About
Hajime Suzuki
Innovation Hills Inc.
President & CEO
WIREDGATE Inc.
President & CEO
Surftech Transnational Inc.
Executive Officer in Charge of Business Development
Kibi Open Innovation Association
Director
Languages
► English / Japanese
and a bit of French (just enough to order croissants)
Available for Various Engagements
► Collaboration / Business Partnerships
► Lectures / Workshops
► Support for Global Expansion
► New Business Development
► International Technology Transfer Support
► Ideation / Brainstorming Sessions
► Tennis Coaching, etc.
Areas of Expertise
► Open Innovation
► Business Design & Planning
► International Technology Transfer
► IT / Wearable Technology
► UI/UX & Spatial Design
► Next-Generation Education & Learning
► Future Community Development
► Sports Management
► Realizing Dreams & Imaginative Concepts
► Business Card / Poster Design
► Logo Design
Overseas Life & Professional Tennis Career
I was born in Yokohama in 1980. From ages 1 to 3, I lived in the UK, then returned to Yokohama until age 12. From 12 to 24, I lived in Belgium and attended the British School of Brussels—ranked among the top 10 schools in Europe in 2021—where I received a British-style international education.
After graduating, I pursued a professional tennis career from age 18 to 24, competing around the world with Europe and the United States as my base. While I didn't reach the heights I once dreamed of in tennis, living abroad and committing fully to life as a pro athlete shaped the core of who I am today. The experiences, challenges, and lessons I gained from traveling the world and giving my all on the court have been truly invaluable.
Post-Retirement Academic & Professional Journey
After retiring from professional tennis, I enrolled in the School of Human Sciences at Waseda University, majoring in Information Science. While working as a tennis coach, I also joined my father's company, which specialized in international technology transfer from Europe to Japan.
Through this work, I had the opportunity to collaborate with researchers and institutions across various fields. These encounters allowed me to learn the inner workings of research organizations and gain insight into a wide range of technological domains. It was during this time that I met pioneering researchers developing technologies that would later become the foundation for wearable tech. These relationships eventually evolved into key business partnerships that shaped my future endeavors.
Bridging Technology and Business
After graduating from university, I began working for WILLCOM, a Japanese telecommunications carrier, while also serving as a board member at my father's company, SurfTech Transnational Inc., which focused on international technology transfer.
In 2010, while continuing my professional work, I enrolled in the Graduate School of Engineering Management (MOT) at Shibaura Institute of Technology. There, I studied frameworks for commercializing technology and conducted in-depth research on open innovation models, using European research institutions as case studies. My focus was on understanding how international technology transfer could drive innovation across borders.
Founding WIREDGATE Inc.
In June 2014, I founded WiredGate Inc. and assumed the role of CEO. The company began by acting as the exclusive Japanese distributor for several overseas startups—ranging from smart insoles and magnetic levitation devices to Scandinavian apparel brands—while also serving as a technology transfer firm bridging innovations between countries.
Over time, I led the development of various projects, including an international technology transfer platform and a data analytics platform for wearable devices, pushing forward initiatives that connect advanced technologies with real-world business applications.
Building a New Social Model in Kibi Highlands
In 2018, I relocated to the Kibi Highlands in Okayama Prefecture with the goal of creating an ideal social model for the next generation. In 2019, with the support of prominent local business leaders who joined as board members, I established Innovation Hills Inc. in Kibi Highlands as a subsidiary of WiredGate Inc., officially launching the project.
Since 2020, I have dedicated myself fully to realizing the Innovation Hills vision on a 60,000-square-meter plot of land within the Kibi Highlands. The project aims to serve as a prototype for a sustainable and future-oriented society, integrating education, technology, well-being, and community.
Timeline of Key Achievements and Initiatives (2018–2025)
2018
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Relocated to Kibi Highlands, Okayama Prefecture, with the vision of creating a new societal model for the next generation
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Received the “Special Entrepreneurship Award” at the Okayama Award 2018
2019
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Finalist at NEWORK EXPO 2019
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Organized a keynote lecture by world-renowned car designer Michael Robinson
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Arranged Michael Robinson’s courtesy visit to the Governor of Okayama
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Hosted the 1st Okayama International Open Innovation Symposium
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Held a “Kids Design Thinking” workshop with Michael Robinson
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Coordinated a courtesy visit by the Ambassador of the Republic of San Marino (Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Japan) to the Governor of Okayama
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Established Innovation Hills Inc. and became President & CEO
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Appointed PTA Chair of Kibi Highlands Elementary School (served 4 years)
2020
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Hosted the 2nd Okayama International Open Innovation Symposium
2021
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Appointed as a board member of the Kibi Highlands Open Innovation Association
2022
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Launched corporate membership services for Innovation Hills PLAYSPACE
2023
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Hosted the inaugural “Future Through Optics: Phase 1–2” event
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Innovation Hills enters full operation, launching a new learning initiative: My Academy
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Founded KIVINGERS, a local town-building & community engagement platform in Kibichuo
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Hosted a dinner and lecture event with the Ambassador of San Marino
2024
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Organized the Okayama International Open Innovation Forum 2024 – Why & How
2025
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Launched “Inside My Head”, an event that shines a spotlight on individual minds
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Hosted a special lecture and networking event with Fraunhofer FEP
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Launched PLAYSPACE, a new interactive social hub within Innovation Hills
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Started PLAYSTAGE, a live matching platform for musicians and fans
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Began Builders Guild, a new workstyle initiative introducing themed project-based clubs:
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Guild 0001: Glowing Business Cards
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Guild 0002: Tennis Club Creation
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Guild 0003: Guild Campgrounds
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Guild 0004: Animal Club
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Guild 0005: Café & Bar
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Launched My Academy – Phase One, the world’s first international magic school
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