Academic Entrepreneur Challenge is a program designed to support the creation and growth of social implementations and business plans that address current or future societal challenges through creative ideas rooted in scientific knowledge and academic research. By selecting and supporting students who take on societal challenges, this program aims to foster innovative talent capable of applying research outcomes and science and technology to solve societal issues.
As part of this program, we are hosting the “Academic Entrepreneur Challenge Pitch Contest,” where participants compete with creative ideas centered on academic insights and research outcomes. In preparation for this contest, we are currently recruiting participants for the “Preparation Course”—which offers assistance in refining proposals prior to the First Round (Document Screening)—as well as direct applicants for the “Pitch Contest,” as detailed below.
Academic Entrepreneur Challenge: Preparation Course
We offer a support program designed so that even first-time applicants can participate with confidence. Even if this is your first time applying for a pitch contest, we provide guidance on refining your ideas, building a plan, and writing a persuasive proposal. Mentoring (on-campus) will begin sequentially upon receipt of your application. Applying early will allow you to secure a longer preparation period leading up to the First Round (Document Screening). Please note that participation in the Preparation Course is optional; you may apply directly to the Pitch Contest.
Academic Entrepreneur Challenge: Pitch Contest
This is a 5-minute pitch contest where participants present social implementations or business plans that address societal challenges using creative ideas based on academic insights and research outcomes. 10 teams/individuals will be selected through the First Round (Document Screening) to present at the Pitch Contest. The selected 10 teams/individuals will prepare for their presentations by receiving off-campus mentoring and attending “Introduction to Innovation (Advanced),” where they will learn pitching techniques.
In addition to the pitch presenters, poster presenters will also be selected. Poster presentation teams/individuals are not eligible for off-campus mentoring, but those interested may attend “Introduction to Innovation (Advanced).” Poster presentations will also be eligible for all awards except the President’s Award.
◆ Overall Schedule
★Preparation Course
・Application Period: August 3 (Mon) – November 2 (Mon)
Mentoring will begin sequentially upon receipt of applications. Simultaneously, you can take various seminars according to your needs. The earlier you apply, the more preparation time you can secure.
・On-Campus Mentoring Period: Mid-August – November 20 (Fri)
★Pitch Contest
・First Round (Document Screening) Call for Proposals: November 2 (Mon) – December 1 (Tue)
・First Round Application Deadline: December 1 (Tue), 12:00 PM (Noon) Sharp!
・First Round Results Notification: December 24 (Thu)
・ Mentoring: Early January – Late February 2027
For teams/individuals who passed the First Round.
Mentoring is limited to a maximum of two 60-minute sessions.
・Introduction to Innovation (Advanced): January 21, 2027 (Thu), 13:00–16:00
・Pitch Contest Final Screening: February 26, 2027 (Fri)
◆ Eligibility
Teams or individuals that meet the following conditions:
1.The team or individual must be represented by a student currently enrolled at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (TUAT).*1
2.The proposal must aim to solve current or future societal challenges based on scientific knowledge or academic research.
*1 There are no restrictions regarding university affiliation for other team members.
◆ How to Apply
★Preparation Course Application
Application Period: August 3, 2026 (Mon) – November 2, 2026 (Mon
Please submit the application form (Form FL-11: 2026 Academic Entrepreneur Challenge Application Form) via the link below.(TUAT-ID login required)
https://forms.gle/z878JpR51yvKstre6
★Pitch Contest Application
First Round Call Period: November 2, 2026 (Mon) – December 1, 2026 (Tue), 12:00 PM (Noon) Sharp
Please submit the application form (Form FL-11: 2026 Academic Entrepreneur Challenge Application Form) via the link below.(TUAT-ID login required)
https://forms.gle/maXRCQn9dKyeU8PY6
◆ Application Form
Please download the application form from the following folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vGI_zzscaK4QX_ZomgKCxN2bxoS7Nsp7?usp=sharing
Pitch Contest（Final）
◆Schedule
・Date & Time:
February 26, 2027 (Mon)
13:30–18:00 (Pitch Contest)
18:00–19:30 (Networking Reception)
・Venue: Kaikokan, Fuchu Campus,
◆ Awards
・President’s Award (Prize: 500,000 yen)
・Other Corporate Awards, etc.
(Dejima Natural Capital Award, INDEE Japan Award, Fukushima Prefecture Reconstruction Symbol Character “Kibitan” Award, NEDO Award)
◆ Photography and Video Recording
Photos and videos of the event will be taken on the day and are scheduled to be published on the websites of Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, FLOuRISH, Deep Tech, and other related platforms. If you do not wish to be photographed or have your image published, please inform us in advance.
◆ Partner Organizations
Cooperation (Internal): Research Management Organization
Cooperation (External)※Under Adjustment
NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization)
Fukushima Prefectural Government, INDEE Japan, Beyond Next Ventures Inc.
AgVenture Lab,Dejima Intelligence
