March 1987

Graduated from Kyoto University (Faculty of Law)

Employment:
April 1987

Entered the Kyoto Prefectural Government

May 2010

Deputy Director, Product Development Promotion Division, Department of Commerce, Labor and Tourism

April 2012

Director of Industrial Relocation Division, Department of Commerce, Labor and Tourism

May 2014

Director General for Special Zone Promotion, Department of Commerce, Labor and Tourism/Senior Director, Department of Policy Planning

April 2016

Director General, Tokyo Branch Office

June 2018

Director General, Department of Commerce, Labor and Tourism

September 2020

Director General, Department of Commerce, Labor and Tourism/Director General for Special Planning

April 2021

Director General for Special Planning/Director General, Department of Commerce, Labor and Tourism

May 2022

Director General for Special Planning

March 2024

Vice-Governor, Kyoto Prefecture

I joined Shimadzu Corporation in 1990 and primarily worked in sales, serving government agencies and universities. From 2014, I was seconded to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) for two years, where I was responsible for an open innovation project aimed at promoting Japan’s agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and food-related industries. After returning to Shimadzu, I engaged primarily in research on national science and technology policy trends and worked to create “innovation through food” through joint research with the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), among other initiatives. I have held my current position since 2021 and have concurrently served as a Director and Secretary General of the Self-Care Food Council, a general incorporated association, since April 2022.

1996-Present

MUFG Bank, Ltd. Tokyo, Japan

2025-Present

Executive Officer, Head of Kyoto Branch

2024-2025

Executive Officer, Head ofChemical & Well-being Division

2022-2024

Managing Director, Head of Corporate Banking Division No.5

2018-2022

MD, Deputy Chief of Staff, MUFG Union Bank, NY, U.S.A

2016-2018

MD, Kyoto Commercial Banking Office

2014-2016

Senior Manager, Global Planning Div.

2011-2014

Senior Vice President, Union Bank, N.A. in SF, California, U.S.A.

2010-2011

Visiting Scholar, UC Berkeley, Haas School of Business

2006-2010

Manager, Corporate Banking Division No.2

2004-2006

Manager, Corporate and Investment Banking Division

1996-2004

Banking Officer, Osaka, Shinjuku, Kawasaki Branches

2023-curent, Experimental Farm, Graduated School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Professor
2018-2023, Experimental Farm, Graduated School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Associate Professor
2009-2018, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Associate Professor
2005-2009, University of California, Davis, JSPS Overseas Research Fellow and MEXT Visiting Researcher
1997-2009, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Assistant Professor
2014, Doctor of Agriculture, Kyoto University
2008-2009, Doctor course, Graduated School of Agriculture, Kyoto University
2006-2008, Master course, Graduated School of Agriculture, Kyoto University
2002-2006, Undergraduate, Department of Agriculture, Kyoto University

About ten years ago, I turned to farming in Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture, mainly cultivating rice and tomatoes. Aiming for next-generation agriculture, we actively incorporate smart technologies into cultivation and management. Today, I will introduce smart technologies and initiatives to enhance the added value of agricultural products.

Career / Professional Experience:
Special Postdoctoral Researcher at RIKEN in 1995; Team Leader at the RIKEN Plant Science Center in 2006; Team Director at the RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science since 2025. Visiting and collaborative professorships at universities in Japan and abroad since 2008. Editor-in-Chief of Plant Molecular Biology since 2019.

Honors and Awards:
Recipient of the MEXT Commendation for Science and Technology, the Academic Award of the Japanese Society for Plant Biotechnology, the RIKEN Eiho Award, and recognition as a Highly Cited Researcher.

Field of expertise: Pomology science; research on viticulture and enology.
Engaged in research focusing on gene expression and plant hormones in grapes. In recent years, has worked on elucidating the cultivation and enological characteristics of red-fleshed (pulp-pigmented) grapes as a high-temperature adaptation measure, as well as on the selection and breeding of Osaka-original wine grape cultivars.
Selected publication: “Effects of Abscisic Acid/Ethephon Treatments on Berry Development and Maturation in the Yellow-green Skinned ‘Shine Muscat’ Grape” (2019), etc.
Degree: Ph.D. (Agriculture).

