【Upcoming Event】TICAD9 Side Event: "KOSEN Open Innovation Challenge – Co-Creation Power for Shaping the Future: Solving Development Issues from Teens in Africa × Japan"
On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as host and Nagaoka University of Technology (NUT) as co-organizer will hold a TICAD9 side event at the JICA Yokohama Center. The event is titled "KOSEN Open Innovation Challenge – Co-Creation Power for Shaping the Future: Solving Development Issues from Teens in Africa × Japan."
This event coincides with TICAD9, where leaders from across Africa will gather in Yokohama. It aims to showcase the "Africa x Innovation" initiatives led by KOSEN (College of Technology) students—the future leaders of Japan's technology—to a global audience.
The program includes enthusiastic presentations by students on the progress of the "KOSEN Open Innovation Challenge (KOI)" and their plans for field demonstrations in Ghana and Senegal later this year.
A panel discussion will follow on the theme: "The Significance of Youth-Led Co-creation and Innovation." Students will share their authentic perspectives based on firsthand experiences, discussing topics such as how their mindsets changed after visiting Africa and what is needed to treat African development challenges as their own.
We warmly invite students, especially those from KOSEN, and anyone interested in Africa to participate.
Through the KOI project, NUT is committed to nurturing young talent, contributing to Japan through reverse innovation, and further strengthening international collaboration.
Event Information
Date & Time: Wednesday, August 20, 2025, 14:00–16:00
Organizers: Japan International Cooperation Agency (Host), Nagaoka University of Technology (Co-organizer)
Format: Hybrid (In-person at JICA Yokohama and Online)
Admission: Free
Issued by
Head Office for Research Strategy, Nagaoka University of Technology (Saito, Takei)
