Starting a business was the most rational way to realize my dream. | Kazuhide Sekiyama (Graduated from the Faculty of Environment and Information Studies in 2005)

2015.04.01

Kazuhide Sekiyama

Graduated from the Faculty of Environment and Information Studies in 2005; Completed a master's degree at the Graduate School of Media and Governance in 2007

Director and Representative Executive Officer, Spiber Inc.

Although I had a vague goal of "doing the utmost I can for human society," as a high school student, I didn't know what that would be. It was then that I attended a faculty information session and heard Professor Tomita's passionate words: "The 21st century is the age of bio."

At SFC, I was able to experience cutting-edge life sciences alongside graduate students of different ages at "Biocamp," which gave me the confidence that I could do it too. Another important thing I learned was not to be afraid of failure. At SFC, failure is viewed positively. Accelerating research requires significant funding, but university research funds are limited. So, I decided to start a business and raise funds from investors. Although I started the company against the opposition of those around me, I have been able to raise over 4 billion yen in funding to date, and the business continues to move forward. I will continue to do the utmost I can without fear of failure.

Career After Graduation

September 2007: Founded Spiber Inc. and became Representative Director

(While enrolled in the Doctoral Programs at the Graduate School of Media and Governance)

May 2013: Succeeded in the world's first technological development of "QMONOS," a synthetic spider silk fiber

June 2014: Appointed Director and Representative Executive Officer of the company (current position)