Stanford University

Entrepreneurship

Towards a New Japan: Connecting Japan’s Biggest Challenges with Global Technology Solutions

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As the Tokyo-based co-founder and managing partner of global VC fund Fresco Capital, Allison Baum is frequently asked “Why are you in Japan?”  Indeed, with a global network of corporate partners, investors, and portfolio companies, many of them are curious to know why Fresco sees long term potential in the Japanese market. Though Japan is an advanced and well developed economy, the country is struggling with the need to innovate in the face of critical challenges such as a deflationary economy, a rapidly aging population, and an impending automation of the workforce. Fresco’s view is that this environment presents an extremely promising market opportunity for companies addressing challenges in healthcare, education and workplaces of the future. Join us as Allison shares her experience on the challenges and opportunities of expanding to Japan, bridging the cultural divide between Japan and the rest of the world, and discovering firsthand what it takes to successfully build long term partnerships in Japan.

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SPEAKER

Allison Baum, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Fresco Capital

BIO

Allison Baum is a co-founder and managing partner of Fresco Capital, a global, early stage venture capital fund investing in technology companies transforming education, healthcare, and the future of work at scale.  Prior to Fresco, Allison was an early member of the team at General Assembly, a global network for education and career transformation specialising in today’s most in-demand skills, where she developed and launched the company’s first part-time and full-time programs for technology, business, and design in New York.  In 2012, she relocated to Hong Kong to launch their first business in Asia.  Previously, she was a member of the Equity Derivatives team and Cross Asset Sales teams at Goldman Sachs in New York City.  

Allison graduated cum laude from Harvard College with a BA in Economics and a Minor in Film Studies.  She is also a member of the World Economic Forum Global Shapers community, a mentor for emerging women entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia at Wedu Global, a mentor for global social impact entrepreneurs at Endeavour Capital, and was named by Forbes as one of the 30 Top Emerging VC Managers in Asia.

AGENDA

4:15pm: Doors open 
4:30pm-5:30pm: Main Content, followed by discussion 
5:30pm-6:00pm: Networking

RSVP REQUIRED

To RSVP please go to: http://www.stanford-svnj.org/52118-public-forum/2018

For more information on the Stanford Silicon Valley-New Japan Project, please visit the project website at: http://www.stanford-svnj.org

 

Seminars
Stanford Silicon Valley-New Japan Project

Yan Gao

616 Serra StreetEncina Hall E301Stanford, CA94305-6055
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Yan Gao joins the Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center for the 2017-2018 year as a visiting scholar.  He is the Deputy Director of the Unirule Institute of Economics, China, and will be conducting research on Asia-Pacific innovation, and the development of the Chinese economy and entrepreneurship.  He is available at gaoyan@stanford.edu.

Visiting Scholar

<Spotlight Japanese Startup> Voice4u and Social Innovation: How Innovative Technology Enables A New World for People with Autism & Special Needs

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Voice4u is a revolutionary AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) system that helps individuals express their feelings, thoughts, actions, and needs. It is the equivalent of wheelchairs for people who cannot walk. Voice4u is the perfect solution for learning and communication for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and the people around them. In the United States, CDC estimates that 1 in 68 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorders as of 2017. The application has been downloaded in 100+ countries and more than 150K units. The product has proven to be commercially viable and has been used by people suffering from other types of developmental disorders including Down syndrome and Asperger’s syndrome, people with other kinds of communication disorders caused by stroke or brain injuries and deafness, seniors who have difficulties with verbal communication, as well as Speech Language Pathologists (SLP) for medical professionals, teachers, or parents. This presentation will focus on how and why Yumi Kubo and Sei Higuchi founded Spectrum Visions, the development of Voice4u, and their future plans.

SPEAKERS:

Yumi Kubo, co-founder and CEO of Spectrum Visions Global, Inc. 

Sei Higuchi, Ph.D., co-founder and CTO of Spectrum Visions Global Inc. 

