{"id":171101,"date":"2025-05-21T14:58:40","date_gmt":"2025-05-21T05:58:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/?post_type=event&p=171101&lang=en"},"modified":"2025-05-28T10:18:46","modified_gmt":"2025-05-28T01:18:46","slug":"cic-fukuoka-grand-opening","status":"publish","type":"event","link":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/en\/event\/cic-fukuoka-grand-opening\/","title":{"rendered":"CIC Fukuoka Grand Opening"},"content":{"rendered":"

Innovation, community, and culture under one roof in the heart of Tenjin<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

CIC Fukuoka, the region\u2019s first full-scale international innovation center, officially opened this April\u2014marking a major milestone for Fukuoka\u2019s startup ecosystem. Now, on <\/span>Thursday, June 5<\/b>, the doors will open wide for one day only, inviting the public inside for a dynamic program of talks, performances, networking, and a first-hand look at what this new hub is all about. Hang on\u2014there\u2019s a <\/span>lot<\/span><\/i> to see and experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

Located on the 6th and 7th floors of the ONE FUKUOKA BLDG. in central Tenjin, CIC Fukuoka is part of the global <\/span>Cambridge Innovation Center<\/b> network, which now spans<\/span> 10 <\/span>cities worldwide. The grand opening event doubles as a special edition of the weekly <\/span>Thursday Gathering<\/b>, offering a rich blend of business, creativity, and community in true CIC style. If you\u2019ve never been to a CIC event, this is the perfect one to start with\u2014and if you have, then you already know: this is one not to miss.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Opening Act \u2013 15:00 to 16:00 (Invite-only & Media | Also streamed online)<\/b><\/b><\/h3>\n

The event kicks off with a formal ceremony featuring remarks from government officials and industry leaders, including a video message from <\/span>Masaaki Taira<\/b>, Japan\u2019s Minister for Digital Affairs, with expected appearances by <\/span>Fukuoka Governor Seitaro Hattori<\/b> and <\/span>Fukuoka Mayor Soichiro Takashima<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

CIC President Denyse Medlenka<\/b> and <\/span>CIC Japan Chair Takaaki Umezawa<\/b> will welcome guests, joined by representatives from <\/span>Nishitetsu<\/b>, <\/span>CDIB Capital Innovation Advisors Corporation<\/b>, and <\/span>Sakana AI<\/b>, among others, for a symbolic bell-ringing ceremony marking the start of a new chapter for innovation in Kyushu.<\/span><\/p>\n

This session also includes a live, English-language panel featuring researchers and executives from <\/span>CDIB<\/b>, <\/span>CHA Bio<\/b>, <\/span>Sakana AI<\/b>, and <\/span>Kyushu University<\/b>, offering fresh perspectives on how Fukuoka is emerging as a gateway between Japan and the global innovation economy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Open Campus \u2013 16:00 to 20:00 (last entry 19:30 – Open to the public)<\/b><\/h3>\n

From 4pm, the public is invited to explore CIC Fukuoka\u2019s open campus. Visitors can enjoy specialty coffee tastings by <\/span>REC COFFEE<\/b>, tour the newly opened spaces, and mingle with the tenants and startups already bringing the center to life.<\/span><\/p>\n

At 5pm, a casual community meet-up begins\u2014typically reserved for members but open to all for this special occasion. Around 6pm, don\u2019t miss a live flower performance by floral artist <\/span>Ryota <\/b>Hagiwara<\/b>, who blends tradition and artistry with a contemporary edge. In fact, every guest is invited to contribute to the final arrangement, which will remain on display at CIC Fukuoka. A rare chance to quite literally leave your mark on this new space.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thursday Gathering \u2013 16:00 to 20:00 @ 6F SKYLOBBY<\/b><\/h3>\n

Running alongside the open campus is a special edition of <\/span>Thursday Gathering<\/b>, hosted at the SKYLOBBY. This week\u2019s theme highlights the intersection of innovation and culture, with a lively mix of music, talks, and startup pitches.<\/span><\/p>\n

