UQ-Kansai Innovation Forum
Learn about research collaboration opportunities in Japan from government, industry and regional stakeholders in the Kansai region (Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe), a major centre of innovation, industry and research.
Japan is a leading destination for research, education, innovation and international collaboration. Yet many researchers interested in working with Japan are unsure where to begin.
The UQ–Kansai Innovation Forum provides a practical starting point.
About the event
In a reverse-pitch format, government, industry and regional stakeholders from across Kansai will share emerging challenges facing their organisations, industries and communities and where research and innovation could make a difference.
Participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, connect their expertise with real-world challenges, and explore potential research collaborations in Japan.
UQ Business School will host the UQ-Kansai Innovation Forum, facilitated by Associate Professor Monica Chien and Professor Gabby Walters, with support from UQ Global Partnerships.
Event details
Date: 21 October 2026
Time: 11am – 1pm (AEST)
Location: Online (webinar)
Who should attend
Researchers from all disciplines who are interested in:
- international collaboration
- industry engagement
- research impact
- policy relevance
- future funding opportunities.
Presenters
- Opening remarks by members of the Brisbane City Council, the Lord Mayor's Office, and the Consul-General of Japan.
- UQ Adjunct Professor, Mr Tak Adachi, former Senior Commissioner of Trade & Investment Queensland Japan Office.
Representatives from Kansai include:
- Kobe City Government
- Asuka Cruise
- Yamaha Motor
- Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau.
What to expect
- Hear first-hand about emerging regional, economic, social and environmental challenges in Kansai.
- Exchange questions, perspectives and ideas directly with government, industry and regional stakeholders.
- Discover where your expertise intersects with real-world challenges and potential collaborators in Japan.
- Identify opportunities to extend your research into Japan and generate insights relevant to the Queensland and Brisbane 2032 Games.
Topics include:
- regional revitalisation
- tourism and the visitor economy
- sustainability
- digital transformation
- community wellbeing
- innovation
- economic development.
Registration
Please register for the webinar by Tuesday 20 October 2026.
Contact
For further information about the forum, please email Associate Professor Monica Chien at m.chien@uq.edu.au.
About Business School Events
The Business School proudly hosts a range of events throughout the year for prospective, current or past students, members of the public or industry professionals.
