#Japan #Shibuya #programming contest #Tech Kids

Tech Kids Grand Prix 2025 Announced!

The much-anticipated Tech Kids Grand Prix 2025, the largest programming contest for elementary school students in Japan, has officially been announced! This exciting event is a collaboration between CA Tech Kids, a leading programming education provider, and TV Asahi, one of Japan's top broadcasting companies. The contest aims to inspire creativity and technical skills among young minds and will accept applications from July 1 to September 30, 2025. After the application period, the finals will take place on February 28, 2026, where the title of "Japan's No.1 elementary school programmer" will be awarded.

A Vision for the Future

The Tech Kids Grand Prix is centered on the idea that today’s children are the creators of tomorrow. Under the slogan, "You are the ones who will create the 21st century," this contest emphasizes three main aspects during its judging process:
1. VISION: Understanding the dreams and aspirations that the children wish to convey.
2. PRODUCT: Evaluating the creative ideas and projects that realize those dreams.
3. PRESENTATION: Assessing their ability to communicate their vision and projects effectively to society.

Since its inception in 2018, the Tech Kids Grand Prix has grown significantly, receiving over 10,000 applications in the last event (2024). It has established itself as Japan's largest programming contest for elementary school students.

Contest Structure

The process for the contest is divided into several stages:

• - Regional Qualifiers: After the application period concludes in October 2025, the 47 prefectures of Japan will be grouped into six regions, where the first to fourth rounds of qualifiers will take place.
• - Final Presentation: On February 28, 2026, the top three finalists from each region will gather in Shibuya, Tokyo, to present their projects in front of judges and an audience. The ultimate winner will be crowned Japan's No.1 elementary school programmer.

To get a glimpse of last year's finals, you can watch the highlight video available on their website.

Participation Details

Overview of Tech Kids Grand Prix 2025

• - Contest Name: Tech Kids Grand Prix 2025
• - Content: A programming competition aimed at elementary school students.
• - Eligibility: Open to elementary students residing in Japan or holding Japanese nationality (born between April 2, 2013, and April 1, 2019).
• - Submissions: Applications may include computer programming projects, games, and applications (certain hardware-based projects are excluded).
• - Languages: No specific programming languages required.
• - Awards: Grand Prize, various corporate awards, and a total prize fund of 1 million yen.
• - Organizers: CA Tech Kids and TV Asahi.
• - Support: Sponsored by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry; and the Digital Agency (as of May 2025).

Important Dates

• - July 1, 2025: Application period begins.
• - September 30, 2025: Application period ends.
• - October - December 2025: Regional qualifiers (Rounds 1 to 3).
• - January 2026: Final regional qualifiers.
• - February 28, 2026: Final presentation event.

(Note: The schedule may change at the organizers' discretion.)

About CA Tech Kids

Founded in 2013, CA Tech Kids operates the Tech Kids School, a programming school dedicated to elementary students. They offer structured courses that teach everything from basic programming to advanced techniques, nurturing young talents who have successfully launched iPhone apps and won various programming competitions.

The Tech Kids Grand Prix is just one of the initiatives by CA Tech Kids, as they continually collaborate with various organizations and support programming education in local communities and public schools. In 2019, they established QUREO, a joint venture with Sprix, expanding access to their unique educational materials across more than 3,000 classrooms nationwide, making them the largest provider of programming education for elementary students in Japan.

Join us for this wondrous event and unleash the creativity and challenge spirit of children across the nation!