Joined the Nara Prefectural Government in 2022. Currently a researcher at the Nara Prefecture Agricultural Research Center, working on vegetable crops with a focus on strawberry. Current research includes strawberry breeding, the development of postharvest quality-retention technologies for long-distance transport, and the development of profit-maximizing cultivation techniques using integrated environmental control.

Joined the Shiga Prefectural Government in 1997 and has since been primarily involved in breeding new rice varieties, including 'Mizukagami', 'Kiramizuki',’Kotosansan’ and 'Kokyo'. Became Director of the Cultivation Research Division in 2024.

Born in 1976. After completing the master’s program at the Graduate School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, he joined the Wakayama Prefectural Government in April 2000. He was subsequently assigned to the Wakayama Fruit Tree Experiment Station, where he engaged in research on soil and fertilizer management for citrus and the development of technologies for stable production of high-quality fruit. He has served as Manager of the Cultivation Department since April 2025.

Previously worked for Fukuoka Prefecture as an Agricultural Extension Advisor and researcher. Founded Nosha Co., Ltd. in 2021. Using its own farm as a field-testing base, the company collaborates with industry, universities, and government organizations on smart farming R&D, field trials, implementation, and agricultural support service development. He also serves as Chair of the Sumoto City 4H Club (a young farmers’ organization), Smart Agriculture Coordinator for Hyogo Prefecture, and an advisor to NARO.

Born in Niigata Prefecture. Graduated from Nagaoka National College of Technology and Nagaoka University of Technology. While enrolled, participated in the NHK National College of Technology Robot Contest and the Student Robot Contest, leading development as a team leader. After graduation, founded Phoenix Robots, an organization that participates in international robot competitions, and developed robots together with a total of more than 100 student engineers. Around 2022, upon entering the Graduate School of the University of Tsukuba, launched a volunteer team to develop agricultural robots with classmates and juniors who had participated in robot contests together for many years. From that team, founded FieldWorks Inc. in June 2023 and assumed the position of Representative Director. Continues in that role to the present.

I am a public servant with the Kyoto Prefectural Government, with experience in livestock research, field services, food safety, and fisheries administration.
Currently, I work in the Fisheries Division, where I support fisheries management, aquaculture, and fisheries development.

Belongs to Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd. Received three awards at international conferences for diagnostic technologies based on µTAS (including collaborative research). Following a secondment to AIST, awarded by the Society of Plant Nutrition for the development of biostimulant peptides. Led the development of peptide and nanoparticle technologies for agriculture funded by national projects, alongside research in immunity and DDS. Currently applying this extensive expertise in biotechnology, peptides, and immunity to the aquaculture sector, promoting the commercialization of sustainable, next-generation production processes.

March 1971

Graduated from Kyoto Prefectural Fisheries High School

March 1971

Engaged in commercial fishing (small-scale bottom trawl fishery)

January 1999

Started Torigai aquaculture production
(Representative, Maizuru Torigai Association)

December 2005

Owner-operator of a small-scale bottom trawl fishery
(Fishery operations ceased in May 2012)

January 2010

General Assembly Representative,
Kyoto Prefectural Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations

August 2016

Member,
Kyoto Marine Fisheries Adjustment Commission

Yuki Funakoshi, Ph.D. in Agriculture, completed the doctoral program at the Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University. After working as a programmer in the private sector for three years, he joined the Kyoto Prefectural Government. He developed the oceanographic forecasting app “Commander” and the Pacific bluefin tuna sorting net “Noren-net” for set-net fisheries. Since 2021, he has been engaged in research on sustainable bivalve aquaculture. He has received the National Association of Fisheries Research Institute Directors Award, the Kyoto Prefectural Excellent Employee Award, and the Young Scientist Presentation Award from the Japanese Society of Fisheries Oceanography.

