URCF Symposium 2026: Future of Society Merging Real & Virtual with Light Technology

The "URCF Symposium 2026" will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026, at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Odaiba. Organized by the Industry-Academia-Government Forum for Ultra-Realistic Communications (URCF) and the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), the symposium's theme is "Society Merging Real and Virtual, Pioneered by Light Technology." It will delve into the forefront of next-generation ICT infrastructure and its societal implementation.

Next-Generation ICT Infrastructure "IOWN" and Societal Impact

Against the backdrop of rapid AI advancements and the spread of digital twins, the development of "IOWN (Innovative Optical and Wireless Network)," a next-generation ICT infrastructure based on light technology, is progressing. IOWN is evolving from IOWN 1.0, which enables high-capacity, low-latency communication between servers, to IOWN 2.0 and 3.0, aiming for optical processing within servers. This evolution is expected to lead to the decentralization of AI data centers and a dramatic reduction in power consumption. Efforts to establish this as an international standard are also accelerating, and the symposium will cover the latest trends.

Case Studies in Broadcasting Production and Entertainment

The symposium will showcase specific examples of how cutting-edge technologies, including IOWN, are being utilized in broadcasting production and live entertainment. Special lectures include "A New Era of Broadcasting Production IP Production Supported by Optical Networks" by Masashi Kitajima from NHK, and "Creation of Next-Generation Immersive Entertainment Utilizing Optical Networks" by Haruyuki Morois hi from IMAGICA EEX, exploring the application potential of these technologies.

Experiential Demo Exhibits and Panel Discussion

For on-site attendees, experiential demo exhibits will be available, allowing participants to interact with advanced ultra-realistic communication technologies. A panel discussion featuring speakers such as Soichiro Usui from NTT, Masashi Kitajima from NHK, and Haruyuki Morois hi from IMAGICA EEX will also take place, discussing the future of a society merging the real and virtual, driven by light technology and AI, from multiple perspectives. This will be a valuable opportunity to "see, experience, and discuss" the latest technologies.

Event Information

• Date & Time: Friday, August 7, 2026, 13:00-17:45 (Networking Reception: 18:15-20:15)
• Format: Hybrid (On-site participation and online streaming)
• Venue: National Museum of Nature and Science, 7F Miraikan Hall (2-3-6 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo)
• Eligibility: URCF members and general public (non-members welcome)
• Fee: Free (Networking Reception: 4,000 JPY, payable in cash on the day)
• Registration Deadline: Monday, August 3, 2026, 15:00

Access

• Nearest Stations: Yurikamome Line "Tokyo Big Sight Station", Rinkai Line "Kokusai-Tenjijo Station"
• Venue Address: 2-3-6 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo

Registration can be completed by clicking the "Event Application" button at the bottom of the event page. Online participants will receive the access URL and password by the event date. Do not miss this opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technologies and discuss the future of society. The networking reception, offered in a buffet and free-drink style, provides a venue for participant interaction.