Keio Graduate School of Media Design

What Keio Graduate School of Media Design does

Keio Graduate School of Media Design (KMD) is an interdisciplinary graduate school within Keio University, established in 2008 in Yokohama, Japan, focused on producing "media innovators" who integrate design, technology, management, and policy. It offers two-year Master's and Doctoral programs, a CEMS MIM Double Degree in partnership with the CEMS Global Alliance, and an Entrepreneurial Business Administration (EBA) program, recruiting both recent graduates and career changers with a majority international cohort.

KMD's technical portfolio centers on 14+ active research labs (Real Projects) covering embodied media and haptics (FEEL TECH Wear, HaptoRoom, ROomBOT), cybernetic avatars (JST Moonshot Cybernetic being project with Ory Laboratory), quantum internet (Q/est with Mercari), biodesign and circular materials (SAMCARA Lab), volumetric video (cross-continental Tokyo-Sydney performances with Canon and Bascule), neurodiversity and dementia education (Dementia Eyes VR), traditional craft skill transmission (Future Crafts with commissure), and policy/ELSI governance (Respi:re). Capabilities span generative AI, computer vision, autonomous agents, multimodal sensor systems, and speech/audio processing, validated through peer-reviewed recognition at ACM CHI, SIGGRAPH, IEEE Quantum Week, and Biodesign Challenge.

The business model operates as a not-for-profit academic unit within Keio University, with revenue drawn from graduate tuition, government research grants (JST, METI/IPA), and joint research contracts with corporate partners including NTT DOCOMO, Tokyu Land, Kajima, Canon, Daiwa House, Tokyo Gas, ZOZO, Ory Laboratory, Rhizomatiks, Mizuho, and Mercari. Customer segments are graduate students, corporate R&D partners, government/public-sector bodies (including Tokushima Prefecture), and international academic institutions (notably the Keio-NUS CUTE Center in Singapore since 2012). Physical presence spans Yokohama (Hiyoshi HQ), Tokyo (Takeshiba Lab for Cybernetic being), Osaka (Knowledge Capital), and Singapore (CUTE Center).

Name

Keio Graduate School of Media Design

Legal name

Keio University Graduate School of Media Design

Website

https://kmd.keio.ac.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Keio Graduate School of Media Design is a private graduate school within Keio University, founded in 2008 in Yokohama, Japan, that trains media innovators through Master's and Doctoral programs while operating 14+ research labs in embodied media, quantum internet, biodesign, and cybernetic avatars in collaboration with Japanese corporations and government agencies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education and Research

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDAFACAK

Curriculum for Compliance & Safety Training (K-12/Higher-Ed Non-Corporate)

Education/Education Technology (EdTech) & Digital Learning/Digital Curriculum, Courseware & Interactive Learning Content

SECONDARYEDALAGAC

Accessible Media Production (Alt Formats, Captioning, Audio Description)

Education/Student Services & Campus Operations/Disability Services & Accessibility

Keywords

• Graduate education programs
• Media design research
• Embodied media technology
• Haptic systems research
• Cybernetic avatar technology

Headquarters

HQ city

Shinjuku

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Enrollment Fees: Graduate education tuition revenue from Master's and Doctoral programs. Students pay tuition for their academic programs.
2. Joint Research Contracts: Collaborative research projects with corporations and government agencies funded through research contracts. Examples include collaborations with NTT DOCOMO (FEEL TECH Lab), Tokyu companies, and participation in JST Moon-shot projects.
3. Research Grants: Government and institutional research funding from agencies such as JST (Japan Science and Technology Agency) for Moon-shot type R&D projects, METI, and IPA.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Keio Graduate School of Media Design (KMD) is a graduate school within Keio University that delivers Master's and Doctoral degree programs training "media innovators" who integrate design, technology, management, and policy. The school operates a portfolio of research labs called Real Projects covering embodied media, quantum internet, biodesign, cybernetic avatars, and sustainability, and conducts joint research with corporate and government partners.

