#Japan #Hackathon #Teamwork #Tornado2026 #Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, Fukuoka

Tornado2026: A National Hackathon to Forge Team Development Skills

The hybrid hackathon known as Tornado2026, organized by the Yume Mirai Digital Entrepreneurship Support Lab, will be held from August 17 to September 5, 2026, in four major cities across Japan—Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, and Fukuoka. This event invites participants to engage in hands-on experience under the theme, "In an era where AI provides answers, think and practice as a team." The goal is to cultivate the essential skills required to produce value through teamwork in the modern world.

What to Expect from Tornado2026

Unlike a typical programming contest, Tornado2026 offers participants the chance to take on various roles—engineers, designers, project managers—and work collaboratively to develop their own products. The aim is not merely to test coding skills but to provide a robust environment where teamwork and practical problem-solving are at the forefront.

Background

In recent years, the shortage of IT personnel has become increasingly serious. In addition to technical expertise, the ability to collaboratively solve problems is highly sought after in the workplace. Despite this demand, real-world opportunities for students to divide roles and make genuine project progress remains limited. Tornado seeks to address this issue by providing a platform for valuable, hands-on development experience.

Unique Features of Tornado

1. Role-based Team Development
- Participants assume roles such as engineers, designers, and PMs, promoting projects in a manner close to real-world practice.

2. Mentorship Support
- Industry professionals, including company representatives and engineers, will act as mentors, providing guidance on both technical and critical thinking aspects.

3. Comprehensive Evaluation Criteria
- Judging will focus not only on the final deliverables but also on participants' engagement and attitudes within their teams.

4. Opportunities for Connection with Companies
- Through interactions with participating companies, students can access internships and opportunities for career development.

The winning team will receive a prize totaling 600,000 yen in stable coins, utilizing the Web3 wallet provided by Datachain. More details regarding prize distribution and eligibility will be announced separately.

Official Partners

The first official partners for Tornado2026 include renowned organizations such as teamLab, Datachain Co., IOBI Inc., and GENZ Co.

• - teamLab: An internationally active interdisciplinary group that utilizes digital technology in art, committed to promoting collective creativity across the boundaries of art, science, technology, and creativity.
• - Datachain Co.: A tech company focused on building next-generation financial and payment infrastructure using blockchain technology. They will implement rewards through stable coins in the event, offering participants hands-on experience with digital assets.
• - IOBI Inc.: A leader in regional revitalization media, IOBI's participation will foster connections between students and significant local enterprises.
• - GENZ Co.: A company specializing in quality consulting and automated testing, providing invaluable insights into practical product development.

The event is open to university students, graduate students, specialized school students, and high school students, with no participation fee.

Future Plans

Tornado aims to evolve beyond a one-time event, looking to establish a continuous platform connecting students with companies and local communities. Soon, collaborations with local governments and educational institutions will be strengthened to contribute to IT talent development and industrial revitalization.

A Message from the Organizer

Mako Suda, the representative director of the Yume Mirai Digital Entrepreneurship Support Lab, shared his vision: "In the coming age, the power of individuals will be increasingly amplified by AI. However, value creation is a team endeavor. Tornado aims to provide experiences that not only focus on technical skills but also nurture collaboration among individuals. I hope this event inspires students to find joy in their future work experiences."

Event Details

• - Event Name: Tornado2026
• - Dates: August 17 to September 5, 2026
• - Locations: Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, Fukuoka
• - Target Audience: Graduate students, university students, specialized school students, high school students
• - Participation Fee: Free

For inquiries, please contact the Tornado management office via the official website at Tornado Official​.