka to explore possibilities for regional partnership in startup creation, global expansion support, entrepreneurship education, and talent development. The program also includes presentations from the three Korean universities, followed by pitches from Japanese and Korean student teams sharing the results of their ideathon.
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16:00 – 20:00
Networking
As always, networking is at the heart of Thursday Gathering. Throughout the evening, participants can meet fellow attendees, speakers, and guest presenters in a relaxed setting designed to spark conversation and collaboration. Up to three beers or soft drinks are provided free of charge, making it easy to connect, continue discussions after sessions, and enjoy new encounters along the way.
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17:00 – 17:15
How to Enjoy Thursday Gathering
New to Thursday Gathering? This interactive introduction is a great place to start. Learn about Venture Café Fukuoka’s weekly signature event, the mission behind the community, and why creating connections matters. Held every week, this session is ideal for anyone interested in joining the community and getting more out of the experience.
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17:30 – 18:20
What Universities Aim to Achieve Through Industry Collaboration: Initiatives from Universities Based at CIC
Fukuoka Institute of Technology, Nihon Fukushi University, and Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University come together to share their distinctive strengths, the value of having a base at CIC Fukuoka, and the future they hope to build through collaboration with companies and local communities. Through case studies and future perspectives, the session highlights the role universities can play by contributing education, talent, research, and international networks. It is a chance to think about new forms of collaboration connecting academia, business, and the wider region.
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18:30 – 19:20
How to Make the Most of Fukuoka Growth Next: Support from Startup Preparation to Business Expansion
Now entering its tenth year, Fukuoka Growth Next continues to support aspiring founders and help startups grow into the next generation of standout companies in Fukuoka. This session introduces three of FGN’s core programs: STARTUP ELITE Bootcamp, High Growth Program, and FUKUOKA SOCIAL START UP ACADEMY. Attendees will also hear a pitch from tamateco, an FGN resident company and STARTUP ELITE Bootcamp graduate, as it builds momentum ahead of its appearance at IVS2026 LAUNCHPAD in Kyoto on July 3.
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Organized by Venture Café Fukuoka
Languages: Japanese and/or English (varies by session)
All sessions are in-person only. Pre-registration required via the event website.