#Japan #Entrepreneurship #Tsukuba #Tsukuba University #Gaiax

Gaiax Initiates an Entrepreneurial Program for Tsukuba Middle School Students

Overview of the Program

Gaiax, a leading company in entrepreneurial education based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, is set to host a unique five-day program titled "TSUKUBA Entrepreneurial Seminar" in partnership with Tsukuba University and Tsukuba City. This initiative aims to inspire middle school students by immersing them in the world of entrepreneurship. Through the program, participants will identify real-life challenges around them and engage in developing solutions, thereby unleashing their entrepreneurial spirit. This marks the third consecutive year the program has been offered following two successful sessions in the previous years.

Program Goals

The TSUKUBA Entrepreneurial Seminar aspires to:

• - Ignite interest in entrepreneurship and startups among middle schoolers.
• - Equip participants with essential entrepreneurial skills and mindset.

Who Can Join?

This program is targeted toward students in the 7th to 9th grades who have a keen interest in developing new products and services, tackling social issues, and gaining experience that will benefit them in high school entrance preparations.

Program Structure

The seminar will be conducted over five sessions, each aimed at steering students through the entrepreneurial journey:

• - Day 1: Introduction to identifying problems and understanding the essence of entrepreneurship. Students will select a challenge they want to address and prepare for interviews to gather information.

• - Day 2: Students will analyze their interview results and brainstorm ideas using innovative thinking methods. This day also covers monetization strategies and pricing for the proposed products or services.

• - Day 3: Focused on creating prototypes, students will design tangible models of their ideas and validate demand for their products. They will also develop pitch presentations to showcase their projects.

• - Day 4: This session will include preliminary pitches, where group presentations will enable participants to receive feedback from peers and prepare for final presentations.

• - Day 5: Concluding the seminar, participants will listen to keynote speeches from actual entrepreneurs sharing their experiences. Those who excel in the preliminary pitches will present to local entrepreneurs and supporters in a more formal setting.

Registration Process

Interested students must fill out a registration form by December 21, 2025. Notifications regarding participant selection will be communicated by December 26, 2025. As limited spots are available, selection will occur through a lottery system if the number of applicants exceeds capacity.

Participant Feedback from Previous Years

Feedback from participants in the last edition revealed several positive outcomes of the seminar:

• - Many highlighted the importance of collaboration and listening to diverse opinions in entrepreneurship.
• - Students enjoyed the creative aspects of developing new products, considering it a valuable learning experience.
• - Parental feedback echoed sentiments of surprise and pride at the depth of ideas presented by students, emphasizing the program's efficacy in fostering growth and problem-solving skills.

Expert Involvement

The program's faculty comprises experienced entrepreneurs and industry professionals, ensuring participants receive high-quality guidance and insights. Notable guest speakers will include:

• - Haruka Kawashima, floral cyclist and CEO of RIN.
• - Akira Takahashi, COO of Makaira, who previously served as an economist at the Bank of Japan.
• - Marika Seki, founder of MamaWell, a venture backed by Tsukuba University.
• - Kyohei Horishita, CEO of Civic Power, known for his initiatives in community engagement and entrepreneurship.

These guest speakers are expected to offer inspiration and practical insights that can greatly benefit young aspirants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the TSUKUBA Entrepreneurial Seminar by Gaiax presents an exceptional opportunity for middle school students to immerse themselves in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. By addressing real-world problems and engaging with established entrepreneurs, they will gain skills that extend beyond the classroom, preparing them for future challenges and ventures. This initiative underscores Gaiax's commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators and leaders.

For more information on Gaiax and its initiatives, visit their official website at Gaiax - Entrepreneurship Education.