Thursday Gathering #90 brings together three timely discussions: the development of healthcare startups in Kyushu, stronger connections among Fukuoka’s startup support hubs, and the changing role of people and organizations in the age of AI.
Date and time: Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, 16:00–20:00
Venue: ONE FUKUOKA BLDG., 6F SKYLOBBY
Admission: Free, advance registration required
Language: Primarily Japanese; networking in Japanese and English
Details and registration: Event website
Event Highlights (In-person only):
16:00–16:50
Healthcare Startups: The Current Landscape and Future Vision
This session introduces the Kyushu Healthcare Startup Lab, or KS Lab, which has been selected by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as a regional hub supporting the practical implementation of healthcare startups.
Ai Higuchi, CEO of Human Physical Intelligence, will present a real-world example, while Reito Watanabe of β Venture Capital will discuss care-related investments and startup fundamentals. Their presentations will be followed by a panel discussion.
16:00–20:00
Networking
Networking will continue throughout the event, offering opportunities to meet other participants, speakers and members of the Venture Café Fukuoka community. Attendees can enjoy up to three complimentary beers or soft drinks.
17:00–17:15
How to Enjoy Thursday Gathering
A short, interactive introduction to Thursday Gathering, Venture Café Fukuoka’s mission and community, and how participants can make meaningful connections through the weekly program.
17:30–18:15
Meetup for Thursday Gathering Beginners
Venue: 7F CIC Fukuoka meeting room
Designed for first-time participants, this informal orientation and meetup introduces the Venture Café community and helps newcomers connect with one another.
17:30–18:20
Town Hall Meetup #1: Bringing Tenjin and Daimyo’s Startup Support Hubs Together
Fukuoka has numerous facilities, programs and events supporting entrepreneurs. This new Town Hall series asks how these individual resources can work together as a connected innovation ecosystem.
The first session will explore the environment Tenjin and Daimyo should aim to create, the opportunities for growth and collaboration that Fukuoka can offer, and the roles that different support organizations can play. Participants will be invited to join the discussion alongside the speakers.
The session will also provide investors, companies and professionals visiting Fukuoka with an opportunity to learn about the district’s principal support hubs and key people.
18:30–19:20
Talent Strategy in the AI Era
As generative AI changes the way companies operate, it is also reshaping the skills, roles and organizational structures they require.
This session will consider the value of human expertise in the AI era, the redefinition of professional roles, employee development, reskilling and management. It will also address practical concerns including employment practices, information management and the risk of data leakage.
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.