NEWS
The Graduate School of Frontier Exploration in Earth and Space Introduced at SPACETIDE 2026
Thank you very much for meeting us at SPACETIDE 2026!
Ritsumeikan University exhibited at SPACETIDE 2026, held at Toranomon Hills Forum from July 6 to 9, 2026.
SPACETIDE 2026 is one of Asia’s largest space business conferences, bringing together researchers, business entities, startups, government agencies, and other stakeholders involved in the space sector from Japan and around the world.
During the conference, we introduced the concept of the Graduate School of Frontier Exploration in Earth and Space* (hereinafter, the new graduate school), scheduled to open in 2028, to visitors at the exhibition booth. Approximately 200 individuals, including representatives of companies engaged in space-related businesses, visited the Ritsumeikan University booth.
Astronaut Koichi Wakata visited our booth
Some visitors stopped by because they were interested in seeing a university among companies and organizations exhibiting at the conference.
We explained how the new graduate school aims to address the anticipated shortage of human resources resulting from the future expansion of the space market and emphasizes cross-disciplinary learning that integrates science, engineering, and management, together with project-based practical learning, in order to cultivate space professionals.
Representatives from companies involved in space-related businesses commented that they look forward to seeing graduates of the Graduate School of Frontier Exploration in Earth and Space contribute to the space sector.
In addition, Professor Shinichi Nakasuka, who also serves as a board member of the General Incorporated Association SPACETIDE, participated in multiple sessions on behalf of the University. He delivered a keynote presentation on the Graduate School of Frontier Exploration in Earth and Space and joined discussions on university-originated startups.
During a session on university-originated startups, Professor Nakasuka discussed his experience supporting multiple startup ventures. He explained how challenges related to social implementation, which initially emerged as an extension of educational activities, gradually evolved into strategies that also emphasized fundraising as the space industry became increasingly active.
Other panelists discussed, from both technical and managerial perspectives, the challenges and appeal of managing complex projects aimed at industrializing activities in the emerging field of space.
The Graduate School of Frontier Exploration in Earth and Space will incorporate entrepreneurship education into its curriculum to cultivate individuals capable of pursuing the social implementation of research outcomes.
The new graduate school aims to support students in becoming creators of new value who contribute to the development of the space sector and thrive on the global stage.
Professor Nakasuka speaking at the session on July 9
"What Are the Essential Growth Strategies for University-Originated Space Startups: From the Laboratory to Business?”
*The Graduate School of Frontier Exploration in Earth and Space is currently under development. The name of the graduate school is provisional, and the plan may be subject to change.