Shinohara Foundation Launches CareTech Innovation Contest 2026 for Social Impact
On August 3, the Shinohara Yoshiko Memorial Foundation launched the official site for the CareTech Innovation Contest 2026, inviting innovative ideas and research focused on solving challenges within the care sector. This initiative aims to inspire advancements in technology to impact the lives of individuals in need of care. The application period will officially start on August 31, 2026.
This year, the contest will feature three categories designed to support various levels of innovation:
1. Prototype Category: Focusing on projects that already have functional prototypes or services ready for social implementation. Participants will be evaluated based on their engagement with users and modifications made from feedback.
2. Shin-Idea Category: Targeting forward-thinking concepts that have not yet developed prototypes but have been refined through research and feedback from stakeholders. This category emphasizes the practical steps that candidates plan to take towards validating their ideas.
3. U-18 Category: Specifically for individuals aged 18 and under, this section encourages young participants to identify care challenges in their everyday lives and propose initial solutions based on their observations.
A total of 34 projects will be selected across all categories, with a funding pool of approximately 75 million yen available for grants and educational incentives. The deadline for submissions is November 24, 2026, culminating in a final review and awards ceremony scheduled for February 6, 2027, at WITH HARAJUKU HALL in Tokyo.
The following is a critical timeline for the contest's activities:
The challenges associated with care in society—ranging from elder care to support for individuals with disabilities—impact everyone, not just specific groups. The Shinohara Foundation's mission is to maximize the well-being of all individuals, aiming to create a society where caregivers and care recipients can thrive. They believe that harnessing AI and technology can provide innovative solutions to long-standing issues.
This contest serves not only as a means of promoting scientific and technological advancements in the care field but also aims to ensure that successful innovations benefit a wide array of individuals through public interest funding. Notably, the evaluation process will not be limited to the novelty of technology and its academic rigor; it will also consider how effectively the proposals address the specific challenges faced by individuals in need.
In the inaugural 2025 contest, 162 entries were submitted from across the nation, resulting in the selection of 18 winners, including transformative projects such as 'Speech Link,' aimed at democratizing speech rehabilitation through AI. This collaborative initiative intends to foster continued innovation and broaden its scope in subsequent years by incorporating more categories for submissions.
1. Three Distinct Categories: Tailored to evaluate applicants based on their current project stage, considering areas like user feedback and practical application.
2. Respect for Intellectual Property: Participants retain ownership of any intellectual property rights resulting from their submissions, ensuring that they maintain control over their own developments.
3. Focus on Addressing Issues: All entries will be assessed based on their relevance to identified problems, the feasibility of overcoming barriers, compatibility for end users, and the broader societal impact of their proposed solutions.
4. One-Year Support Post-Selection: Selected candidates in specific categories will receive continuous support throughout their progression from mid-March 2027 through March 2028.
Individuals interested in applying can do so through the official contest website starting August 31, 2026, where guidelines for each category will be available. There will also be informational sessions for potential applicants to clarify the application process and criteria.
This initiative not only serves to advance innovation in the care sector but also aims to create a community of individuals dedicated to addressing societal challenges collaboratively.
The Shinohara Foundation's mission is to enhance human potential and happiness, actively supporting individuals engaged in solving social issues through scholarships, grants, and research aid. By leveraging AI and technology, they aim to revolutionize societal frameworks and promote well-being across various demographics.
For further inquiries, please contact the Shinohara Foundation at [email protected] or visit their official website: Shinohara Foundation.
Contest Structure and Categories
This year, the contest will feature three categories designed to support various levels of innovation:
1. Prototype Category: Focusing on projects that already have functional prototypes or services ready for social implementation. Participants will be evaluated based on their engagement with users and modifications made from feedback.
2. Shin-Idea Category: Targeting forward-thinking concepts that have not yet developed prototypes but have been refined through research and feedback from stakeholders. This category emphasizes the practical steps that candidates plan to take towards validating their ideas.
3. U-18 Category: Specifically for individuals aged 18 and under, this section encourages young participants to identify care challenges in their everyday lives and propose initial solutions based on their observations.
A total of 34 projects will be selected across all categories, with a funding pool of approximately 75 million yen available for grants and educational incentives. The deadline for submissions is November 24, 2026, culminating in a final review and awards ceremony scheduled for February 6, 2027, at WITH HARAJUKU HALL in Tokyo.
Timeline of Events
The following is a critical timeline for the contest's activities:
- - August 3, 2026: Contest site launch and guideline publication.
- - August 31, 2026: Opening of application reception and online briefing session registration.
- - September - November 2026: A series of eight online informational sessions covering various aspects of the contest.
- - November 24, 2026: Application deadline.
- - December 4, 2026: Notification of preliminary screening results.
- - January 15, 2027: Notification of final screening results.
- - February 6, 2027: Final presentations, award ceremony, and networking event.
- - From mid-March 2027 to March 31, 2028: Grant support period (extendable until September 30, 2028).
Rationale Behind the Contest
The challenges associated with care in society—ranging from elder care to support for individuals with disabilities—impact everyone, not just specific groups. The Shinohara Foundation's mission is to maximize the well-being of all individuals, aiming to create a society where caregivers and care recipients can thrive. They believe that harnessing AI and technology can provide innovative solutions to long-standing issues.
This contest serves not only as a means of promoting scientific and technological advancements in the care field but also aims to ensure that successful innovations benefit a wide array of individuals through public interest funding. Notably, the evaluation process will not be limited to the novelty of technology and its academic rigor; it will also consider how effectively the proposals address the specific challenges faced by individuals in need.
In the inaugural 2025 contest, 162 entries were submitted from across the nation, resulting in the selection of 18 winners, including transformative projects such as 'Speech Link,' aimed at democratizing speech rehabilitation through AI. This collaborative initiative intends to foster continued innovation and broaden its scope in subsequent years by incorporating more categories for submissions.
Key Features of the 2026 Contest
1. Three Distinct Categories: Tailored to evaluate applicants based on their current project stage, considering areas like user feedback and practical application.
2. Respect for Intellectual Property: Participants retain ownership of any intellectual property rights resulting from their submissions, ensuring that they maintain control over their own developments.
3. Focus on Addressing Issues: All entries will be assessed based on their relevance to identified problems, the feasibility of overcoming barriers, compatibility for end users, and the broader societal impact of their proposed solutions.
4. One-Year Support Post-Selection: Selected candidates in specific categories will receive continuous support throughout their progression from mid-March 2027 through March 2028.
Participation and Application Process
Individuals interested in applying can do so through the official contest website starting August 31, 2026, where guidelines for each category will be available. There will also be informational sessions for potential applicants to clarify the application process and criteria.
This initiative not only serves to advance innovation in the care sector but also aims to create a community of individuals dedicated to addressing societal challenges collaboratively.
About Shinohara Foundation
The Shinohara Foundation's mission is to enhance human potential and happiness, actively supporting individuals engaged in solving social issues through scholarships, grants, and research aid. By leveraging AI and technology, they aim to revolutionize societal frameworks and promote well-being across various demographics.
For further inquiries, please contact the Shinohara Foundation at [email protected] or visit their official website: Shinohara Foundation.
Topics Health）
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