BIOS:

Yumi is the co-founder and CEO of Spectrum Visions and has a son with autism. Before founding the company, she was engaged in numerous activities in non-profit organizations such as Parents Helping Parents (PHP). She has given lectures in Japan and the U.S on special education, IFSP (Individual Family Service Plan), IEP (Individual Educational Program) and IET (Individual Educational Transition). Yumi also started several social groups to support children with development delays. Her story was featured in San Jose Mercury News, “Autism Mystery – Family Finds Hope Silicon Valley”. As a part-time instructor at Osaka University, she has been teaching young students entrepreneurship with her unique story

Sei is co-founder and CTO of Spectrum Visions and is leading product development. He received his Ph.D. in Aeronautics & Astronautics from Stanford University in 2009. At Stanford, he developed the adaptive model predictive control algorithm for microkelvin thermal control system. While he was a Ph.D. student, he also supported the autism community in the Bay Area. After completing his Ph.D., he started developing Voice4u. Sei received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Waseda University, Japan, MS in Aeronautics & Astronautics, and Ph.D. minor in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University.

AGENDA:

4:15pm: Doors open
4:30pm-5:30pm: Talk and Discussion
5:30pm-6:00pm: Networking

RSVP REQUIRED:

Register to attend at http://www.stanford-svnj.org/svnj-public-forum-13018/2018/1/10/voice4u

For more information about the Silicon Valley-New Japan Project please visit: http://www.stanford-svnj.org/

 

Seminars
Stanford Silicon Valley-New Japan Project

Harnessing Silicon Valley: Corporate and Government Funded Accelerator Programs in Silicon Valley -- Implications for Japan 

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GSVlabs is a startup and corporate innovation accelerator located in the heart of Silicon Valley in Redwood City. It houses more than 180 startups and supports corporate innovation programs for more than 25 corporations. During the past few years, GSVlabs has welcomed numerous startups from foreign countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Thailand, China, Korea, Germany, Austria just to name a few. In many cases, these foreign startup acceleration programs are funded by large corporations and governments that see long-term economic benefits of supporting such activities in Silicon Valley. In this public forum, Atsuko Jenks will discuss examples of such corporate and government funded accelerator programs and implications for the efforts by Japanese corporations and Japanese government organizations to accelerate corporate innovation and economic growth of Japan.

SPEAKER:

Atsuko Jenks, Managing Director, Japan, GSVlabs

BIO:

Atsuko oversees development and implementation of corporate innovation and new business development accelerator programs for Japanese corporations at GSVlabs in Redwood City. She is also an advisor for two Silicon Valley technology startups, Grabit and Viewpoint Systems. For nearly 20 years, Atsuko has advised and worked with both US and Japanese companies, assisting them with their cross-Pacific alliance and partnership strategies as well as technology licensing and various commercial agreements. Atsuko is also active in non-profit work as a Board Member of Stanford Business School Alumni Association, an Executive Committee Member of The Tech Museum of Innovation, the San Francisco Chapter President of Tsuda University Alumnae Association, and a member of Stanford Business School Alumni Consulting Team. She was previously Director of Japan Division with Williams-Sonoma in San Francisco, and Consultant at Bain in Tokyo Office.  Atsuko holds BA from Tsuda University in International Relations and Global Studies, and MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business.

AGENDA:

4:15pm: Doors open
4:30pm-5:30pm: Talk and Discussion
5:30pm-6:00pm: Networking

RSVP REQUIRED:

 

Atsuko Jenks Managing Director, Japan GSVlabs
Seminars
Stanford Silicon Valley-New Japan Project

William F. Miller, SPRIE Co-Director, dies at 91

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William F. Miller, a former provost at Stanford University, a founding member of the university's Computer Science Department, and former CEO of SRI, died at the age of 91 on Wednesday, September 27.

Miller held an array of other leadership, industry, and academic roles, but at Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center (APARC), Bill was better known as one of the leaders of the Stanford Program on Regions of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SPRIE), along with Henry S. Rowen and Marguerite Gong Hancock. SPRIE was established at Shorenstein APARC in 2001 after the publication of The Silicon Valley Edge by Stanford University Press, co-edited by Miller, Rowen, Hancock, and Chong-Moon Lee; the book, the program's research, and Miller and Rowen's vast experience were responsible for a steady stream of visitors to Encina Hall, all looking to understand the Valley's success and replicate it abroad.

Two more books were published by SPRIE, focusing on the rise of innovation in Asia: Making IT: The Rise of Asia in High Tech (2006), and Greater China's Quest for Innovation (2008). In 2011, the program moved to the Graduate School of Business.