Following a career at NTT Research Laboratories, he joined ATR, where he leads corporate strategy and the commercialization of research outcomes.
He has led the development of Keihanna Science City’s global innovation ecosystem and startup support infrastructure.
He has also planned and promoted startup- and innovation-related initiatives for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai and Keihanna Expo 2025.

With experience at Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (now Panasonic) and McKinsey & Company, Hiro has dedicated 8 years to growth strategy formulation and execution, M&A, business development, and venture collaboration primarily in the high-tech and telecommunications industries. In 2017, he joined SIGMAXYZ and launched the global food tech summit “SKS Japan”. Through his involvement in business development and community building in food innovation Hiro established UnlocX in October 2023 with the aspiration to create a food ecosystem. Co-authored “Food Tech Revolution” (2020/Nikkei BP) and "Future of Food created through FoodTech" (2025/PHP), "Food Tech as Liberal Arts"(2025/Nikkei BP). Director of the General Incorporated Association Space Foodsphere / External Board Member of Basefood Co., Ltd. / External Board Member of TechMagic, Inc./ Representative director of the General Incorporated Association Next Prime Food.

Born in Osaka. After graduating from university, he went on a field trip visiting farms, mountains, and fishing villages to learn about the current state of the regions. After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, he worked with women from fishing families on the Oshika Peninsula in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi, to launch businesses such as bento shops and accessory brands, as well as a market in Tokyo's Sumida Ward that connects people who eat with those who make products. Afterwards, Tomohiro co-founded SEA VEGETABLE COMPANY with Hachiya. He strives to create a new seaweed culinary culture through connecting people and organisations.

Graduated from the Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Musashi Institute of Technology in 1999, and joined Fujita Corporation in the same year.
He has been engaged in urban development projects from the perspective of construction management for civil engineering works, including land readjustment infrastructure development projects and civil engineering works associated with station-front urban redevelopment projects.
Since 2010, he has been involved in urban development projects in roles responsible for development planning, design, and strategic business planning. Since 2020, as General Manager of the First Regional Development Promotion Department, West Japan Development Division, he has been leading urban development initiatives with a focus not only on creating cities and communities, but also on nurturing and sustaining them over the long term.

Graduated from the Master’s Program in Architecture, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, in 1997, and joined Fujita Corporation the same year. He has extensive experience in research and development, primarily in the field of structural engineering. Since 2024, as Director of the Technical Center, he has overseen technological innovation across architecture, civil engineering, environmental engineering, and digital transformation (DX), promoting the practical application of advanced technologies and contributing to the realization of smart cities.

I am the sixth-generation owner of Inase Farm, a grape farm in Kashiwara City, Osaka. After completing graduate school, I worked in a different industry before returning to my family’s farm around 2022. In addition to growing and selling grapes directly to consumers, I explore new possibilities in agriculture through processed food development and smart agriculture. I have developed my own IoT devices to visualize growing conditions and improve labor efficiency. I received Third Prize at the 4th Agri-Innovation Grand Prix and continue working every day to create new value from the agricultural field.

He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering, having completed his graduate studies in Semiconductor Integrated Circuit Engineering at Hiroshima University after graduating from the Faculty of Information Science at Yokohama National University. At Renesas Electronics Corporation, he worked on the development and commercialization of network routing processors. He joined the Faculty of Information at the University of Fukuchiyama in 2024 and became Dean of the Faculty in April 2026. His research focuses on "Smart Agri-IoT" through regional collaboration; he is currently developing low-cost, simple, and user-friendly systems—d

He joined the Kyoto Prefectural Government in 1994 as an agricultural civil engineering officer. Since then, he has been engaged in agricultural infrastructure development projects, including farmland consolidation and the rehabilitation of irrigation ponds.
He was appointed to his current position in fiscal 2026 and is now responsible for initiatives to secure and develop human resources for the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors.

