#Japan #Tokyo #energy innovation #Student Contest #EMIRA

EMIRA Business Contest 2026: A Fusion of Gaming and Energy

The EMIRA Business Contest 2026 brought together a brilliant assembly of innovative ideas where students explored the intersection of gaming and energy. This competition, hosted by Kadokawa Corporation in collaboration with Tokyo Electric Power Holdings and Yomiuri Advertising, aimed to foster fresh perspectives on energy usage through gamification. The contest engaged students from Waseda University's Power Energy Professional Development Program, urging them to think creatively about energy solutions.

The seventh iteration of the contest was held on February 14, 2026, featuring a theme that critically examined how game design principles could address societal issues. The competition attracted 38 teams, each tasked with proposing business ideas leveraging the unique aspects of gamification to transform energy sustainability.

After rigorous initial evaluations, five teams advanced to the final round, where they presented their innovative concepts to a panel of esteemed judges. Key figures included Professor Tetsu Shimokawa of Waseda University, Junshi Okamoto from Tokyo Electric Power Holdings, and EMIRA editor-in-chief Shota Kameya. Their challenge was to critically assess how ideas showcased unique perspectives on business, energy, and gaming.

The Final Round: A Platform for Innovation

Each of the five teams delivered a passionate 20-minute presentation, diving deep into how their creative solutions could instigate meaningful change in energy consumption behaviors. The judges noted the high caliber of ideas presented, affirming the potential for gamification to raise awareness and induce behavioral changes regarding energy usage among the general public.

Professor Shimokawa commented, “Our theme of ‘Gaming x Energy’ was designed to help those who might typically lack interest in energy to engage with it meaningfully. The concepts we evaluated illuminated pathways for connecting energy challenges with engaging gaming mechanics.”

The event culminated in the announcement of several awards, including the coveted EMIRA Best Award, which saw MD from Kyushu University recognized for their innovative app, TSUKUMO, aimed at promoting the continuous use of eco-bags. This app gamifies sustainable behavior by rewarding users who engage in eco-friendly habits.

Awards Overview

The competition awarded several teams for their outstanding work, recognizing not only their creativity but also the potential viability of their business ideas:

• - EMIRA Best Award: MD (Kyushu University) for TSUKUMO—a gamified eco-bag app promoting sustainability.
• - KADOKAWA Award: Love Saves the World (Waseda University)—an LED pen light that generates power during live concerts.
• - TEPCO Award: HARVEST (Meiji University) for a go game educating players on energy management principles.
• - Excellence Awards: Two teams, Sakura! (Tokyo University of Science) and Wasepro (Waseda University/Shibaura Institute of Technology) for their energy optimization and waste separation games respectively.

Each of the recipients was praised for connecting gaming elements with crucial energy concepts, demonstrating not only innovation but the ability to influence public attitudes towards sustainability.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Energy Innovation

The EMIRA Business Contest 2026 not only fostered a field for student creativity but also aligned with the goals of pioneering energy education and sustainable development. As the event closes, expectations soar for the participants, who are seen as the next generation of innovators in energy and environmental sectors.

EMIRA continues to push for a shift in perspectives on energy, emphasizing innovation at the intersection of creativity and sustainability. With the support of esteemed institutions and committed organizations, the future of energy management appears promising.

About EMIRA

As a web platform aimed at transforming the narrative around energy innovation, EMIRA is a collaborative effort among Kadokawa Corporation, Tokyo Electric Power Holdings, and Yomiuri Advertising. The platform invites varied perspectives on energy and encourages new ways of thinking that could redefine the future of energy management.

For more information, visit EMIRA's website.

Waseda University Power Energy Professional Development Program

Waseda University’s Power Energy Professional Development Program focuses on developing future leaders capable of navigating complex energy challenges across diverse industries in an era of sustainability. For further information, please check their official site here.