Taking inspiration from the anniversary slogan "Kyodai-ryoku, Shin-kiten", this new series highlights alumni who embody the idea of kiten in all its meanings: those who are innovators (起点: points of origin), who dare to defy convention (機転: flexibility, creativity, or resourcefulness), and who, through so doing, shine brightly (輝点: points of radiance) in their respective fields of endeavor.

The inaugural episode features robot creator Tomotaka Takahashi (Faculty of Engineering 2003), who developed multiple robots while still a student and then launched a business within the University upon graduation. In the interview, Takahashi outlines the beginnings of his career at KyotoU, and shares his vision for the future of smart devices.

More interviews will follow in the coming months.

• KyotoU's Shin-kiten https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/125th/en/people/