Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference Taiwan 2026 (HIC Taiwan 2026) Held for the First Time at National Taiwan University, Creating a Platform for Japan–Taiwan Co-Creation
Leave a Nest Co., Ltd. held the first-ever Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference Taiwan 2026 (HIC Taiwan 2026) on April 24, 2026, at the Environmental Research Building of National Taiwan University (NTU) in Taipei, Taiwan.
Event Overview
Date: Friday, April 24, 2026, 09:30–17:00
Venue: National Taiwan University, Environmental Research Building
(No. 71, Fanglan Rd, Da’an District, Taipei City 106, Taiwan)
The conference was organized under the theme:
“Taiwan–Japan Partnership in Science and Technology for Sustainable Society”
Researchers, companies, startups, and students from Japan, Taiwan, and beyond gathered across disciplines and sectors to generate new knowledge and collaborative opportunities.
Opening Session
In the opening session, Ms. Nami Akinaga of Leave a Nest introduced the origins of the Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference, which began as an internal research exchange meeting within Leave a Nest and later evolved into a platform that fosters connections across disciplines and organizations.
She explained how the concept has further evolved into “Hyper Interdisciplinary Communication,” emphasizing that the conference is not simply a venue for presentations, but a place where new collaborations and communication across boundaries can continuously grow.
Main Partner Greeting
Mr. Atsushi Suzuki, President of SUPPORT Co., Ltd., the main partner of the conference, delivered a greeting message. While his company specializes in land readjustment consulting in Japan, he expressed expectations for future Japan–Taiwan collaboration and the incorporation of research perspectives into industry.
Keynote Lecture
The keynote lecture was delivered by Dr. Chi-Te Liu, Director of the Institute of Biotechnology at National Taiwan University.
Entitled, “Symbiosis & ME (Microbial Ecology): Connecting Science, People, and Sustainability”, Dr. Liu reflected on his research journey and long-standing relationship with Leave a Nest, dating back to his time sharing the same laboratory with current Leave a Nest Group CEO Dr. Maru and Executive Officer Dr. Tsukada.
He also spoke about:
・building a research environment from scratch,
・his experiences studying in Japan,
・balancing academic and business careers as a researcher,
・and the importance of pursuing diverse challenges to discover one’s true vocation.
He concluded by expressing expectations for deeper collaboration and co-creation between Japan and Taiwan in the future.
Additionally, an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) was signed between NTU’s Institute of Biotechnology and Leave a Nest to promote joint Japan–Taiwan research and student entrepreneurship development.
HIC Splash (Short Pitch Session)
Fifteen researchers gave short presentations introducing their research and business ideas. Through presentations aimed at participants from diverse fields, new interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities emerged.
Poster Session
The conference featured 28 poster presentations, generating active discussions on research topics and technologies. Direct interaction among participants deepened interdisciplinary understanding and opened possibilities for new joint research projects and commercialization initiatives.
You can find the online abstract book below:
Panel Discussions
Two panel discussions were conducted during the conference.
Session 1
“Developing a Resilient Society through Local Communication”
（Session Partner: SUPPORT Co., Ltd.）
This session explored resilient society-building through perspectives ranging from:
・data utilization in urban development,
・biological and microbial communication,
・to technological and business applications.
Speakers
・Mr. Devin Wu Zongye (Taipei Harbor Angel Club)
・Dr. Takeshi Mizumoto (Hylable Inc.)
・Ms. Tzen-Ying Jenny (Tamkang University)
Moderator
・Ms. Nami Akinaga (Leave a Nest Co., Ltd.)
Session 2
“Rethinking Education in Taiwan through Biodiversity and Monodzukuri”
（Session Partner: Focus Systems Corporation）
This session discussed how Taiwan’s strengths in manufacturing and biodiversity are reflected in education today. The discussion covered biodiversity research, science communication, and monodzukuri (manufacturing/craftsmanship) education from multiple perspectives.
Speakers
・Mr. Shang-Nung “Sammy” Chen (Invention Switch)
・Ms. Phaedra Fang (National Taiwan Museum / ICOM NATHIST)
・Mr. Kuowei Cheng (PanMedia)
Moderator
・Dr. Yevgeny Aster Dulla
(Leave a Nest Co., Ltd. / Leave a Nest Philippines, Inc.)
Poster Award
A Poster Award was presented to outstanding research among the poster presentations.
Award Recipient
HSU HONG YI
Master’s Student, Tamkang University
Research Title:
“Living ecosystem – mycelium as medium in Architecture for Wellbeing”
The study focused on using mycelium as a building material to create environmentally conscious and human-centered architectural spaces. The project was recognized for its originality and future potential.
The award recipient will also be invited to participate in the Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference in Japan, providing opportunities for further international research presentation and collaboration.
Future Outlook
Through HIC Taiwan 2026, collaboration among researchers, technologies, and human resources centered around Japan and Taiwan was further strengthened. Leave a Nest will continue promoting new co-creation initiatives by bridging knowledge and people across disciplines and borders, contributing to the realization of a sustainable society.