Full details on Bill Miller's life, as a leader, an entrepreneur, a tireless advisor and advocate, and as a generous human being, can be found here.

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Olexandr Starodubtsev

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Visiting Scholar, Ukrainian Emerging Leaders Program 2017-18
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Olexandr Starodubtsev is a Ukrainian reformer who is deeply involved in the creation of a new electronic public procurement system Prozorro, which is one of the most famous reforms in the country. Currently Starodubtsev is the Head of the Public Procurement Regulation Department in The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine, and is an official policy maker in the spheres of public procurement and economic development in Ukraine.

The Prozorro system is famous for its different approaches to bottom-up reform based on the close collaboration between government, business and civil society. In 2016, the Prozorro system won several distinguished international awards, such as the Open Government Partnership Award, the Public Procurement Award, and was also recognized by the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development and Open Contracting Partnership. Moreover, Prozorro and its principles became an inspirational example for other Ukrainian reforms.

Starodubtsev was born in Kharkiv, Ukraine in 1979. He graduated from Kharkiv National University in 2002. Previously he worked on the stock market where he made his career as a back-office specialist up to a managing partner of a Ukrainian branch of a multinational financial institution. He received an MBA degree from the Kyiv-Mohyla Business School and became Alumnus of the Year in its first competition in 2015. He is married and has a son and a daughter.

 

GROW: Using Artificial Intelligence to Screen Human Intelligence

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GROW is an automated solution to evaluate job candidates, developed by Tokyo-based people analytics startup, Institution for a Global Society (IGS). GROW was developed with the idea that the hiring process is often a missed opportunity to collect, utilize and exchange feedback that could change people’s behaviors for the better. The solution has developed into a tool that both helps students to understand their strengths and weaknesses, while at the same time assists HR in hiring based on competencies and personality traits. GROW uses artificial intelligence learning algorithms to analyze assessment data from both candidates and evaluators, looking for patterns to improve its ability to accurately screen candidates over time. In place of human intuition, GROW uses big data to develop a scientific, objective, and constantly-improving engine to recruit, screen, and develop human capital. In his presentation, Founder and CEO of IGS, Masahiro Fukuhara will speak about founding IGS, developing GROW, and the opportunities and challenges that its widespread interest has presented. 

Bio

Masahiro Fukuhara is founder and CEO of Tokyo-based people analytics startup Institution for a Global Society (IGS), which he started in 2010. Prior to founding IGS, Fukuhara was managing director at asset management firm Barclays Global Investors (BGI) where he made investment decisions based on computer-driven models. Fukuhara earned his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Keio University and MBA from INSEAD. He holds Master’s degree (with Honors) in International Finance from Grandes Ecoles HEC and Ph.D. from Tsukuba University Graduate School of Business Sciences (Ph.D. in Business Administration). He is currently a Visiting Professor at the center for FinTEK (Finance, Technology, and Economy) at Keio University as well as adjunct professor at Hitotsubashi University’s Graduate School of International Corporate Strategy.

Agenda

4:15pm: Doors open 
4:30pm-5:30pm: Talk and Discussion 
5:30pm-6:00pm: Networking

RSVP Required

 
For more information about the Silicon Valley-New Japan Project please visit: http://www.stanford-svnj.org/
 

NOTE: This event takes place during Stanford’s Homecoming Weekend. The parking slots in front of Encina Hall will not be available that day, and there may be higher demand than usual for parking on campus. Please take that into consideration when planning your travel.

Masahiro Fukuhara, Founder and CEO, Institution for a Global Society
Seminars
Stanford Silicon Valley-New Japan Project

Human Autonomy in the Age of Automation: Envisioning 2045

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The conference is brought to you by the Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center Japan Program's Stanford Silicon Valley-New Japan Project and Mistletoe, Inc.

This event is at full capacity. Please contact Amanda Stoeckicht at amst@stanford.edu if you have any questions.

As we enter the coming age of universal automation, this conference seeks to spark a discussion among thought leaders, technologists, and social entrepreneurs about the replacement of human labor by artificial intelligence and robotics and what that might mean for the future of human welfare and labor opportunities. There is increasing debate regarding the possibility of a new underclass of 'zero economic citizens.' How shall we address these challenges? Does the answer lie in lowering the cost of living? Is it the Universal Basic Income? Or something else? What might be the role of technologies for geographic mobility, sustainability, and community platforms.

