Hello, I’m Yoshio, a first-year master’s student.
I’m happy to share that I participated in the 16th OGIS-RI Software Challenge Award (hosted by OGIS Research Institute Co., Ltd.) held on December 2, and received the First Prize!

About the Contest
This contest is a software competition organized by OGIS Research Institute for university and graduate students across Japan.
 This year’s theme was “Surrealism.” Although it may seem unrelated to software development at first glance, the abstract nature of the theme encouraged participants to propose highly creative and original ideas unique to students.
For more details about the contest: https://www.ogis-ri.co.jp/event/e107966.html

Project Presented: “Mirai Gram”
The project I planned and developed is a software application called “Mirai Gram.”
This software aims to visualize children’s non-cognitive abilities—such as initiative and perseverance—which cannot be measured through test scores. By expressing children’s inner traits and hidden potential as surreal, dreamlike artworks, the system aligns with the theme of surrealism and offers a unique way to represent otherwise invisible qualities.

Development and Preparation Journey
I first learned about this contest through the GEIOT Program at NAIST. After applying in September and passing the document screening in October, I began preparing for the final round in December.
For developing the demo application, I used Flutter, which I had learned during an internship. Without that experience, it would have been difficult to build a working prototype in such a short time.
Balancing this project with research and job hunting made for a very demanding schedule, but I’m relieved that it resulted in a positive outcome.

Reflections on Receiving the Award
Since I only began studying information science seriously after entering graduate school, I was often overwhelmed by the high level of those around me. Under such circumstances, being able to achieve this result by leveraging my presentation experience from classes and the development skills I gained during my internship has given me great confidence.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to NAIST for providing an environment where I could boldly take on new challenges, and to my professors and lab members for their continuous support.
I will use this experience as motivation to further dedicate myself to my future research activities!

Hello, this is Takuto Akiyoshi, a third-year doctoral student.

On December 15, I gave a presentation in the final round of the Campus Venture Grand Prix (CVG) Osaka Regional Competition [1]. The title of my presentation was “ROBOZOO: A Robot Zoo that Nurtures the Heart.” This competition is known as a business plan contest for student entrepreneurs.
To explore how ROBOZOO—which I exhibited at the Osaka-Kansai Expo on July 13—can be implemented in society, I took on the challenge of participating in my first business plan competition, thinking about how to develop it through business as a form of social implementation. I am truly grateful to have received the top prize (championship), and I feel deep appreciation for everyone who has been involved and supported me along the way. Next, I will do my best at the national competition in February next year (2026)!
My reflections after finishing the presentation [2], as well as my thoughts on social implementation and entrepreneurship [3], are shared in the essays below—please take a look!

[1] https://cvg.nikkan.co.jp/oosaka
[2] https://note.com/tri_psyche/n/n74a7e2b65c7d
[3] https://note.com/tri_psyche/n/n205acebc6532

Hello, this is Takuto Akiyoshi, a third-year doctoral student.

On December 11, I gave my presentation at my doctoral dissertation defense. The title of my talk was “Active Listening of an Interactive Hugging Robot.” Addressing the social issue of mental health support, my research explores how an interactive robot capable of hugging can engage with people, and what kinds of effects such interactions can produce.
The session consisted of a 40-minute presentation of my research, followed by a 20-minute Q&A session. Surrounded by my supervisors, committee members, and junior lab members, I was quite nervous, but I managed to get through it successfully. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for all the guidance and support I have received up to this point.
As I move toward completing the final version of my dissertation, I will continue to do my best over the next few months!

My reflections immediately after the presentation [1], as well as my renewed determination and passion for my research after a night’s rest [2], are shared in the essays linked below—please feel free to take a look!
[1]https://note.com/tri_psyche/n/na2eac2af9b60
[2]https://note.com/tri_psyche/n/nd69e821f17dc