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Faculty of Liberal Arts Student Advances to National Stage in Campus Venture Grand Prix Tokyo

In a thrilling culmination at the Kazan Kaikan in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, on Friday, December 1, 2023, the Campus Venture Grand Prix Tokyo saw Yuri Kato, a third-year student from Teikyo University's Faculty of Liberal Arts, claim the coveted Kanto Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry Bureau Award. This accolade propels Kato into the national spotlight as he secures a spot in the upcoming national competition. The event, sponsored by the Campus Venture Grand Prix Tokyo Executive Committee and co-sponsored by Resona Bank and Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, witnessed the convergence of student innovators from various disciplines.

The Campus Venture Grand Prix, established in 1999 and now spanning eight regions nationwide, has earned its reputation as the "gateway to success for student entrepreneurs." Over the years, countless participants have leveraged this platform to springboard their business ventures into reality, attaining significant success in the process. Yuri Kato's journey to the national competition was marked by dedication and strategic support. Engaging with the Startup Hub Tokyo TAMA support program, a startup assistance facility, Kato collaborated with the facility's concierge, Tomohisa Ito, and other mentors. Their collaborative efforts focused on crafting a robust business plan that would stand out in the competitive landscape.

Hailing from Shizuoka Prefecture, Kato navigated the rigorous selection process—from document screening to the semi-final screening—with unwavering determination. On the event day, Kato showcased his prowess, delivering a compelling presentation on his platform-type business plan titled "Pochari - Genius Discovery Project." Displaying confidence, Kato fielded questions from the judges, ultimately earning the distinction of the Kanto Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry Director's Award. Out of 167 entries, Kato's achievement places him among the top contenders, securing a place in the national competition scheduled for Tuesday, February 27, 2024. Reflecting on his unexpected success, Kato expressed, "I was surprised because I never expected to be able to go to the national competition. Being evaluated like this made me realize that what I was doing was not wrong." As Yuri Kato prepares to represent Teikyo University on the national stage, his journey underscores the transformative potential of platforms like the Campus Venture Grand Prix in shaping the future of student entrepreneurs.

Click here for information on Campus Venture Grand Prix
Click here for more information about Startup Hub Tokyo TAMA

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