TEAM MEMBERS

Kenichi Moriwaki (Ph.D)

Kenichi Moriwaki brings over a decade of global open innovation expertise to Hitachi Construction Machinery, where he accelerates corporate venturing and new business creation. Before joining HCM in 2023, Ken led FUJIFILM’s Open Innovation Hub across Japan, the U.S., and Europe. He is a serial intrapreneur, driving initiatives in construction, industrial, and medical materials. His entrepreneurial mindset earned him first prize at a Silicon Valley VC pitch competition, showcasing his ability to turn ideas into impact. He is eager to collaborate with founders ready to scale bold ideas and shape the future of construction technology.

Kaoru Kobayashi

Kaoru Kobayashi combines venture capital experience with deep technical expertise from the semiconductor industry. He has invested in high-growth startups across telecom infrastructure, mobility, and data centers, leveraging insights from market trends and industry standards. Kaoru’s focus is on co-creating new value with startups, connecting innovation to real-world needs. He believes collaboration is the key to driving sustainable growth and transformative solutions. Kaoru is always looking to connect with teams ready to redefine connectivity and mobility for the future.

Stephen Daff

Stephen Daff brings over 10 years of global automotive experience to Innovation Studios leadership team. His career spans cultures, industries, and technologies, giving him a practical, cross-sector perspective. Passionate about connecting ambitious founders with the resources and networks of Hitachi Construction Machinery, Stephen believes innovation thrives when diverse teams unite to solve industry challenges. Known for his hands-on approach, he focuses on making collaboration straightforward and impactful—helping startups scale and deliver measurable results. Stephen is always looking to meet teams building the next generation of solutions for a smarter, more sustainable world.

Nobuhiro Murase

Nobuhiro Murase brings frontline experience and strategic vision to the Innovation Studios team. With a track record of engaging over 1,000 work sites across arterial and venous sectors, he transforms operational insights into next-generation solutions. While driving business development at HCM, Nobuhiro was selected as one of 25 winners in a Japanese government program fostering global innovators through the “Bridge Project between Silicon Valley and Japan.” His ability to bridge local needs with global opportunities reflects his commitment to impactful innovation. Holding an MBA, Nobuhiro thrives on turning challenges into opportunities, ensuring that every collaboration delivers measurable value. He is excited to partner with startups that share his mission to create smarter, more resilient construction ecosystems.

Yoshiaki Kanayama

Yoshiaki Kanayama brings expertise in digital transformation and operational excellence to the Innovation Studios team. He has led large-scale CRM and after-sales service system projects for the manufacturing sector, driving efficiency and customer-centric innovation. Recognized for his ability to connect startup solutions with internal business needs, Yoshiaki enables open innovation that accelerates growth and sustainability. His work reflects a deep understanding of how technology can transform processes and unlock new opportunities. Yoshiaki believes that collaboration is the key to building resilient, future-ready industries. He is eager to work with founders who are developing solutions that enhance operations and deliver lasting impact