We are pleased to announce the second JIGE Cross-Disciplinary Research Camp for graduate students. Under the main theme “Pioneering Ideas: From Graduate Research to Societal Change,” the camp provides a platform to explore how academic research can be translated into societal impact. We invite graduate students from the three partner universities to join this two-day intensive program.
During the camp, participants will engage in discussions on topics such as addressing social challenges through research, creating new value, career development after graduate school, and the competencies that graduate students should cultivate. Guest speakers who will explore these topics together include a Tohoku University graduate currently working at JETRO, and two entrepreneurs developing AI-driven solutions for digital well-being.
This camp is organized as part of the Japan Hub for Innovative Global Education (JIGE) Initiative, a collaborative effort among Tohoku University, Kansai University, and Chiba University. Some activities are co-organized with SENDAI Global Lounge, an entrepreneurship support program of the City of Sendai.
| Date | Saturday, February 7, 2026, 1:00 PM ～ Sunday, February 8, 2026, 3:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Format | In-person |
| Language |
Japanese (with supplemental English support as needed)
Note: An intermediate level of Japanese proficiency for communication is recommended. |
| Venue |
Aobayama New Campus, Tohoku University Material Innovation Center 4F, Aobayama Garage (Map) |
| Eligibility | Graduate students affiliated with Tohoku University, Kansai University, or Chiba University. |
| Participation Fee |
Free Note: Transportation, accommodation, and meals are at participants’ own expense. A dinner reception on the first evening will be provided free of charge. |
| Pre-camp Online Session |
February 1 (Sun), 2026 / 9:00–10:30 AM (Online) Speaker & Facilitator: Enika Banerjee Senior Lecturer of Japanese Coordinator of the Japanese Business Certificate Department of Languages, Cultures and Translation, University of North Carolina at Charlotte Overview: Drawing on extensive experience in business, research, and education across Japan and the U.S., Dr. Banerjee will lead a session on skills for working in international environments. The session will explore the significance of being mobile in a global context, the competencies required, and what graduate students should experience in preparation for future work in multinational teams. Note: A Zoom link will be provided to registered participants. |
| Overview | ◆ Schedule ◆ All times are Japan Standard Time (JST). The schedule may be subject to change. Day 1: February 7
Day 2: February 8 9:00 AM Research Sharing & Common Challenge Discovery Workshop Overview: Small groups will introduce their research and identify social challenges that might be addressed by combining insights from each member’s work. This activity aims to foster cross-disciplinary perspectives. 1:00 PM Group Presentations & Reflection 2:00 PM Closing Session
Asuka Kashiwase Project Manager, Planning Div., Planning Dept., Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
Asuka Kashiwase graduated from the master program at Tohoku University Graduate School of Economics and Management. She joined Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) in 2018 and had engaged in researching trade, foreign direct investment and Japanese firms’ business activities at the research department. Since February 2023, she had worked at Commerce Development Research Institute (CDRI) in Taiwan as a visiting researcher and engaged in researching Taiwan's economic situation and its governmental policies. Since February 2025, she has been working at the planning division in JETRO headquarters.
〇 Click here for the JETRO website.
Kendal Fritzell CEO/Founder, RexTec Inc.
Kendal Fritzell is a Swedish-Kurdish entrepreneur with a background in Industrial Engineering and Management (major) and Japanese Studies (minor) from Linköping University. In the third year of his bachelor’s program, he spent a year as an exchange student at Tohoku University. During that time, he became aware of the severity of game disorder and digital addiction among children—an issue he personally relates to, having experienced internet addiction and social withdrawal in his own youth.
Motivated to address this global mental-health challenge, Kendal entered several university-level entrepreneurship competitions, winning the Grand Prize at Tohoku University’s “ACADEMIA IN ACTION” contest. He later co-founded RexTec Inc., a startup building AI-driven screening tools for early detection of gaming disorder. In 2025, he relocated to Japan to continue to build the company.
Hans Birkedal CTO/Founder, RexTec Inc.
Hans Birkedal is a Swedish–Japanese engineer and entrepreneur. He studied Applied Physics and Electrical Engineering at Linköping University and later spent time studying abroad at Kyoto University, further strengthening his ties to Japan. Later Hans worked as a Machine Learning Engineer in the R&D division of Toyota Material Handling Manufacturing Sweden. Having witnessed friends struggle with gaming and social-media addiction during his childhood, Hans developed a strong motivation to build technology that supports healthier digital habits.
Hans partnered with Kendal to co-found RexTec Inc., where he leads the technical development of AI-based tools for early identification and prevention of gaming disorder. Driven by his belief that technology should work for human wellbeing, he aims to help rebuild hope in Japan and contribute solutions that can scale globally. In 2025 he moved to Japan to work full-time on RexTec with Kendal.
〇 Click here for the RexTec website. |
| Application Deadline |
Noon, January 13 (Tue), 2026 |
| How to Apply | Please apply using application form below. |
| Note |
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| Co-Organizer |
SENDAI Global Lounge |