Venture Café Tokyo, Ritsumeikan, and Kusatsu City Partner to Launch Entrepreneurship Education Program 'COMMUNITY CAMPUS +R @Kusatsu'

Venture Café Tokyo (Location: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Executive Director: Ryusuke Komura), under the sponsorship of Ritsumeikan Gakuen and co-hosted by Kusatsu City, will launch the entrepreneurship education program "COMMUNITY CAMPUS +R @Kusatsu" starting in June.

COMMUNITY CAMPUS +R @OIC 1st Term Scene

This program, set at Ritsumeikan University Biwako-Kusatsu Campus (BKC), will span approximately 8 weeks of mentoring and group work. Through this, participants will acquire the thinking and behavioral principles common to entrepreneurs, learn the know-how to shape business ideas, deepen their knowledge, and together form a community for continuous challenge with diverse peers.

Open to all who wish to "take the first step," regardless of nationality, age, industry, or company registration status, applications are currently being accepted until May 14 (Thursday).

Apply here

❏ Background of "COMMUNITY CAMPUS +R @Kusatsu" Launch and its Positioning in Kusatsu City

Kusatsu City is advancing discussions towards the creation of an "Innovation Hub (tentative name)" as an open innovation base to drive economic growth in the southern Shiga Prefecture. This hub aims to generate new value (innovation) through the exchange and aggregation of diverse stakeholders such as startups, local businesses, supporters, citizens, and students. This program is part of these efforts, promoting the creation, growth, and aggregation of locally rooted startups, and aiming to build a startup ecosystem. It is one of the "Kusatsu City Startup Creation Support Projects" implemented in collaboration between Ritsumeikan Gakuen and Kusatsu City.

"COMMUNITY CAMPUS +R @Kusatsu" aims to deepen understanding and interest in entrepreneurship, promote growth, foster entrepreneurship, and create a social momentum for entrepreneurship. Through the "COMMUNITY CAMPUS" program provided by Venture Café Tokyo, it will offer a mindset, know-how, and community for pioneering the future to diverse individuals interested in entrepreneurship and business commercialization, including high school students, university students, working adults, and employees of companies within the city.

Furthermore, the "COMMUNITY CAMPUS +R @OIC 2nd Term" is scheduled to be held at Ritsumeikan University Osaka Ibaraki Campus (OIC) in the autumn semester.

❏ Program Overview

Program Name: COMMUNITY CAMPUS +R @Kusatsu "Entrepreneurship Foundation" (Entrepreneurship Basic Program)

Opening Date: June 2, 2026 (Tuesday)

Venue: Grassroots Innovation Center (GIC) within Ritsumeikan University Biwako-Kusatsu Campus (BKC) *Mentoring Days are scheduled to be held online. *Travel expenses for students participating from other Ritsumeikan campuses will be subsidized by the Ritsumeikan Entrepreneurship and Business Promotion Office (RIMIX).

Capacity: 20 people

Target Applicants: There are no restrictions on age, affiliation, or experience for application. This program is recommended for those who want to realize their ideas or take the first step. (There is a simple application process, but no screening based on the quality of business ideas.)

Recommended for: Individuals who aspire to personal growth and achievement Those who want to take a step towards starting a business Those who want to commercialize their ideas Those working on new businesses within a company Those who want to initiate something, such as starting a business or a new project Students and working professionals who want to expand their network Those aiming to participate in pitch competitions, business contests, or accelerator programs, etc.

*Even legally registered corporations can participate.

Application Method: For details, please check the official website at the URL below and apply. Interviews will be conducted sequentially for those who submit the application form, and participants will be decided in order. Applications will close once the capacity is reached, so please apply early.

Apply here

Application Deadline: May 14, 2026 (Thursday) 23:59

Participation Fee: General participants: 11,000 JPY (tax included) High school students residing/studying in Kusatsu City, and Ritsumeikan Gakuen undergraduate/graduate students, alumni, affiliated school students, faculty, and staff: Free of charge

Organized by: Ritsumeikan Gakuen Operated by: Venture Café Tokyo Co-hosted by: Kusatsu City

❏ Program Features

1. World-Class Entrepreneurship Education Through a unique curriculum incorporating methods from Babson College, ranked No. 1 in entrepreneurship education in the US, participants will learn the essence of entrepreneurship from cutting-edge entrepreneurship education techniques.

2. Idea Concretization Shape your envisioned business ideas and change society/the world.