Product overview

Keio University Graduate School of Media Design (KMD) is a unified graduate education platform offering Master's and Doctoral programs alongside a portfolio of 14 active research labs (Real Projects). The research ecosystem centers on the Embodied Media Project as a core pillar, supplemented by specialized labs covering quantum networks (Q/est), biodesign (SAMCARA), fusion energy (Invisible Future), sustainability (Respi:re), entertainment design (PLAY), and policy innovation. KMD also hosts major initiatives including the JST Moonshot Cybernetic being Project for avatar technology and the FEEL TECH Lab joint research center with NTT DOCOMO. The institution delivers educational programs including the standard Master's/Doctoral tracks plus CEMS MIM Double Degree and EBA programs. Annual public programming includes the KMD Forum exhibition and Plenary Meetings showcasing research outcomes.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Master's Program in Media Design Two-year graduate degree program designed to train media innovators capable of creating social value through cross-disciplinary collaboration across design, technology, management, and policy. Targets recent graduates and working professionals seeking careers in media innovation.
• Doctoral Program in Media Design Advanced research degree program developing scholars and leaders in media design disciplines through original research contributions.
• CEMS MIM Double Degree Program International dual-degree master's program in Management and Media Design delivered in partnership with CEMS Global Alliance member universities, providing students with a global management perspective alongside media design education.
• EBA (Entrepreneurial Business Administration) Program Graduate program combining entrepreneurship and business administration with media design innovation, designed for founders and innovators seeking to build ventures at the intersection of design, technology, and management.
• Embodied Media Research Lab Research lab developing future-oriented media technologies that integrate human sensibility with innovative technologies, including haptics, telexistence, body augmentation, and sensory sharing systems. Delivers research outcomes and joint research projects with industry partners.
• SAMCARA Lab (Biodesign and Circular Design) Research lab pioneering circular design and biodesign solutions for urban resilience and material innovation, including bacterial inks, bio-derived materials, and sustainable concrete. Develops products through industry and SME collaborations.
• Q/est Lab (Quantum Internet)