After joining the Minato Fisheries Cooperative, he began working in set-net fishing at Minato Fisheries Co., Ltd., which was newly established following the merger of local fisheries cooperatives in 2011.
He currently serves as Director of Operations and is actively involved in the management of Pacific bluefin tuna stocks to help preserve abundant marine resources for future generations. He is also exploring new initiatives to promote the local fishing industry, such as hands-on fishing experiences and expansion into the food service sector.

After working for the Wachi Agricultural Cooperative, he joined the Wachi Town Government in 2000. After the municipal merger, he continued his career with the Kyotamba Town Government, where he was primarily involved in agricultural and forestry administration. He held several senior positions, including Director of the Agriculture and Forestry Promotion Division and Director General of the Industry and Construction Department.
In 2026, he was appointed Representative Director and Senior Managing Director of the Kyotamba Forest Owners’ Association. With a primary focus on forest management, he is working to establish a sustainable forestry cycle while conserving forests that have been carefully protected and nurtured over generations. His initiatives encompass the entire forestry cycle, from planting and cultivating trees to harvesting them and making effective use of timber.

Born in 1975. He graduated from Heian High School in 1994, where he was a member of the baseball team, and then worked as a fitness instructor at a gym. In 2002, he joined his family’s farming business in Kumiyama Town.
In 2015, when the business was incorporated, he was appointed Representative Director of Murata Farm Co., Ltd.
He currently grows a wide variety of vegetables, including Kujo negi green onions and Kamo nasu eggplants, both traditional vegetables of Kyoto, as well as Pearl Corn, the original brand of white sweet corn. While respecting agricultural traditions, he actively embraces new technologies and innovative ideas, aiming to contribute to a prosperous and healthy society through agriculture.

Tina Pezdirc Nograšek, MSc, is Head of International Relations and Strategic Partnerships at the Regional Development Agency of the Ljubljana Urban Region, Slovenia. She has extensive experience in regional development, international cooperation and the coordination of European and international initiatives. Her work focuses on building strategic partnerships between public authorities, research institutions, businesses and other stakeholders, with particular emphasis on innovation, sustainable development and the circular economy. She is actively involved in fostering international knowledge exchange, business cooperation and the development of new opportunities in the agri-food and innovation sectors.

Dr Nika Cvelbar Weber is a researcher and project research group leader at the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, where she also leads the Berry Research Centre of Slovenia. She specialises in berry production, with a focus on organic and climate-resilient farming, plant responses to heat and drought, plant protection, irrigation and fertigation, and the safe use of treated wastewater for irrigation. Her work covers different production systems, including soil-based cultivation, substrate production, hydroponics and protected cultivation. She also studies how fruit quality is developed in the field through appropriate production and plant protection practices and how it can be maintained after harvest during storage.

Her research group explores the use of digital technologies, sensors, drones, robotics and agrivoltaics in agriculture. She coordinates and participates in Living Labs and works with lighthouse farms, growers, research organisations and technology providers to test innovative solutions under real production conditions and transfer research results into practice. Through the activities of the Berry Research Centre, she also supports the inclusion of young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties in practical agricultural activities adapted to their abilities.

She also holds an academic teaching title and teaches several university-level courses in plant production and related fields. Her expertise is closely linked to the Kyoto Foodtech Expo, as it connects climate-smart and resource-efficient agricultural technologies with organic production, plant health, high-quality food and the preservation of quality after harvest.

Jean-François Benon, a public-law graduate of Université Paris II-Assas, is Managing Director of CEEVO, the Val d’Oise Development and Attractiveness Agency. He leads economic promotion for the region through offices in France, Japan, and China, and serves on several national and international development boards. A French Foreign Trade Advisor and Chevalier of the National Order of Merit, he also teaches economic development and international business at leading French institutions, including CY Cergy Paris University, ESSEC, and Sciences Po.

Anna Rovira Andujar is Head of Strategy and European Funding Attraction at BETA Technological Centre. With a background in Political Science and European Governance, she leads the Centre’s European funding strategy, focusing on anticipating R&I policy trends, promoting BETA’s participation in international consortia and strategic collaborations, and coordinating European R&I proposal development.

