
On March 13, 2026, Nagoya University entered an agreement with the Aichi Prefectural Credit Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives (hereinafter “JA Aichi Shinren”). The agreement was signed by Nagoya University President Naoshi Sugiyama and JA Aichi Shinren Representative Director Mikio Isomura.
Under this agreement, Nagoya University and JA Aichi Shinren will collaborate to boost the growth of regional agriculture. The collaboration aims to support the sector across the board, from the development of human resources who can solve agricultural challenges to the implementation of those solutions.
Aims and initiatives of the collaboration
With the aim of contributing to innovation in food/agriculture and solving agricultural issues faced by local communities, the collaboration will take the following initiatives to support future leaders of the agricultural sector, assist startup companies, and build networks for industry-academia collaboration in central Japan.
(1) Support for human resource development through education, practice, and exchange
We will foster the next generation of talent by increasing the number of students motivated to solve agricultural problems. Through education, practice, and exchange, we will provide tiered support ranging from measures to stimulate interest through to the support of skill acquisition.
(2) Creating solutions by supporting commercialization
We will support the establishment and growth of startup companies that are capable of developing solutions to agricultural challenges and demonstrate potential as future partners. We will offer seamless support from the discovery and development through to scaling.
(3) Implementation of solutions through supporting the formation of networks
We will contribute to the implementation of solutions to agricultural challenges by facilitating cross-sector collaboration among industry, academia, and government, and by supporting the formation of cross-regional and cross-industry networks.



