The 4th CHANGE Symposium, organized by the Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), is set to take place on March 5, 2026, from 1:30 PM to 5:10 PM Japan Standard Time. This significant event will honor the progress and innovations emerging from Project CHANGE, which focuses on addressing the pressing healthcare workforce shortage in Japan, especially in nursing. As advancements in technology continue at a rapid pace, the integration of innovative engineering solutions into healthcare remains paramount for sustainable societal development.
Project CHANGE is an initiative under the national project “COI-NEXT,” orchestrated by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, in collaboration with the Japan Science and Technology Agency. This project emerges as a response to the dual challenges presented by a declining birthrate coupled with an aging population, both of which place immense stress on the existing healthcare infrastructure. With Japan’s nursing workforce dwindling, the urgency to establish innovative solutions is greater than ever.
This symposium aims to disseminate insights into “Nursing Engineering,” particularly from the caregiver’s perspective. The focus will be on how engineering innovations can streamline the roles and processes associated with nursing. The uniqueness of the Kawasaki hub lies in its collaboration with the Kawasaki Nursing Association, Japan’s only city-level nursing association, which enables a swift translation of academic research into practical applications that benefit society immediately. This partnership serves as a thinly veiled model of how institutional collaboration can effectively address pressing healthcare issues.
Notably, the Kawasaki Care Design Consortium, also known as Care-Saki, was launched in 2024 and has since attracted over 40 member companies. This growing network emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to nursing and healthcare solutions. The symposium will highlight how this consortium evaluates prototypes and solicits immediate feedback from nursing environments, thus accelerating the pace of innovation and ensuring that new technologies are applicable in real-world settings.
As we explore global perspectives on healthcare challenges, the keynote speaker, Professor Sei-Kwang Hahn from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) in South Korea, will deliver an enlightening discussion. His insights will shed light on the existing care dynamics in South Korea, a nation projected to experience an aging rate surpassing that of Japan by 2040 due to its dramatically low birth rate. Professor Hahn’s expertise on wearable device technologies will complement the discussions, positioning technology as a core component in caregiving and nursing practices.
Throughout the symposium, attendees will gain knowledge from various experts in the field. Among the speakers will be Ms. Akie Hotta, Chairperson of the Kawasaki Nursing Association, who will provide a current overview of Project CHANGE alongside Professor Akira Matsumoto from the Institute of Science Tokyo. Their presentations will offer a lens into the project’s ongoing developments, embodying the collaborative spirit needed for such an ambitious endeavor.
Furthermore, an engaging segment of the symposium will feature students from the Welfare Class of Kawasaki Municipal Kawasaki High School and the Science Class of Kawasaki City High School for Science and Technology. These students, who participated in a workshop in November 2025, will reflect on their experiences and provide fresh perspectives on the integration of engineering into nursing. Their involvement exemplifies the importance of educational outreach and the necessity of cultivating the next generation of healthcare professionals who are versed in technological developments.
An interactive discussion involving both university and high school students will be hosted by Professor Gojiro Nakagami, a renowned figure in nursing science research from The University of Tokyo. This engaging segment will explore the intersections of nursing and engineering, promoting critical discourse on how emerging technologies can be utilized to innovate caregiving methodologies. Mr. Isao Shirasaki, Chairman of Liliam Otsuka Co., Ltd., will also contribute, enhancing the conversation with industry insights pertaining to future trends in healthcare technology.
As part of the symposium’s commitment to accessibility, it will be streamed online, accommodating a wider audience interested in the intersection of technology and nursing. Participating in this event is free of charge, and simultaneous interpretation will be provided, ensuring that language barriers do not hinder attendance. Such initiatives demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and fostering a global dialogue on healthcare innovation.
For those interested in the intricate details of the symposium, a comprehensive program and additional information can be found on the event’s official website. Participants are encouraged to register in advance to secure their attendance, marking an opportunity to engage with leading experts and peers in this critical domain of health and technology.
Project CHANGE stands as a vital initiative that aligns aptly with the broader conversation on aging societies and healthcare shortages. By cultivating partnerships across academic, industrial, and healthcare landscapes, the symposium aims to pave the way for a resilient, healthy, and long-lived society. The methodologies and innovations shared during this event will undoubtedly contribute to society’s efforts in navigating the complexities of modern healthcare challenges.
In conclusion, the upcoming symposium is not merely an academic event but a critical gathering of diverse stakeholders united by a common goal: to enhance healthcare delivery systems through innovative engineering solutions. As we continue to navigate the double-edged sword of an aging populace and a shrinking workforce, the insights generated at this symposium will play an essential role in shaping the future of healthcare in Japan and beyond.
With anticipation building for this year’s symposium, the dialogue it fosters is expected to resonate well beyond its March 5th date, leaving a lasting impact on the nursing profession and healthcare technology integration.
Subject of Research: Innovations in Nursing Engineering
Article Title: 4th CHANGE Symposium to Address Japan’s Healthcare Challenges
News Publication Date: February 11, 2026
Web References: N/A
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Image Credits: COI-NEXT Kawasaki Hub (Project CHANGE)
Keywords
Health care, Caregivers, Health care delivery, Nursing, Patient monitoring, Engineering, Science education, High school students, Special education