It begins with <\/span>Soundscape Fukuoka<\/b>, a session exploring the future of music and city identity, featuring a live performance by <\/span>BOKEH (YOHLU)<\/b> and commentary from <\/span>Kenjiro Fukamachi<\/b> of the Fukuoka Music City Council and CIC Japan\u2019s <\/span>Takaaki Umezawa<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Next, <\/span>How to Enjoy Thursday Gathering<\/b>, an introductory talk by <\/span>Minako Hirata<\/b> (GM, CIC Tokyo) and <\/span>Ryusuke Komura<\/b> (Executive Director, Venture Caf\u00e9 Tokyo), welcomes newcomers into the CIC and Venture Caf\u00e9 community.<\/span><\/p>\n

At 5:30pm, the focus shifts to startups with <\/span>CIC Pitch!<\/b>\u2014a rapid-fire pitching session featuring entrepreneurs from Japan and abroad. Presenters include <\/span>Butlr Technologies<\/b>, <\/span>SignTime<\/b>, <\/span>xMap<\/b>, and more. Judges include investors from <\/span>GxPartners LLP<\/b>, <\/span>MCP Asset Management<\/b>, and the <\/span>GRC Venture Fund<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is followed by an introduction to <\/span>Fukuoka Growth Next<\/b>, and then a keynote talk by <\/span>Koichi Hayashida<\/b>, President of <\/span>Nishitetsu<\/b>, sharing the long-term vision for the ONE FUKUOKA BLDG.<\/span><\/p>\n

To close the evening, a panel discussion titled <\/span>“Kyushu to Global”<\/b> will explore how deeptech and university-led innovation are shaping the region\u2019s future. Panelists include leaders from <\/span>QB Capital<\/b>, <\/span>Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech)<\/b>, <\/span>Toy Medical<\/b>, and the <\/span>CIC Institute<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Startup DJs and Athlete Bar \u2013 6F SKYLOBBY<\/b><\/h3>\n

Adding a social vibe to the evening, startup members from Fukuoka will take over the DJ booth for an informal lounge session. Meanwhile, <\/span>REC COFFEE<\/b> transforms into a pop-up <\/span>Athlete Bar<\/b>, where you can chat with former professional athletes including:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Takashi Kikutani<\/strong> (former Japan Rugby captain)
\n\u2022 Masahiro Tsuiki<\/strong> (former Japan Rugby sevens captain)
\n\u2022 Yoshiyuki Fujiki<\/strong> (former rugby coach)
\n\u2022 Kazuya Murata<\/strong> (former J.League footballer)
\n\u2022 Kayono Maeda<\/strong> (former national team track cyclist)<\/p>\n

This special activation is held in collaboration with the <\/span>Athlete Wellbeing Association<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why It Matters<\/b><\/h3>\n

This event isn\u2019t just for tech insiders. It\u2019s a showcase of the international, interdisciplinary energy that CIC is bringing to Fukuoka. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, researcher, artist, or simply curious about the city\u2019s future, June 5 offers a unique chance to experience the people, ideas, and creativity driving Fukuoka forward. See you there!<\/span><\/p>\n

Details<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Date:<\/strong> Thursday, June 5, 2025
\nTime:<\/strong> 15:00\u201320:00
\nVenue:<\/strong> ONE FUKUOKA BLDG. \u2013 6F SKYLOBBY & 7F CIC Fukuoka<\/a>
\nFormat:<\/strong> In-person and online
\nAdmission:<\/strong> Free (note: some sessions are invite-only)
\nRegistration & Details:<\/strong>
\nhttps:\/\/venturecafefukuoka.org\/event\/cic-fukuoka-opening-campus-opening-event-rsvp-comoing-soon<\/a><\/p>\n

#FukuokaStartups #CICFukuoka #ThursdayGathering #VentureCafe #FukuokaNow #FukuokaEvents #Tenjin #InnovationInFukuoka #StartupEcosystem #FukuokaLife #CreativeFukuoka #OpenCampus2025<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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