Keio University has embarked on the development of a large-scale research center, aiming to expand its knowledge in the natural sciences into the humanities and social sciences with a view to conduct new interdisciplinary research and real-world applications. This initiative aims to contribute to solving social issues through the creation of start-ups and the strengthening of industry-academia collaboration.
Under this strategy, which was adopted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) as the Project for the Promotion of Strengthening Regional Core and Distinctive Research Universities, Keio University is collecting pathological data on intestinal microbes and multiple organs and analyzing them using AI and quantum computers. Keio University is also working on projects aimed at establishing urban healthcare and a resource-recycling society.
Keio University intends to increase the number of start-up ventures from the current 236 to 350 in five years, a 1.5-fold increase.
The project also seeks to change the mindset of researchers across the university to a more global, futurist view. The Global Research Institute is using generated AI to address global issues and knowledge integration, and researchers from several faculties have organized think-tanks to produce international analysis and sustainability.
