On August 20, Okayama University held the fourth presentation session for the recipients of the Okayama University SDGs Promotion Award 2024 at the University Administrative Meeting.
This award recognizes outstanding initiatives in four categories—Education, Research, Workplace Contributions, and Student Groups—with a total of five groups honored this year.

At this session, Professor HIEJIMA Shinji (Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology) and Mr. UEDA Takeji, President and CEO of Hydro-VENUS Inc., an Okayama University-originated venture company, presented their collaborative efforts related to “Hydro-VENUS,” which won the Excellence Award in the Research category.

Hydro-VENUS Inc. is engaged in developing and commercializing the Hydro-VENUS hydropower generator, an innovative system invented by Professor HIEJIMA that generates electricity by oscillating a semi-cylindrical pendulum using the flow of water. Unlike conventional tidal turbines, this technology does not require propellers, enabling reduced manufacturing costs and simplified maintenance.
Mr. UEDA introduced Hydro-VENUS as “a technology that not only generates energy but also contributes to environmental conservation and regional utilization, aligning with the concepts of digital transformation (DX).”

He also emphasized the value of being an Okayama University-originated venture company, stating, “Our close collaboration with university researchers gives us unique access to academic expertise that most companies cannot easily obtain. Even as a small team, we have been able to make a strong impact thanks to our university-based foundation.”

President NASU Yasutomo commended the presentation, saying, “It was an inspiring and exciting talk. The University will continue to support such initiatives and hopes to provide even more opportunities for sharing them in the future.”

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