#Japan #Setagaya #FoundingBase #student projects #Creative Research

Overview of the Free Research EXPO 2026

The 'Free Research EXPO 2026' is a nationwide contest designed for junior high and high school students, allowing them to submit their research projects based on themes of their choice. The aim of this competition is to encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and innovation among the youth, promoting academic exploration in an enjoyable manner.

First Round Results

On June 15, FoundingBase announced that its cross-border project, 'Accel', has successfully supported five innovative research proposals that have passed the preliminary screening. These projects are now advancing to the final judging round. The contest is organized by Tomonokai, and the projects are evaluated on the basis of fairness and objectivity by the organizing committee in the first round. The final round will feature an evaluation by a diverse group known as the 'Commendation Group', consisting of representatives from corporations, universities, and local governments, including renowned organizations such as Asahi Shimbun and educational reform bodies.

The results of the final judging will be announced on the official website on August 7, 2026.

Selected Projects Advancing to the Finals

This year's contest has successfully shortlisted five remarkable projects:

1. Promoting Insect Cuisine to Solve Environmental Issues! - Making Insect Eating Fun (Hokago Kyoshitsu Sun, Mihama Town, Fukui Prefecture)
2. I Want to Believe I Was Happy at the Moment of Death (Mine City Public School Mineto, Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture)
3. A Uniform Skirt Design Project for Easier Bathroom Use (Mine City Learning Space, Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture)
4. What Do You Want to Do with Aso Sea? - Unwrapping the Shell of Oysters at Amanohashidate (Research School Qport, Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture)
5. Regional Connection Project (21st Century Learning Space Umi-ne, Bungo-Takada City, Oita Prefecture)

Challenges Faced by Youth in Rural Areas

In rural communities, children often have limited opportunities to experience new environments or diverse values, leading to challenges in their growth and development. FoundingBase aims to address these issues by enabling local learning opportunities and fostering collaboration between regional residents and specialists through the 'Accel' project, supporting students with impactful dialogues and reflections.

About the Accel Project

'Accel' is a unique initiative by FoundingBase that transcends traditional educational boundaries to facilitate collaborative learning for junior high and high school students. This project allows students from all over Japan to connect and refine their research through various activities. Key features of 'Accel' include:

• - Online meetings with students and mentors from across the nation.
• - Knowledge and expertise sharing derived from participation in national contests.
• - Ongoing support at each educational site to deepen the research process, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.

By accumulating and sharing best practices and support frameworks across different regions, 'Accel' aims to create an encouraging environment for students in rural areas to connect with the outside world and engage in new challenges.

A Vision for the Future

The skills and knowledge acquired through this project will leave a lasting legacy in each region, nurturing a cycle of inspiration where one student’s successes can serve as a role model for future generations. FoundingBase envisions a sustainable system where local children continue to pursue their challenges, contributing positively to their communities regardless of fluctuations in time or individual circumstances.

As the Accel project progresses, FoundingBase is dedicated to fostering such connections within communities, ensuring that the youth become empowered participants in the co-creation of their futures and their environments.

Contact for Further Information

For inquiries regarding this news release, please contact:
FoundingBase, Accel Operations Office
Email: [email protected]

About FoundingBase

Founded in February 2014, FoundingBase operates with the vision of 'co-creating regional value and providing choices through communities.' The organization is deeply embedded in local areas, collaborating with residents to tackle local challenges and create unique initiatives. FoundingBase is committed to establishing educational, promotional, and collaborative projects that enhance the value of communities and trust.