From university-born impact startups to practical decarbonization solutions and globally active Canadian AI ventures, this edition of Thursday Gathering brings together students, startups, corporates, and ecosystem builders to explore how innovation can address real-world challenges—from Kyushu to the global stage.
Date and Time: Thursday, February 12, 2026, 16:00 to 20:20
Location: ONE FUKUOKA BLDG. 6F SKYLOBBY
Admission: Free (registration required)
Registration & details: Available online (Japanese)
Event Highlights (In-person only):
16:00 – 16:50
PARKS Impact Startup Seminar: Designing Support for Student-Led Impact Startups
How can a student’s small curiosity grow into an impact startup that tackles social issues? Drawing on experience from the University of Tokyo’s Hongo Tech Garage, this seminar shares insights from a proven manufacturing and innovation ecosystem and discusses how it can be adapted and expanded across Kyushu and Okinawa. Using case studies from programs such as Mitou Advanced and 1st Round, speakers explore the support elements that should be replicated locally, as well as the unique strengths Kyushu can leverage to build a regional, university-driven startup ecosystem.
More info: Japanese
17:00 – 17:15
How to Enjoy Thursday Gathering
New to Thursday Gathering? This short, interactive session introduces Venture Café Fukuoka’s signature weekly event. Learn about the community’s mission, how the gathering works, and why meaningful connections matter. Held every week, it’s the perfect starting point for anyone curious about joining the Thursday Gathering community.
More info: Japanese
17:00 – 18:00
Interactive Learning Series 02: Understand
Hosted by Empowered by Industry (EBI), this second session in the Innovation Learning Series (ILS) focuses on the “Understand” phase of innovation. Building on discovery, participants will create detailed user personas and map customer journeys from awareness to retention using practical tools. Through multi-dimensional pain point analysis—functional, emotional, social, financial, time, and workflow—attendees will identify priority segments, align products with validated needs, and strengthen market traction.
Location: Sub-session Area (next to REC COFFEE)
More info: Japanese
17:30 – 18:20
Decarbonization Business Pitch in Fukuoka Vol. 2
Fukuoka City certifies companies contributing to carbon neutrality and supports their market expansion, while K-RIP promotes environmental products and services and facilitates new partnerships. In this pitch event, three companies with solutions that genuinely contribute to decarbonization will take the stage. This session is ideal for those seeking effective carbon-neutral solutions or new collaboration opportunities in the sustainability space.
More info: Japanese
18:00 – 18:30
FOOD DIVERSITY INNOVATION: Building the Next-Generation Food Infrastructure from Kyushu
Food allergies and dietary restrictions affect far more people than commonly assumed, including adults with sudden onset and families with newly diagnosed children. In this session, a 19-year-old student with severe food allergies shares firsthand experiences from emergency medical incidents, the current realities of meal accommodation, and the challenges facing society today. The talk also introduces “MYSHOKU,” a vision for a next-generation food infrastructure designed to protect lives, presented from Kyushu with a global perspective.
More info: Japanese
18:30 – 20:20
Canadian AI Startup Pitch & Meetup 2026 in Fukuoka
Hosted in collaboration with the Canadian Embassy in Japan (Trade Section), this session highlights alumni companies from the Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) Japan program—Canadian AI startups already active in the Japanese market. Learn how collaboration between Japanese companies and Canadian startups is progressing, what distinguishes Canada’s AI ecosystem, and why the country continues to produce globally recognized AI ventures.
A panel discussion, moderated by Alex Odajima, brings together perspectives from startups, ecosystem support organizations, and government representatives to explore how Japan–Canada collaboration can generate meaningful business opportunities. The session concludes with a networking reception.
Pitching Startups:
• PRIVATE AI – AI technology that detects and anonymizes personal data with over 99% accuracy across more than 52 languages and 50+ business domains
• CyberTrophy – A smartphone app using location-based technology to verify NFT trophies
• Synode – Automated content creation tools for training, assembly instructions, and sales/marketing using 3D CAD data
Language: Japanese and English (with interpretation)
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.