【November 17th–21th, 2025】OIH Global Entrepreneur Program

The “OSAKA TO BOSTON! Global Entrepreneur Program” is designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs experience a world-class startup ecosystem and cultivate a global mindset that enables them to compete internationally.

In 2025, following a series of pre-departure orientations and pitch training sessions, the program was conducted over five days from November 17 to 21 in Boston, United States. Through direct engagement with Boston’s “inner circle,” participants deepened their understanding of the local ecosystem while building confidence and networks essential for taking on global challenges.

【DAY1】City Day
Understanding the City and Its Ecosystem

The program began with a visit to the Consulate-General of Japan in Boston, where participants received briefings on Boston’s economic landscape, research environment, and industrial structure. These insights helped participants understand how Boston has developed into one of the world’s leading innovation hubs, prompting active questions and discussions from the very first day.

The group then visited MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and Northeastern University. Through campus tours and interactions with students, participants experienced firsthand how universities function not only as educational institutions but also as key drivers of regional innovation.

In the evening, a welcome dinner was held with Japanese entrepreneurs and researchers active in the Boston area. This provided participants with their first step into Boston’s inner circle and meaningful opportunities for networking.

MIT Campus Tour

【DAY2】Education Day
Experiencing World-Class Entrepreneurship Education

On Day 2, participants visited Babson College, ranked No.1 in entrepreneurship education in the United States. They were given special access to the course “Foundations of Management and Entrepreneurship,” where students work in teams to simulate the entire process of founding and operating a company. Many participants commented that the hands-on, discussion-driven class style was a refreshing contrast to educational formats in Japan.

The day also included English pitch presentations and feedback sessions, providing participants with valuable opportunities for practical output in a global setting.

English Pitch Session with Babson Students

【DAY3】Industry Day
Exploring the Frontlines of Industry and Research

Day 3 featured a visit to LabCentral, an incubation facility supporting life science startups. Through a workshop-style program, participants learned how cutting-edge research is translated into commercial ventures, gaining insight into the relationship between science and business.

In the afternoon, the group visited MassRobotics, where they explored Boston’s robotics industry cluster and learned about collaboration among startups, researchers, and industry partners.

Workshop at LabCentral

【DAY4】Innovation Day
Entering the Inner Circle of Innovation Hubs

On the morning of Day 4, participants independently scheduled meetings with local contacts or visited universities based on connections made earlier in the program.
In the afternoon, the group visited CIC (Cambridge Innovation Center), recognized as one of the world’s most innovative startup support organizations.

After a guided tour highlighting the power of community-driven innovation, participants joined “Thursday Gathering” at Venture Café Cambridge, a weekly networking event that brings together innovators from diverse backgrounds. Participants actively engaged in conversations, expanding their networks within Boston’s innovative ecosystem.

Networking on Thursday Gathering

【DAY5】Deep Tech Day
Deepening Understanding of Deep Tech and Looking Ahead

On the final day, participants attended “Deep Tech Bridge 2025,” hosted by KSAC. Through pitch sessions by Japanese researchers and startups, as well as expert talks, participants gained concrete insights into opportunities for collaboration and commercialization between Japanese startups and global companies.

The program concluded with a reflection session, where participants shared key learnings and personal insights from the five days. Many expressed a renewed confidence in their ability to take on challenges beyond Japan.

Deep Tech Bridge 2025 Event

【Post-Program Report Session】

Following the program, a community-focused report session was held in Japan, where participants shared their experiences, learnings, and post-program actions.
This invitation-only event brought together program participants, alumni from previous cohorts, university representatives, and support organizations.
Through candid discussions, participants shared real-world insights gained in Boston and explored how these experiences could translate into future initiatives, strengthening community ties and mutual learning.

A special talk session featured Mr. Kanji Noguchi, CEO of orosy, an alumnus of the very first overseas workshop program in 2013, and Mr. Narimasa Makino, CEO of Monozukuri Ventures, who has been involved in program planning and operations. Mr. Noguchi shared his journey of founding a startup after participating in OIH’s first Silicon Valley talent development program as a student, remaining overseas to continue product development, and eventually securing funding from international venture capital firms. His message—“Rather than relying on external metrics such as market size, it is crucial to choose an environment that aligns with your own values and minimizes the gap between your ideals and reality”—left a strong impression on participants.

Mr. Makino, drawing on his experience supporting numerous growing startups, emphasized that high-performing teams consistently increase their level of action and actively engage in dialogue with external stakeholders. At the same time, he cautioned against the risk of treating program participation as an end in itself, stressing the importance of internalizing experiences as personal values and translating them into concrete next steps.

As OIH prepares for the renewal of its facility in April 2026, it will continue to strengthen support for startups aiming to succeed on a global stage. Through programs like this, OIH hopes that the connections and learnings formed will lead to new innovations originating in Osaka and expanding to the world.

Post-Program Report Session