LINNÉ, Inc. CEO & Master Brewer. His family operate the Hijiri Sake Brewery in Gunma Prefecture, founded in 1841. He trained at the Aramasa Sake Brewery, Masuda Sake Brewery, Abe Sake Brewery and Hijiri Sake Brewery. After co-founding the sake startup WAKAZE in 2016, he launched new sake breweries in Tokyo and Paris and served as their master brewer. After 4.5 years in France and gaining further brewing experience in California, he founded LINNÉ in Kyoto in 2024 and developed the 800 (YAO) series, new type of Sake brewed using koji made from diverse ingredients, not limited to rice.

2011, joined Saraya Co., Ltd. and contributed extensively to hygiene product sales, new business planning in the food systems sector, and collaboration with government agencies. Since October 2024, has served as General Manager of the New Business Division at VF Yamaya Co., Ltd., supporting the revitalization of food distribution and product development. As the representative of KNF GOOD FOOD SYSTEM, a concurrent business venture, serves as a producer for the Kyoto Food Business Platform and as an advisor for frozen food development. Also works as a part-time lecturer in Food Systems at Kyoto Bunkyo University.

1996–2008: Worked in the IT industry, engaged in website development and advertising & marketing services.
2008–2014: Ran an agricultural business in Nasu, Tochigi Prefecture.
Built agricultural machinery incorporating LED and sensor solutions.
Produced "Taiyo no Marche" (Sun's Marche) in Tokyo and numerous other marche (farmers' market) events.
2015: Founded Mashup — manufacturing and sales of fruit ice pops (shonanpops / Kyoto Hon-Kuzu Ice; both divested in 2020).

Born in 1972 in Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture. After graduating from university, he began his career as a systems engineer at an IT company but returned to his hometown in 2001 to take over the family business, Kawamata Shoten Co., Ltd., a fresh fish wholesaler. He assumed the role of Representative Director in 2015. In 2022, he became the Representative Director of the Maizuru Marine Products Distribution Cooperative, of which Kawamata Shoten is a member. In 2026, he assumed the role of Representative Director of the Kyoto Prefecture Marine Products Distribution Cooperative Federation, the parent organization.

Graduated from the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyoto University (1990). Completed the doctoral program in Agricultural Chemistry at the Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University (1995; Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences). After serving as a Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Research Fellow, Assistant Professor at the Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Visiting Researcher at the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), and Professor at the Endowed Research Division of Microbial Sciences, Kyoto University, he has been a Professor at the Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University since 2009 (current position). He is in charge of the laboratory of Fermentation Physiology and Applied Microbiology in the Division of Applied Life Sciences.

Studied French literature at university and graduate school before joining the Shizuo Tsuji Culinary Education and Research in 1994. Following work on the translation of Larousse Gastronomique into Japanese, served at the Tsuji Group's France campus from 1994, conducting fieldwork on European food culture and culinary education. Returned to Japan in 1999. Since 2002, has worked at Tsuji Culinary Institute, and after serving as Vice Principal of Tsuji Culinary Institute and Tsuji Confectionery Institute, assumed the current position of Director of the Educational Research Center. Serves as a member of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' Japan Game Meat Certification Committee, a councilor of the Shizuo Tsuji Culinary Culture Foundation, and a member of the SPACE FOODSPHERE association.

With experience at Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (now Panasonic) and McKinsey & Company, Hiro has dedicated 8 years to growth strategy formulation and execution, M&A, business development, and venture collaboration primarily in the high-tech and telecommunications industries. In 2017, he joined SIGMAXYZ and launched the global food tech summit “SKS Japan”. Through his involvement in business development and community building in food innovation Hiro established UnlocX in October 2023 with the aspiration to create a food ecosystem. Co-authored “Food Tech Revolution” (2020/Nikkei BP) and "Future of Food created through FoodTech" (2025/PHP), "Food Tech as Liberal Arts"(2025/Nikkei BP). Director of the General Incorporated Association Space Foodsphere / External Board Member of Basefood Co., Ltd. / External Board Member of TechMagic, Inc./ Representative director of the General Incorporated Association Next Prime Food.

