This event marks the culmination of the post-COVID-19 pandemic chapter of the course. Different teams had a chance to conduct field research overseas and work on issues experienced in different countries. Due to the pandemic, for the past three years, AppTech projects focused on issues experienced inside Japan. For 2020, the general theme is about disaster resilience and recovery; 2021 projects focused on aging society and life in urban areas; and 2022 delve into improving the quality of life in educational institutions. This year, students had a chance to explore diverse topics in developing countries and challenge themselves to design extremely affordable solutions. As a result, five projects were done in five different countries: Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Egypt.
Students of the Ph.D. Program of Human Biology, Ph.D. Program in Humanics, and Frontier Medical Science have focused on issues affecting health and well-being. In the past six months, they have developed technology prototypes appropriate to the target user’s needs. They will be sharing their project’s journey and presenting its business potential. The Tech Demo will showcase the user experience and how it is expected to improve the Quality of Life.
Based on the issues discovered locally and the issues they investigated, they worked to materialize the solutions through prototyping and working with target communities with business model construction in mind. Please take a look at the student presentations.
Event Details:
Date: December 9, 2023 (Saturday)
Time: 14:00 – 18:30 JST (registration starts at 13:30)
Venue: Faculty of Medicine Clinical Lecture Hall, University of Tsukuba
Above the Medical Library (link)
The event will be structured into three main sections, each showcasing the unique aspects of the student’s projects:
1. Backstory and Demo of Prototype (14:25-15:50)
Students will provide a background on their projects, sharing the challenges faced and solutions developed. They will also present live demonstrations of their prototypes, allowing judges to witness the practical application of their technological innovations.
2. Poster Session and Hands-on (15:50-16:20)
A poster session will display a visual representation of each group’s project. In this section, the general audience can delve into the details of the projects more visually and interactively.
3. Final Pitch: Business Plan and Execution Plan (16:20-17:45)
In the final segment, students will present their comprehensive business plans and execution strategies. This part of the event highlights the students’ ability to translate technological concepts into viable and sustainable plans to improve their quality of life.
Projects for AppTech 2023:
Playful Nutrition Education (Phnom Phen, Cambodia):
Engaging and educating, students have crafted a nutrition education app game, making learning about healthy eating an enjoyable and interactive experience for all ages.
Precision Aid for Tremors (Cairo, Egypt):
Students are innovating solutions for people experiencing hand tremors caused by Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, or advanced age. It is a tool to provide independence in doing daily activities and enhancing quality of life.
Empowering Traditional Salt Farmers (Bali, Indonesia):
Students are developing solutions to enhance productivity and sustainability in this age-old industry, marrying tradition with modern efficiency.
Revolutionizing Spaces for Underprivileged Kids (Okinawa, Japan):
With a focus on social impact, students are transforming “third places” to provide enriching environments for underprivileged children, fostering growth and development.
Restful Nights for Cancer Patients (Nha Trang, Vietnam):
Our students are dedicated to improving the sleep quality of patients in Cancer Hospitals, ensuring they receive the rest and comfort they need during their challenging journey.
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