Applications are now open for the Youth Co:Lab Social Innovation Challenge Japan 2026, inviting young people aged 15 to 35, including high school students, to submit innovative business ideas and business plans that contribute to the SDGs. Awards including the Grand Prize and Audience Award, as well as benefits such as opportunities to participate in international events, are planned.
Applications have officially opened for the Youth Co:Lab Social Innovation Challenge Japan 2026, held with support from the Japanese government. The application period has been announced, and eligibility is open to people aged 15 to 35, including high school students.
The awards include the Grand Prize and Audience Award, among others. In particular, winners of the Youth Innovation Award are expected to receive opportunities to participate in international events in the Asia-Pacific region. In addition, a partnership with Zeroichi is expected to launch as a collaborative program supporting the expansion of networks in Japan and overseas.
The next stages are expected to include preliminary and final judging, Demo Day and an international competition. Applicants will be provided with the latest information, and experts in business, social entrepreneurship and international development are expected to join the judging panel.
The program also emphasizes initiatives to develop young social entrepreneurs in Japan and provide opportunities to participate in events across the Asia-Pacific region, with the aim of promoting the dissemination of ideas and building networks.