Joined the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in 2002. Since then, has worked in a wide range of policy areas, including pensions, labor standards, healthcare digital transformation (DX), employment promotion for older persons and persons with disabilities, and international labor relations. Since 2025, has served in the current position, overseeing the promotion of food technology (FoodTech), policies related to environmental sustainability, human rights, and nutrition in the food industry, as well as international affairs concerning foreign workers.

I joined the government in 1995 as an agricultural technology officer. I worked on giving technical guidance to farmers, promoting agricultural production, supporting the food industry, and implementing measures like brand strategies. Since 2022, I've been promoting food tech and handling things like collaborations between industry, academia, and government, as well as organizing the Kyoto Food Tech Expo.

Shuhei Tsukada, Ph.D. in Agricultural Science, is an Executive Officer at Leave a Nest Co., Ltd. and a Director of Leave a Nest Capital. He completed his doctoral studies at the Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo. Since joining Leave a Nest in 2003, he has worked to translate scientific research into real-world applications and support the growth of deep-tech startups. He has led the development of regional startup ecosystems in Kumamoto, Okayama, and other regions, and launched the Food Tech Grand Prix in 2020. More recently, he has focused on food and agriculture, supporting startups and developing industry collaborations through initiatives such as Foodα.

2009 — Graduated from the Faculty of Commerce, Kansai University
2009 — Joined Hyoue Co., Ltd., where I continue to work today.

In 2017, she joined Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd. After gaining experience in management accounting in the office building division and working on mixed-use development projects at a residential group company, she assumed her current role. She currently leads the “&mog by Mitsui Fudosan” project, which supports innovation in the food industry through urban development initiatives in Nihonbashi.

Born in Kyoto in 1963. Graduated from Ritsumeikan University in 1986 and joined Sanwa Bank. Left MUFG Bank in 2016, where his final post was General Manager of the Sales Division. Joined Minato Co., Ltd. in 2016. Integrated a fresh-produce company in 2021, and in 2023 launched the MIRYO FOOD PROJECT together with Kyoto Prefecture—transforming the company from a commercial foodstuffs wholesaler into a food platform business. Aims to realize fine food (gastronomy) and a sustainable food system and society.

Dedicated to building insights for the social implementation of food tech. Akiko combines business strategy, technology, and humanities perspectives, while delving into the essence of food tech that holds significance for humanity’s future. She has previously served as a research specialist at McKinsey & Company for 10 years. In 2017, she joined SIGMAXYZ and launched the Global Food Tech Summit “SKS Japan”. Currently, as an Insight Specialist at UnlocX, she is engaged in building and disseminating insights related to food innovation. Co-authored “Food Tech Revolution” (2020/Nikkei BP) and "Future of Food created through FoodTech" (2025/PHP), "Food Tech as Liberal Arts"(2025/Nikkei BP).

Supporting Japanese companies with market entry, investment, and global alliances in Spain, the individual speaks at relevant seminars and contributes articles to industry publications. Areas of expertise include energy (with a focus on renewable energy), mobility, food tech, general social infrastructure, regional revitalization projects, and other sectors.

1996-Present

MUFG Bank, Ltd. Tokyo, Japan

2025-Present

Executive Officer, Head of Kyoto Branch

2024-2025

Executive Officer, Head ofChemical & Well-being Division

2022-2024

Managing Director, Head of Corporate Banking Division No.5

2018-2022

MD, Deputy Chief of Staff, MUFG Union Bank, NY, U.S.A

2016-2018

MD, Kyoto Commercial Banking Office

2014-2016

Senior Manager, Global Planning Div.

2011-2014

Senior Vice President, Union Bank, N.A. in SF, California, U.S.A.

