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Global Students’ Idea Factory 2026 Outline

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Overview of the Global Students’ Idea Factory 2026

The Global Students’ Idea Factory invites students to collaborate to tackle social issues with a global perspective using their research ideas. This program provides a platform to share and refine ideas and turn them into impactful actions.

The program aims to incubate project proposals by identifying 5-6 specific challenges, forming a team for each challenge, and designing a narrative to gather research ideas. Students will work in teams to develop an initial proposal, a presentation, and a pathway to the global workshop and final presentation.

By participating, you’ll be tackling real-world challenges with peers from diverse backgrounds, helping to shape your future as a global change-maker. 

Let’s build ideas to tackle social issues with global colleagues!

The program begins with the Spring Boost Camp, where students will present their ideas, experience teamwork in an interdisciplinary context with global colleagues, and collaborate to translate their research ideas into a concrete project proposal.

Following the camp, a Global Workshop will be held to further refine these projects and enhance collaboration. The program then culminates in a final event with presentations and an award ceremony, involving key stakeholders.

Schedule

1. Call for application
　ⅰ. Application deadline21 February (23:59 JST) 2026
　ⅱ. Selection of participantMid-March 2026
2. Spring Boost Camp18 – 19 April 2026 (two days)
* Specific details will be sent directly to participants.
3. Global Workshop (Online)May – July 2026
4. Final PresentationAugust 2026

*All dates and times are Japan Standard Time.

Venue

Spring Boost CampHybrid (Venue: Training facility in Tokyo)
* Specific details will be sent directly to participants.
Note:
Students residing in Japan: Expected to participate in person and stay at the provided accommodation.
Overseas students: Online participation only.
Global WorkshopOnline (All participants)
Final PresentationHybrid (Venue: Tokyo (TBD))
Note:
Students residing in Japan: Expected to participate in person.
Overseas students: Online participation only.

Participation fees

None

Transportation and Accommodation

  • For students from Japanese universities: The host (JAAS) will cover the following costs in accordance with JAAS regulations:
    • Transportation: Round-trip travel between the participant’s university/residence and the venue in Tokyo. (The route and calculation method will be determined by the host.)
    • Accommodation: Provided for the Spring Boost Camp and the Final Presentation.
    • Meals: Provided during the scheduled program events.
  • For overseas students:
    • Participation Format: Entirely online.
    • Since overseas students will participate remotely, no travel or accommodation support is provided.

Language

  • The program is conducted primarily in English.
  • Participants should be comfortable presenting and discussing in English.

Selection of participants

Number of Participants

30 students will be selected through document screening:

  • 20 Graduate students (Master’s or Doctoral courses) from Japan (Japanese and international students)
  • 10 Graduate students from overseas universities

Note: Overseas students will participate in the entire program exclusively online.

Selection criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

  • Attractiveness and interest of research ideas to address social issues
  • Originality of the research idea
  • Enthusiasm and passion for the research idea
  • Diversity of participants

Note: The selection of participants will be made by the Selection Committee by JAAS, partner organizations, and academic institutions.

Awards (Final Presentation)

JAAS will present awards to teams with outstanding final presentations in recognition of their innovative ideas and collaborative efforts.

Currently planned awards and supplementary awards

  • JAAS Award
    • Prizes: Certificate, Medal, and a research grant of 300,000 yen per team.
    • Description: Awarded to the team with the most outstanding overall presentation.

Additional Recognition & Benefits

  • Certificate of Participation: All participants will receive an official certificate from JAAS.
  • Media & Networking: Opportunities for media coverage and professional networking with experts and industry leaders.

Selection criteria

Presentations will be evaluated based on the following five pillars:

  1. Attractiveness: How engaging and interesting is the project proposal?
  2. Originality: Is the research idea creative and unique?
  3. Enthusiasm: Does the team demonstrate passion and dedication?
  4. Potential: What is the future development and scalability of the project?
  5. Teamwork: How effectively did the members collaborate?

Spring Boost Camp (18 – 19 April 2026)

  • Format: Hybrid (In-person and Online)  
    • For students residing in Japan: This is a residential program. Participants are expected to participate in person and stay at the provided accommodation near the venue.
    • For overseas students: Participants will join the program entirely online.
  • Duration: Two days
  • Venue: Training facility in Tokyo

Program

Day 1Day 2
・Self-introductions and research idea presentations
・Small group discussions to explore potential topics
・All-hands discussion to identify 5-6 social challenges
・Team formation (4 students per team)
・Social networking dinner		・Team-based project proposal development
・Presentations from JICA, publishers, and private sector partners
・Initial team presentations and Q&A
・Discussion of pathway to final presentation

Topics from 2025 (for reference)
Previous teams addressed:
1. Climate justice
2. Building Future-ready Farms
3. Greenprint
4. Flexible Working Arrangement
5. AI and Mental Health
6. Caring for Carers

Global Workshop (Online) (May – July 2026)

  • Format: Online meetings (2 sessions)  
  • Duration: 2.5 hours per session

Program

  • Peer mentoring sessions between teams
  • Feedback from external experts
  • Refinement of project proposals
  • Preparation for final presentation

Final Presentation (August 2026)

  • Format: Hybrid (In-person and Online)  
    • For Students residing in Japan: Expected to participate in person at the venue.
    • For Overseas students: Will participate online.
  • Venue: Tokyo (TBD)

Program

  • Team presentations and Q&A
  • Talk session with Alumni
  • Awards ceremony
  • Networking reception

Host



Cooperating Organization



Donation



Download

Global Students’ Idea Factory 2026 Application Guidelines (PDF)