TIU E-Track and J-Track students gave their final presentations for the TIU Career Experience Practicum (CEP), a unique course taught in collaboration with major Japanese companies and organizations. This year, TIU proudly partnered with Greein Inc., a Japanese company that provides AI- and IoT-based agricultural solutions to support productivity, sustainability, and food security around the globe.
Students worked in teams of six to plan and deliver full business model proposals to Dr. Togami, Representative Director and CEO of Greein Inc. Each group targeted a specific Asian country, highlighting relevant agricultural and economic problems within that setting and evaluating how science-based agriculture and advanced technologies such as Greein’s AI solution, e-kakashi, could be effectively introduced to address them.
The teams proposed a number of innovative ideas, including using technological advancements to speed up farm-to-shelf times, partnering with prominent logistics companies, and even adapting the e-kakashi software into unmanned aerial vehicles to accurately survey paddies from above.
The economic feasibility of the proposals was central, with students providing robust business models considering the relevant stakeholders, explaining the potential benefits to farmers, exporters, business owners and the wider public and anticipating the challenges of receiving funding and attracting investment.
Dr. Togami expressed surprise at how much new information he gained from the students’ proposals, and asserted that his newfound knowledge of specific Asian countries would help better inform him in his future endeavors abroad. He asked questions to ascertain a robust understanding of the students’ thought processes.
His final question was simple: “Did you have fun?â€
Students noted that although the project was tough, overcoming challenges and producing a real, feasible proposal relevant to their chosen country was immensely satisfying.
The CEP course, teaming up with a range of prominent Japanese companies and organizations, provides a unique podium for students to utilize the skills learned within the classroom. Through identifying contemporary issues in global development, considering practical necessities and sustainability, and working as a team, TIU aims to develop the critical competencies students need to succeed in the international market.