2010-2011

Visiting Scholar, UC Berkeley, Haas School of Business

2006-2010

Manager, Corporate Banking Division No.2

2004-2006

Manager, Corporate and Investment Banking Division

1996-2004

Banking Officer, Osaka, Shinjuku, Kawasaki Branches

Born in Kyoto in 1990. After completing a master's degree at the Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, he worked at the confectioner Taneya before joining Torokuya, his family's amanatto (candied bean) shop founded in 1926, in 2016, and became its fourth-generation president in 2020. In 2022 he launched SHUKA, a seed-confectionery brand that reinterprets amanatto for today, expanding into plant-based "seed gelato" and syrups. He was selected for Forbes JAPAN's "CULTURE-PRENEURS 30" in 2024, and SHUKA's gelato won a prize in the health category of the gelato competition at SIGEP 2026 in Italy.

Apr. 1991

Completed the Master’s Program in Transportation Civil Engineering,
Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University

Apr. 1991

Joined Nippon Steel Corporation

Dec. 2001

Joined Urban Renaissance Agency (UR)

Apr. 2018

General Manager, Urban Area Development Division,
West Japan Branch, Urban Renaissance Agency (UR)

Apr. 2023

Deputy General Manager, Overseas Business Support Department,
Headquarters, Urban Renaissance Agency (UR)

Jun. 2026

Seconded to Public Foundation of Kansai Research Institute as Managing Director and Secretary General

Executive Scientist at National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO); Professor at the University of Tsukuba’s Institute for Global Studies; and Representative Director of the Self-Care Food Council. After completing his graduate studies at Chiba University, she engaged in research on food functionality at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and NARO. She has worked on elucidating the anti-allergic effects of the “Benifuuki” green tea, as well as the health benefits of functional agricultural products and composite foods, and has received numerous awards, including the Japan Agricultural Science Award (Yomiuri Agricultural Science Award). She is currently working on creating healthcare solutions through food and realizing an AI system for proposing personalized diets.

Anas Erridaoui is the co-founder and CEO of Fungu’it, a French foodtech company helping food manufacturers make healthier, more sustainable food without compromising on taste. Fungu’it rebuilds flavour through fermentation: selected fungi transform upcycled plant by-products into natural ingredients that replace flavourings, flavour enhancers and maskers. Its powders bring savoury depth, recreate marine notes and deliver cocoa-like richness. They help manufacturers reduce salt, mask unwanted plant-protein notes and replace part of the cocoa in recipes while preserving a satisfying eating experience. One fermentation platform serves applications from sauces and meat alternatives to chocolate bakery products.

Alexis Biton is Head of International Affairs at Genopole, one of France’s leading bioclusters dedicated to biotechnology, biotherapies and genomics. He leads Genopole’s international strategy and develops partnerships with innovation ecosystems, research organisations, public authorities and companies worldwide. He also coordinates European collaborative projects supporting innovation, technology transfer and market access in the life sciences. He currently coordinates APROVALS, a Horizon Europe project focused on policy innovation and regulatory pathways for cellular agriculture and novel foods. As a Board member of the Council of European BioRegions (CEBR), he contributes to strengthening cooperation between European life-science clusters. His work increasingly focuses on the industrial scale-up of biotechnology and on building long-term connections between European and international ecosystems, particularly in Japan.

Ada Domingo Ferrer is Coordinator of Science for Cooperation and Diplomacy at BETA Technological Centre. With a background in International Relations and Geopolitics, her work focuses on the promotion of R&I-based cooperation projects and science diplomacy practices to address global challenges and accelerate systemic changes, especially in cooperation with non-EU member states and Widening countries.

Frédérique Vinay is European Affairs & Project Development Manager at the Île-de-France Region, specialising in European cooperation and innovation projects.
She has extensive experience in developing and managing EU-funded projects, including Horizon Europe, Interreg and structural funds.
Her expertise covers innovation, digital transformation, AI, sustainable development, hydrogen, biotechnology and smart cities.
She works closely with European and international partners, research organisations, companies, public authorities and regional stakeholders to build strategic project consortia.
She currently contributes to major European initiatives promoting innovation, climate resilience, digital transformation and international cooperation for the Île-de-France Region.