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EQUES, a UTokyo Matsuo Lab Spin-off, Holds Future-Creation Class on "AI Agents" at Ibaraki Prefectural Ryugasaki Daiichi High School & Affiliated Middle School — Students Use AI to Tackle Real-World Challenges from Local Companies —
EQUES, Inc. (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Naoki Kishi), on a mission to "accelerate social development by mastering cutting-edge machine learning technology," announced on November 18 that it held a future-creation-focused AI x Business class on October 18, 2025, at Ibaraki Prefectural Ryugasaki Daiichi High School & Affiliated Middle School (Principal Otagaki), themed "The Power of AI x Humans to Forge the Future."
The class was held as part of EQUES's "AI×DX Terakoya" consultation service, responding to the school's request to "provide career education opportunities for students of the next generation." The goal was to encourage students to envision a future collaborating with "AI agents" and deepen their understanding of local businesses.
■ Solving Local Company Challenges with AI Agents
The class was held in two parts: a lecture and a workshop. In the first half, EQUES staff gave a presentation explaining "Why AI is necessary for business now" and the new technology of "AI agents."
In the workshop (second half), students formed groups of 3-4 to tackle the challenge of "analyzing the problems of local companies and designing an AI agent to solve them." Lively discussions were based on real-world issues from local companies and research institutions, such as the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), Joyo Bank, Ltd., and the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK).
■ "What about feasibility?" High-Level Questions from Students
According to the company, the atmosphere was amicable (wakiaiai), yet the discussions were intense. Students reportedly showed their high potential by asking many high-level questions touching on technical and business viability, such as, "How exactly would that technology be implemented?" and "What is the business feasibility?"
Principal Otagaki commented, "I pay my respects to the passion and sense of mission that brought together this workshop-style course, where students learn actively rather than just through lectures. (omitted) We were able to jointly create a high-quality seminar that was deeply satisfying for the participating students and parents."
■ About AI×DX Terakoya
"AI×DX Terakoya," the basis for this class, is a service where EQUES members—70% of whom are current or former University of Tokyo students—answer simple questions and concerns about AI and DX via chat to support AI utilization and DX promotion. They also offer technical advisory, development support, and AI talent training by consultation.
■ICT Startup League
This is a support program launched in FY2023, sparked by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Support Program for R&D in Startup-Creating Embryonic Technologies."
The ICT Startup League supports startups through four pillars:
① R&D Funding / Mentoring Support
Up to 20 million JPY in R&D funding is provided as a subsidy. Additionally, mentoring support involves the selection committee members, who were involved in screening league members, staying on to foster growth. For companies that committee members felt they "absolutely wanted to select," those members provide continuous, advocate-like support, offering advice on business plans and growth opportunities.
② Discovery & Development
We provide opportunities for learning and networking to promote the business growth of league members.
We also focus on discovering individuals aiming to start businesses, aiming to expand the base of entrepreneurship.
③ Competition & Co-creation
This is a place for positive competition, much like a sports league, where startups learn together and challenge each other, creating a system to win the funding they genuinely need (up to 20 million JPY). We also provide a co-creation venue where league members can collaborate and expand their businesses through various opportunities, such as sessions with selection committee members.
④ Promotion
We promote the initiatives of league members in collaboration with the media! By sharing their business with a wider audience, we aim to expand opportunities for new matching and chances.
■Related Websites
ICT Startup League
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EQUES, Inc. (Official Site)
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AI×DX Terakoya
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Original Press Release
