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The 3rd Kosen Entrepreneurs Summit: Igniting Innovation

On February 23rd and 24th, 2026, the National Institute of Technology (Kosen) held the 3rd Kosen Entrepreneurs Summit at Hitotsubashi Hall in Chiyoda, Tokyo. This event, organized by the Kosen Mechanism and Monthly Kosen, attracted 45 teams from across Japan, each eager to share their innovative business plans and connect with peers and industry partners.

What is the Kosen Entrepreneurs Summit?

The Kosen Entrepreneurs Summit is part of a broader initiative to support startups among technical college students. The summit aims to create opportunities for budding entrepreneurs to present their business ideas and network with like-minded individuals as well as enterprises eager to support Kosen entrepreneurs. Launched in 2024, this event fosters collaboration and innovation in the Kosen community.

For this year's summit, there were three categories for participation: Idea Division, Prototype Division, and Startup Division, designed to accommodate a wider array of students. Ultimately, 93 teams submitted their business plans from 33 schools across 35 campuses. After a rigorous selection process, 45 teams were invited to participate and refine their projects in preparation for the summit.

Day One: Networking and Inspiration

The first day commenced with an opening ceremony and networking session. Kosen Chairman Taniguchi delivered an inspiring address, emphasizing the goal of ensuring that the presented business ideas integrate into society and contribute positively to Japan's future.

Prior to the ceremony, participants engaged in passionate discussions during a poster presentation session, laying the groundwork for valuable connections among students and corporate representatives. This initial networking was viewed as a pivotal opportunity to inspire collaboration among attendees.

Day Two: Business Plan Presentations

The second day featured pitch presentations and poster displays within each division. General audiences were welcomed to witness these presentations, contributing to a lively atmosphere. The pitches consisted of business plan presentations followed by Q&A sessions with judges. Students showcased diverse presentation styles, confidently articulating their visions.

Recognition of Excellence

After all presentations, the judges announced the results:

• - Startup Division Best Award: Okinawa Kosen with Neighbors Net
• - Startup Division Excellence Award: Oita Kosen with NeurestX
• - Prototype Division Best Award: Anan Kosen with Awanext
• - Prototype Division Excellence Award: Oita Kosen with MiMiCs
• - Idea Division Excellence Awards: Teams from Kamiyama, Hiroshima, Shinagawa, Kobe, and Okinawa Kosen, among others.
• - Honda Ignition Award: Wakayama Kosen with The Bakery Team
• - Audience Award: Anan Kosen with Awa Otome

Okinawa Kosen's Neighbors Net proposed a communication device designed to function in disaster-affected areas, utilizing LPWA ad-hoc network technology to ensure reliable communication. Anan Kosen’s Awanext introduced a novel solution using laser technology for efficient weeding, demonstrating deep innovation potential.

The Road Ahead: A New Beginning

The summit highlighted the immense passion and innovative spirit among Kosen students. The chair of the judging panel, Akihiro Wakahara, president of Toyohashi University of Technology, noted the significance of entrepreneurship as a starting point rather than an endpoint. He encouraged participants to cherish this entrepreneurial experience, emphasizing its value in whatever career path they choose.

The event gathered together 45 teams under the themes of entrepreneurship and innovation, igniting prospects for broader collaboration and community building in the future.

Event Details

• - What: 3rd Kosen Entrepreneurs Summit
• - When: February 23-24, 2026
• - Where: Hitotsubashi Hall, Tokyo
• - Organized by: National Institute of Technology, Monthly Kosen (Media Research Co., Ltd.)
• - Supported by: Ministry of Education, national universities, and various corporate sponsors

For more details, please visit the official website: Kosen Entrepreneurs Summit.