This week’s Thursday Gathering focuses on agri-tech, foodtech, and entrepreneurship education. Join sessions exploring new opportunities for Fukuoka agriculture, challenges across the food supply chain, and growing collaboration between universities in Kyushu-Okinawa and Korea.
Date and Time: Thursday, August 20, 2026, 16:00 to 20:00
Location: ONE FUKUOKA BLDG. 6F SKYLOBBY
Admission: Free (registration required)
Registration & details: Event website (Japanese)
Event Highlights:
16:00 – 16:50
PARKS x SCOUT x KoEF Joint Forum: New Partnerships in Entrepreneurship Education Between Kyushu-Okinawa and Korea
PARKS, SCOUT, and KoEF will present a new university collaboration initiative focused on entrepreneurship education in Kyushu-Okinawa and Korea. Around 25 university representatives from SCOUT’s network of 44 universities are expected to participate. The session will introduce the activities of PARKS and SCOUT, followed by a panel discussion on future collaboration between the two regions.
16:00 – 20:00
Networking
Networking takes place throughout Thursday Gathering, creating opportunities for new business connections and collaborations. Participants can enjoy up to three complimentary beers or soft drinks while meeting fellow attendees in a relaxed atmosphere. It is also a chance to connect directly with session speakers and guest speakers and continue conversations after each program.
17:00 – 17:15
How to Enjoy Thursday Gathering
This interactive session introduces Venture Café Fukuoka’s weekly Thursday Gathering, including how the community operates, its mission, and the value of connecting with others. Recommended for anyone who wants to better understand the event and make the most of the Venture Café community.
17:30 – 18:15
Meetup for Thursday Gathering Beginners!
Venture Café’s mission is “Connecting Innovators to Make Things Happen,” and its community has helped create many new connections and opportunities. This session introduces Thursday Gathering and gives first-time participants a chance to meet one another. It is designed to help newcomers get more out of the community from their very first visit.
17:30 – 18:20
F★Pitch Agri-Foodtech Special: Exploring the Potential of Agri-Tech to Expand the Strengths of Fukuoka Agriculture
New Challenges Built on Local Strengths, Through Strawberries and Tea
This F★Pitch session explores the potential of agri-tech to build on the strengths of Fukuoka’s agricultural sector, with strawberries and tea as key examples. The discussion looks at new challenges and possibilities that make use of the distinctive strengths of local production areas.
Remote participation is also available. Registered participants can join online via the “Join Remotely” button displayed on the session page when Thursday Gathering begins.
18:30 – 19:20
F★Pitch Agri-Foodtech Special: Tackling the Challenges Behind “Delicious” Food
Redefining the Food Supply Chain Through Foodtech
This session focuses on the challenges that exist behind the food we enjoy and examines how foodtech can help redefine the food supply chain. It highlights new approaches to addressing issues across the systems that bring food from producers to consumers.
Remote participation is also available. Registered participants can join online via the “Join Remotely” button displayed on the session page when Thursday Gathering begins.
Organized by Venture Café Fukuoka
Languages: Japanese and/or English (varies by session)
Most sessions are held in person. The two F★Pitch sessions also offer remote participation. Pre-registration is required via the event website.