Naohiko Kohtake

Bio

Naohiko Kohtake is a Visiting Professor at the Center for Design Research, Stanford University, and Professor at the Graduate School of System Design and Management, Keio University in Japan. His research interests lie in space systems engineering, intelligent systems, and the integration of design thinking and systems engineering for innovative social and space services. He is currently conducting research at Stanford University on enhancing data-driven decision-making systems through space-scale Internet of Things, which involves satellites, drones, ground-based sensors, and robots.

He began his career at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), where he worked on the H-IIA launch vehicle, onboard software for spacecraft, and international projects related to the International Space Station with European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA. He later served as a visiting researcher at the ESA. Since joining Keio University in 2009, he has led research on space service innovation, systems approaches to societal challenges, and education for multigenerational co-creation. He has served as the primary academic advisor for 13 doctoral degree recipients and 73 master’s degree recipients from Japan as well as other countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe. He concurrently held the position of Principal at Keio Yokohama Elementary School.