Explore new business pathways connecting Japan with Egypt and the Middle East and Africa, discover Kyuden Group’s latest open innovation program, and learn how organizations can redesign people and knowledge for the generative AI age.
Date and Time: Thursday, June 4, 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
Egypt as a Strategic Gateway: Business & Investment Opportunities for Japanese Companies
Egypt is gaining attention as a gateway to the Middle East and Africa, with a population of over 100 million, strategic access through the Suez Canal, and growing potential as a logistics and manufacturing hub. This session introduces current market trends and practical entry strategies for Japanese companies and startups, with a focus on manufacturing, infrastructure, GX, and startup opportunities. It also explores how Egypt can serve as a launchpad for wider business expansion across the region.
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16:00 – 20:00
Networking
Thursday Gathering offers a relaxed space for participants to meet, exchange ideas, and spark new business collaborations. Enjoy up to three complimentary beers or soft drinks while connecting with entrepreneurs, innovators, speakers, and guests from across the community. It is also a valuable opportunity to continue conversations with session speakers and meet potential collaborators.
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17:00 – 17:15
How to Enjoy Thursday Gathering
A short interactive introduction to Venture Café Fukuoka’s signature weekly event. Learn how Thursday Gathering works, what the community aims to create, and how participants can make the most of opportunities to connect with others.
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17:30 – 18:20
Digital Innovation for the Future of Energy and Frontline Operations: Co-creation Opportunities with Kyuden Group
Kyuden Group will introduce its open innovation program, “Hirameki to Kyoso,” which invites ideas for collaboration around digital technology, frontline operations, and the energy business. The session will share program details and examples of past selected projects, helping companies imagine concrete ways to co-create with Kyuden Group. Participation in this briefing is not required in order to apply to the program.
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18:30 – 19:20
METI x Sony: Redesigning People and Knowledge for Transformation in the Generative AI Era
As AI rapidly changes the way we work, many organizations still struggle to move forward with transformation. This session welcomes a representative involved in the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s Digital Skill Standard 2.0 and a Sony speaker who launched the AI organizational knowledge management cloud “Shpica.” Together, they will explore practical insights for closing the gap between AI-driven change and organizational action.
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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.