Let's think together about businesses that anticipate the future!
Using the "Design Thinking" methodology, we will develop new business ideas and seize the "near future" before anyone else.
Overview
There are people all around us who are living in ”future of half step ahead” that no one has paid much attention to yet. Why not talk to such people and think about new business ideas to satisfy the real needs you find from such conversation?
This “Ideathon” workshop will train you in generating business ideas using the methodology of "Design Thinking."
Features of this “Ideathon” workshop;
- Interview people from the near future!
We will interview people with lifestyles that are a little ahead of their time using our unique tools.
- We will also utilize generative AI!
You will learn how to think using the popular AI to generate even sharper ideas.
- Solo participants are welcome!
Teams will be formed on the day, so anyone can join in and feel free to join!
If you're considering joining Lean Launchpad Program (LLP), a new business creation program offered by us, in next term (2026 1Q2Q) or looking for some inspiration for business ideas, please come along.
| 📂 Category | Innovation |
| 📌 Keywords | Design Thinking, Issues identification, Business, Idea Generation |
| 🎯 Objectives | Experience creating a business idea to ensure business continuity (i.e., recovering payment and making a profit) |
| 🌐 Language | English & Japanese |
| 👥 Target Participants | Bachelor, Master and Doctoral students |
| 🗓 Format | 2 sessions (in person) |
| ✅ Past & Upcoming Sessions | #1: 11/Jan/2027 (Mon) 13:00-17:00 #2: 23/Jan/2027 (Sat) 13:00-17:00 |
| 📍 Venue | S4-202, 2nd floor, South Buiding 4, Ookayama |
| 🌟 Recommended for | - Students who want to tackle social issues through business - Students who want to generate new value by using AI - Students who want to gain practical experience that can be used in job hunting - Students who are considering participating in the business feasibility study program "Lean Launchpad Program (LLP)" next year (2026) |
| 📊 Points | 8 points in total : 4 + 4 (Points to be awarded to students enrolled in the courses for credits. Please refer to the syllabus for details.) |
| 🎟️ Capacity | 40 participants |
Main Content
Session 1
- The Basics of Idea Generation (How to Identify Needs, the Significance and Methods of Interviewing People in the Near Future)
- How to Use Generative AI (Easy for Beginners)
- Idea Generation Workshop
Homework: Recruit interviewees online, interview one person, and record the results.
Session 2
- Creating a Business Idea from the Interview Results
- Final Pitch Contest (Announcement of Results)
Facilitator
Takashi Tsutsumi
CEO, Startup Brain Co. and Ltd.
(https://startupbrain.jp/)
He runs an incubation program that utilizes the commercialization process to invest in and incubate startups. His strength is management support, which combines his experience of launching new businesses and venture investments spanning over 20 years at a leading “Sogo Shosha” and VCs in both SiliconValley and Japan with his knowledge of commercialization methods such as the "customer development model." His translated works include "The Four Steps to the Epiphany" and “The Startup Owner’s Manual”
Past Event Records
Voices from Participants
- This workshop provides a great opportunity for people with zero entrepreneurial background to experience brainstorming for a startup. The workshop focuses on coming up with (or developing) a business idea, rather than ironing out the technical details (like financials) necessary for implementation. I would recommend it as a thinking exercise for students looking to experience the preliminary stages of starting a business. (D1)
- It’s a good way to understand what are changing in this society, and start business based on it. Basically make sure someone will buy your product.(D1)
- The workshop adds a practical new approach to your idea-generation toolkit, helpful in both business and research.(M2)
Event Report
Contact Faculty
Keisuke Yamada, Specially Appointed Professor, Academy for Leadership
📩 yamada.k.9f82 [at] m.isct.ac.jp