Quantifiable outcome

• KMD alumni have founded companies including YLAB (Korea KODAQ listed 2023), multiple startups in embodied media and creative industries
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability11 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• NTT DOCOMOcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Established FEEL TECH Lab co-creation research lab within KMD研究所 in October 2025. Building on the FEEL TECH project since 2022, the collaboration focuses on haptic sharing technology using DOCOMO's Human Augmentation Platform to enable emotional communication through shared sense of touch.
• Starlight EnginecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2025Joint research contract for socioeconomic research on fusion energy social implementation. Research on economic ripple effects of fusion energy plant construction and operation, and social acceptance surveys.
• Kyoto FusioneeringcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2025Tripartite research collaboration with Starlight Engine on fusion energy socioeconomic studies. Contributing to 2030s power generation demonstration goals.
• Tokushima Prefecture Kaiyo TownmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2025Comprehensive partnership for regional revitalization focusing on sustainable rural futures, small school education, and community exchange promotion.
• Tokyu Land CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 201470-year urban development partnership for Takeshiba District area in Tokyo. KMD serves as R&D hub for the project, investigating topics including superhuman sports, IT policy, and next-generation digital signage. The project aims to create a borderless international business center.
• Kajima CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2014Partner in 70-year Takeshiba urban development project with Tokyu Land. Jointly developing the content innovation program council (CiP Council) for international business hub creation.
• Ory Laboratory Inc.majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on Cybernetic Avatar Technology and Social System Design project. Developing avatar robots that enable disabled people to work remotely, part of the Cybernetic being Moon-shot project.
• ZOZOmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint project on Development of Fashion-specialized IoT Nodes. Expanding the future of fashion with new materials and IoT technology integration.
• Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd.majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew Mobility Services for Shopping Mall in Community project. Designing community-aligned service experiences for enriched lifestyles.
• Tokyo GasmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRAIKI biodesign project taking on social challenges through biological design approaches.
• Mizuho Information and Research InstitutemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint Creation of Superhuman Sports project creating diversified values with new sports formats.
• KokuyomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerClassroom of the Future project creating ecosystem-imbued learning spaces.
• NabtescominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProjection Door project developing automated doors that bring value to buildings and spaces.
• Toppan PrintingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInteractive Museum project creating new engaging experiences of viewing cultural assets.
• EricssonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocialThings project exploring world where things behave like living beings.
• Mademoiselle CinemaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoiling Mind project exploring embodied media connecting dancers and audiences.
• YLABmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKorean webtoon company founded by KMD graduate, creating and distributing manga content. Listed on KODAQ stock exchange in 2023.
• CanonmajorTechnology or IntegrationVolumetric video technology collaboration enabling real-time 3D capture and cross-continental streaming for interactive performances between Tokyo and Sydney.
• BasculemajorTechnology or IntegrationReal-time volumetric video production and streaming for SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 closing session performance connecting Tokyo and Sydney.
• Mori BuildingmajorTechnology or IntegrationVolumetric video collaboration at TOKYO NODE facility for cross-continental interactive performances.
• People Design InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSuper Welfare Expo project transforming mental barriers into admiration through innovation.
• ConcordiaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnya Healing project on communication and social media for social impact.
• Fujimigaoka High School for GirlsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal Workshop fostering global minds of high school students.
• East TimesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint research on local media and storytelling (語り) initiated December 2025.
• Tokyu AgencymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreative ecosystem research collaboration for independent creators/artists, connecting IP with urban development and corporate branding.
• RhizomatiksmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSynesthesia Suit project merging VR and haptic design.
• commissuremajorTechnology or IntegrationHaptic sensor and display technology (SenseFuse, FeelFuse) for skill transfer in traditional craft projects and embodied media research.
• National University of SingaporecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKeio-NUS CUTE Center collaboration for Interactive & Digital Media research and education since 2012.
• CEMS Global ManagementcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEMS MIM Double Degree Program providing international management education with partner universities globally.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Stanford Hasso Plattner Institute of Design (d.school): Stanford d.school applies design thinking across disciplines, partnering with industry to drive innovation education and applied projects. Comparable to KMD's Real Projects model and integration of design, technology, and policy in a graduate program.
• NYU Tisch School of the Arts - Interactive Telecommunications Program (ITP): NYU ITP is a graduate program exploring the intersection of art, technology, and design through creative prototyping and industry collaborations. Direct peer to KMD's media design graduate education model.
• Georgia Tech GVU Center: GVU Center at Georgia Tech supports interdisciplinary research in graphics, visualization, ubiquitous computing, and wearable systems, with strong industry partnership programs. Functionally mirrors KMD's industry-aligned research lab model.
• MIT Media Lab: MIT Media Lab is a flagship cross-disciplinary graduate research lab at MIT focused on future-of-media, haptics, wearable computing, and tangible interfaces. It is the most directly comparable institution to KMD given shared emphasis on embodied media, design-driven research, and industry-funded projects.
• Carnegie Mellon Human-Computer Interaction Institute (HCII): CMU HCII is a leading graduate research and education program in HCI, ubiquitous computing, and human-centered design. Overlaps with KMD's embodied media, haptics, and human augmentation research areas.
• Royal College of Art (RCA) - Design and Innovation: RCA is a leading graduate-only art and design university in London with strong industry and research partnerships. KMD is comparable as a graduate-focused design-and-innovation institution in an Asian market, with similar partner-driven research structure.
• Imperial College London - Dyson School of Design Engineering: Imperial's Dyson School integrates design and engineering at the graduate level, producing industry-aligned research. Comparable to KMD's design + technology + management + policy four-pillar integration.
• UCLA Design Media Arts: UCLA DMA offers graduate degrees studying the intersection of visual arts, digital media, and emerging technology. Comparable to KMD in its design-and-technology integration at the graduate level.

Broad incumbents

• Keio University Shonan Fujisawa Campus (SFC): SFC is Keio University's other graduate-and-research campus focused on policy, environment, and media with a similar real-world research orientation. Related within the same institution but with broader scope beyond media design.

Regional players

• Tokyo University of the Arts (TUA): TUA is Japan's premier graduate arts institution based in Tokyo. Comparable as a Japan-based graduate arts/design educational institution operating in the same talent and funding environment, but with a traditional fine-arts emphasis versus KMD's media-design focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/keio_university
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@keiomediadesign
• Instagraminstagram.com/keio_media_design_kmd
• Facebookfacebook.com/112541608759083

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Keio Graduate School of Media Design