Delivered on November 2, 2026
Turning research "seeds" into business—YELLOW's Ryohei Osaka takes on the challenge of "paper seed development"
Speakers:
Ryohei Osaka, CEO of YELLOW Inc.
Affiliation and position information is as of the time of distribution
Our guest this time is Ryohei Osaka, CEO of YELLOW Inc. We will be discussing how to translate the research and technological "seeds" held by universities and research institutions into viable businesses and implement them in society. While technologies such as AI, big data, and human flow analysis are evolving, marketing and business design are essential, not just technology, to turn them into services that are truly used in companies and local communities. We will explore YELLOW's efforts to bridge the gap between research and the market, from human flow analysis using location data, to collaboration with companies, the difficulties in connecting research results to businesses, and the future of business transformed by automation and AI. We will delve into the possibilities of data utilization as envisioned by Mr. Osaka.
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YELLOW Inc.'s "Research Seed Development" Business and Background of its Establishment
YELLOW Inc. is a company that develops "research seed development," uncovering research papers and cutting-edge technology "seeds" held by universities and research institutions and transforming them into practical solutions that can be utilized by private companies. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, CEO Ryohei Osaka worked in technical auditing overseas, and through his interactions with various countries around the world, he became aware of the problem that excellent technological assets in Japan were not being adequately commercialized and reaching overseas markets. After returning to Japan, he launched the business by combining his inquisitive spirit for research and verification with his career experience, and is now acting as a bridge connecting hidden technologies to the market, collaborating with universities, government agencies, and industry.
The Potential of Human Flow Analysis and Fan Marketing in Professional Sports Clubs
Mr. Osaka's work on location data and human flow analysis is largely driven by his experience in system development and business support for professional sports clubs. While many professional sports teams are strengthening their marketing efforts to connect with local communities and acquire fans, they faced the challenge of not being able to fully grasp detailed pedestrian flow data, such as "where spectators come from, how they move around the stadium, and how they return home." Therefore, in collaboration with LocationMind Inc., we have begun visualizing pedestrian flow data and are conducting a long-term demonstration project as a prefectural initiative aimed at improving administrative cooperation and fan engagement.
Social Implementation from Academic Papers and Cutting-Edge Technologies to Real-World Services and Diverse Development Examples
The process of transforming university papers and advanced technologies into actual business services is not easy, but YELLOW Inc. is making progress in concretizing these ideas in diverse fields. Specifically, development is underway toward practical application in a wide range of areas, including spinal image analysis in the medical field, analysis of pedestrian flow data utilizing location information, and a system for visualizing corporate CO2 emissions. By translating and reconstructing specialized technologies that remain at the theoretical stage of academic papers into practical systems demanded by the field, we are creating solutions that directly contribute to solving social issues.
On-site Communication to Uncover the Challenges of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and manufacturing sites in Japan possess excellent technology, but are unable to introduce cutting-edge technologies such as AI and data utilization due to labor shortages and a lack of information. In cases where a company's challenges are not articulated, YELLOW Inc. thoroughly implements an on-site approach, always visiting the site directly and engaging in hands-on communication. By taking the perspective of craftsmen and workers, thoroughly researching the industry and work content beforehand, and engaging in repeated dialogue, they uncover the essential challenges that are not yet apparent, and support the introduction of optimal technologies tailored to the specific needs of the site.
Automation and Data Utilization Brought About Efficiency and Innovation in On-site Operations
Automating simple tasks and improving workflows in factories and logistics sites are extremely important themes for industries facing labor shortages. By incorporating location data, IoT technology, and data obtained from various sensors into existing operations, it becomes possible to reduce the burden on workers and improve productivity simultaneously. At YELLOW Inc., we don't simply apply technology; we partner with businesses that have curiosity and enthusiasm for new manufacturing, and through dialogue, we create innovations that are truly needed on the ground.
From Gunma/Kamata to Southeast Asia: YELLOW's Future Prospects and Co-creation
Currently headquartered in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, YELLOW Inc. is planning to relocate its headquarters to Kamata, Ota Ward, Tokyo, where many small factories are concentrated, in order to further advance its business. By shifting its base to a major manufacturing hub, the company aims to further strengthen collaboration with small and medium-sized enterprises with excellent technology and accelerate joint development. Furthermore, in the future, the company envisions expanding its research seed development model and co-creation solutions, which have been established in Japan, to the Southeast Asian market, and disseminating Japan's technological capabilities to the world.
Summary
YELLOW Inc.'s "Research Seed Development" is an innovative business model that strongly connects advanced papers and technologies lying dormant in universities with the challenges faced by private companies on the ground. From analyzing human flow in professional sports to medical analysis and environmental solutions, we contribute to solving social issues by translating technology into concrete solutions.
Their thorough approach of direct on-site communication and their global perspective, with an eye on expansion into Southeast Asia, represent an ideal model for industry-academia collaboration and innovation in an AI and data-driven society. YELLOW's challenge to bridge the gap between research and market is expected to redefine the value of Japan's technological assets and serve as a cornerstone supporting sustainable industrial development.