#Japan #Hachioji #Educational Innovation #GCON2025 #SDGs Contest

High School Girls Innovate at GCON2025

The GCON2025 finals, co-hosted by the National Institute of Technology and Nikkei Inc., highlighted the impressive ideas and solutions proposed by high school girls focused on addressing social challenges through technology. Held on December 14, 2025, the competition featured 12 teams that made it to the final round, demonstrating their commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Winning Proposal

Among the finalists, the team from Gunma National College of Technology, known as "Gunma Level Up Operation☆," was awarded the prestigious Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award for their innovative project "Utilizing Konjac Food Waste into New Materials." The team focused on the environmental issues arising from the production process of konjac, a local specialty in Gunma Prefecture, and proposed using the resulting waste, known as "tobiko," to develop new resources. Their rigorous data collection, unique improvement methods, and clear presentation skills were highly praised by the judges.

Other Notable Teams

In addition to the top award, two teams received the Excellence Award: "Mori no Shika Shika" from Sendai National College of Technology, and "Hikamikochanneru" from Tokuyama National College of Technology. The former proposed an AI-powered app and toothbrush attachment aimed at visualizing unbrushed areas for children, showcasing an impressive understanding of medical themes. The latter presented "Fruna Navi for Girls," addressing specific issues such as women's restrooms with an engaging framework that promises to attract more women into technology fields.

Contest Background

The GCON initiative, which began in 2022 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Japan's national college system, aims to combat the shortage of female engineers and researchers. This year, 89 teams from 38 national colleges participated in the competition. Selected based on rigorous criteria—including their understanding of the SDGs and their proposals for innovation—these teams presented from a diverse range of disciplines, including electrical engineering, information technology, biology, chemistry, architecture, and construction.

High Energy Presentations

The presentations encapsulated the passion and technological skills that have been cultivated through the national college system. High energy enveloped the venue as teams showcased their solutions addressing vital societal issues.

Judge's Insights

Mari Oshima, a professor at the University of Tokyo, commended the contestants, noting that each team balanced the judging criteria effectively. She emphasized the technical proofs provided through simulations and experiments by the award-winning teams, highlighting their focus on societal implementation.

Final Teams and Their Proposals

Here's a list of the 12 teams that made it to the final round:

Learn More

For a detailed overview of the finalists and their proposals, visit the GCON2025 official site.

As Japan's national colleges strive to foster the next generation of engineers, the GCON competition stands out as a catalyst for empowering young women and elevating innovative ideas to the forefront of society.