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Minna no Yume Award 7: Empowering the Future Generations

The Minna no Yume wo Kanaeru Kai, a public interest foundation located in Ota City, Tokyo, has officially opened registrations for its annual competition, the "High School Minna no Yume Award 7." This initiative allows high school students to identify significant social issues that resonate with them and develop business ideas to tackle these challenges. The platform not only prepares them for entrepreneurial endeavors but also encourages personal growth regarding their roles in society.

Objective of the High School Minna no Yume Award

The foundation has been organizing the "Minna no Yume Award" for 16 consecutive years, aimed at discovering and nurturing entrepreneurs who can contribute to solving social problems and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The establishment of the High School Minna no Yume Award in 2019 marked a significant step towards broadening the awareness and participation of young social entrepreneurs. This year will mark the seventh iteration of this inspiring competition. Its central goal is to foster not only entrepreneurial skills but also to prompt students to reflect on their impact on society through the exploration of social issues.

Key Features of the High School Minna no Yume Award

1. Support through Online Learning
Participants can access a complimentary online learning program called the "Social Business Learning Program". This initiative provides them with instructional videos and worksheets to assist them in crafting their business ideas. Throughout the program, students will delve into various aspects of social issues and SDGs while studying successful social entrepreneurs’ case studies. They will learn fundamental business principles, including revenue models and differentiation strategies. Each video is approximately 20 minutes long, making it a useful resource for integrated studies as well.
Learn more online here

2. Expert Guidance
Those who progress to the final stage of the High School Minna no Yume Award will receive personalized coaching from industry professionals. They will be mentored in business model development and presentation skills, enabling them to present their ideas confidently on a grand stage.

3. Certification for All Participants
Everyone who enrolls in the program and participates in the competition will receive an "Entry Certificate" for the High School Minna no Yume Award 7. This certificate can be used for holistic selection processes, such as the former AO entrance exams.

Testimonials from Participants and Educators

• - A Student from Hiroshima Prefecture: “Competing in this award helped me gain admission to my desired program. It was a significant turning point in my life.”
• - A Teacher from Miyagi Prefecture: “The insights and connections I gained from professionals and peers interested in social issues and business are invaluable. My presentation skills have definitely improved.”
• - A Teacher from Tokyo: “The process of developing a business idea allowed students to learn about financial planning and strategizing, helping them visualize their paths to future aspirations.”

Highlight of the Previous Event

The last edition of the High School Minna no Yume Award was held at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, gathering participating students from across Japan. A total of 2,464 students entered, with ten finalists ultimately showcasing their ideas. You can catch a glimpse of the highlights in the promotional video available online.
Watch the overview here

Previous Grand Prize Winner: Ryuuga Hirato

• - School: Okinawa Prefectural Kitayama High School
• - Idea: "New Ryukyu-style" – A vision for a society where everyone can dream. Ryuuga aimed to revitalize the economy of Okinawa, focusing on traditional crafts and their narratives to reach both local and overseas markets, appealing to affluent buyers through an online platform.

Upcoming Competition Details

• - Event Name: High School Minna no Yume Award 7
• - Date: August 20, 2026
• - Venue: National Olympic Memorial Youth Center, Main Hall
• - Hosted by: Minna no Yume wo Kanaeru Kai

Participating Organizations and Support

The event is endorsed by various government bodies and boasts numerous corporate sponsors, ensuring a robust framework for participants to engage with. The organization aims to provide students with opportunities for personal growth and societal contribution by supporting their ventures and ideas.

For more information about the competition and registration, visit the official website:
Minna no Yume Award Official Site