Campus Venture Grand Prix Competition 2019 TOMODACHI Award Recipients Participate in Online Training

On September 11 and 18, and October 2, 2020, the two winning students of the TOMODACHI Social Entrepreneurship Award at the Campus Venture Grand Prix Competition joined three training sessions online. The TOMODACHI Entrepreneurship Award Program aims to improve the plans of these top student entrepreneurs in Japan through pitch meetings with business founders and investors in Silicon Valley.

In the two training sessions held in September, the participants learned how to give presentations in an American environment effectively, and practiced pitching in English. The mentors’ advice on the pitches and the questions on their business plans improved their presentations. In the final training, the students gave presentations for four founders and investors in Silicon Valley. The participants received feedback from them based on their own experiences as founders and investors. This final round was also a valuable networking opportunity for the students.

Yusei Takahashi, a participant of the program and a student at Tohoku University, looked back the program, commenting, “Through the program, not only did I improved my English skills, but also I learned what is important in giving presentations and how to convey the value of a business plan. It was such a great experience for me to present my business plan for the founders and investors in Silicon Valley.” Yuki Ishihara, a graduate student at Hiroshima University, said, “Based on the feedback I got, I will conduct interviews with potential customers and work on product development. In addition, I am determined to keep thinking about social issues and possible solutions, not just about my current product.”

We expect the program participants will utilize the knowledge gained from the program in their future activities, including their business plans, to make a positive impact on society.