Along with keynote presentations and panel discussions, the conference will also feature a startup showcase and participatory world-building exercise.

*The below program is subject to change.

Conference Program

8:30-9:00                  Registration and Breakfast

9:00-9:05                  Welcome

9:05-10:45                Keynote Presentations

Taizo Son (Mistletoe)

Marina Gorbis (Institute for the future)

Sam Altman (Y Combinator)

10:45-11:00              Coffee Break

11:00-12:15                Startup Showcase

Afero

Alesca Life

AstroScale

Binded

Cocoa Motors

Homma

Leomo

ModuleQ

Vivita

Wota

12:15-12:30              Break

12:30-13:00              Mistletoe Fellows Program Announcement

13:00-14:00              Lunch

14:00-15:15              Panel & Debate Sessions: Technology and Social Change in 2045                          

Panel 1: 

Cities of the Future: Removing Barriers to New Ideas with Innovation Districts and Regulatory Sandboxes

Moderator: Ashkan Soltani

Panelists:   Neal Gorenflo (Sheareable)

Taizo Son (Mistletoe)

           Joe Quirk (Seasteading Institute)

           Kaidi Ruusalepp (Funderbeam)           

Panel 2:

The Autonomous Lifestyle: Can Tech-Enabled Mobility Improve Welfare and Opportunity?

Moderator: Kenji Kushida (Stanford University)

Panelists:   Frances Colon (Cenadores Puerto Rico)

Steve Cousins (Savioke)

            Toshi Hoo (IFTF)        

                                 

Panel 3:

Reimagining Social Entrepreneurship: Designing Collaboration and Community

                                       Moderator:     Ernestine Fu (Alsop Louie Partners)

Panelists:    Anh Bui (Benetech)

  Chuck Eesley (Stanford University)   

  Daniel Goldman (Ignition Angels)

             Luan Niu (Enviu)

 

15:15-15:30             Break

15:30-17:30             Zero Economic Citizen in 2045: A World Building Exercise                  

Joshua McVeigh-Schultz (University of Southern California)

Karl Baumann (Univeristy of Southern California)

Elena Marquez Segura (UC Santa Cruz)                         

17:30-17:35             Closing Remarks

17:35-18:35             Cocktail Reception

 

Conferences

Hongwei Yu

616 Serra StreetEncina Hall E301Stanford, CA94305-6055
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Ph.D.

Hongwei Yu joins the Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center as a visiting scholar for the fall of 2017.  He is an assistant professor in Institute of Quality Development Strategy of Wuhan University. His research interests focus on economic growth quality and quality competition. From 2008 to 2015, he was the research assistant of two professors and an associated professor in related fields. He has worked on four different research projects and is now presiding over two projects on regional industry quality competitiveness.  He has so far had 13 papers published or forthcoming on journals and academic conference proceedings.

He is currently working on the issues of zombie firms and corporate restructuring in China.  He has joined the Employer-Employee Survey (CEES) of Chinese manufacturing in 2015, and gained plenty of research data on this topic. Based on this data, he is putting his effort into two working papers: the statistical analysis on zombie firms in China and the study on the relationships between political connection, entrepreneurship and zombies firms.

Visiting Scholar

Rui Wu

616 Serra StreetEncina Hall E301Stanford, CA94305-6055
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Ph.D.

Dr. Rui Wu currently serves as an assistant professor in Department of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Strategy in School of Economics and Management at Tsinghua University (Tsinghua SEM). She accomplished her PhD in business administration from University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business, MA in economics from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and BA in economics and international finance from Peking University, School of Economics. She teaches graduate level courses in strategic management, including strategic alliances, cooperative strategies, and research seminars. Prior to her doctoral training, she worked as a research analyst on Rwandan Projects in the Africa Division of World Bank in Washington, D.C..

Dr. Rui Wu’s research covers a broad range of firm-level strategic decisions, with a focus on Chinese firms and their inter-firm relationships. Her primary research areas include collaborative innovation, top-management teams, and political influences, all in the context of Chinese manufacturing firms. She has been a member and reviewer for annual conferences of Academy of Management (AOM), Strategic Management Society (SMS), and International Association for Chinese Management Research (IACMR). She also serves as an ad hoc reviewer for multiple top-tier journals.

Visiting Scholar
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