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This week’s Thursday Gathering spotlights femtech, wellbeing, and agritech innovation, bringing together media, startups, and regional ecosystems from Kyushu and Niigata. Join us for talks, startup pitches, and relaxed networking in the heart of Fukuoka.
Date and Time: Thursday, January 22, 2026, 16:00 to 20:00
Location: ONE FUKUOKA BLDG. 6F SKYLOBBY
Admission: Free (registration required)
Registration & details: Available online (Japanese)
Event Highlights (In-person only):
16:00 – 20:00
Networking & Community Time
Every Thursday Gathering features open networking designed to spark new business ideas and collaborations. Enjoy up to three complimentary beers or soft drinks in a relaxed setting while connecting with fellow participants, session speakers, and guest presenters. Stay after sessions for informal discussions and new encounters.
More info: Japanese
16:00 – 16:50
Femtech Project by RKB Mainichi Broadcasting
RKB Mainichi Broadcasting’s Femtech Project delivers practical information through events and broadcasts to support women’s physical and mental wellbeing and expand choices for a happier life. This session introduces the project’s activities and highlights the upcoming event “Feel! Femtech & Care 2026: Choose, Change, Tomorrow’s Me,” taking place on January 24 (Sat) and 25 (Sun), 2026 at ONE FUKUOKA BLDG. 6F.
Speakers:
Akiko Yoshiga, Producer, RKB Femtech Project
Shintaro Takami, Announcer, RKB Mainichi Broadcasting
More info: Japanese
17:30 – 18:25
F★Pitch Talk Session – Agritech (Agriculture × Technology)
Held every third Thursday, F★Pitch partners with Niigata Prefecture for this session focused on agritech. Startups from Fukuoka and Niigata, together with farmers adopting these technologies, discuss real-world innovation and the future of agriculture through regional collaboration.
Presenting Companies:
Carbon Xtract Inc. (Fukuoka Prefecture)
Developing solutions to capture CO₂ directly from the atmosphere to address climate change. Using a world-leading CO₂ gas separation membrane invented at Kyushu University, the company aims to enable compact systems and distributed installations in urban environments.
WaterCell Inc. (Niigata Prefecture)
Developer and operator of the farm management app AgriNote, the online rice trading platform AgriNote Rice Market, and the data aggregation tool AgriNote Manager. With more than 30,000 users as of 2025, the company is a leading player in Japan’s agri-ICT sector.
Ike Engei Co., Ltd.
Operator of Ike Ichigo-en, a popular strawberry-picking tourist farm in Nishi-ku, Fukuoka City. The company is currently conducting demonstration experiments in collaboration with Carbon Xtract Inc.
Nozomi JAPAN Inc.
Working under the concept of SAKE × ART, Nozomi JAPAN redefines the value of Japanese sake by combining traditional brewing with contemporary art and design. Through its high-end brand SHIROKIMONO, the company positions sake as a cultural medium and targets global markets with innovative products such as sparkling sake.
More info: Japanese
18:30 – 19:30
F★Pitch – Agritech Startup Pitches
Six startups from Fukuoka and Niigata pitch their agritech solutions, showcasing emerging technologies, business models, and cross-regional collaboration.
More info: Japanese
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.