Tohoku High School Innovation Pitch in English (THIP)
Your Idea, Your Future
“Your ideas can shape the future – take on the world in English!”
Information
Date
Saturday, January 30, 2027, 13:30 – 16:00
Venue
TOKYO ELECTRON House of Creativity 3F, Lecture Theater, Katahira Campus, Tohoku University [Access]
Purpose & Overview
Tohoku Forum for Creativity and the Startup Incubation Center of Tohoku University will host a Business Idea Contest in English for senior high school students.
This contest provides a platform for the next generation of innovators–senior high school students–to identify local or social issues and present business ideas to solve them in English.
Through participation, students will:
- Cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset
- Enhance international business communication skills
- Strengthen their ability to solve problems from a global perspective
Taking on this challenge empowers students to express their ideas to society, collaborate with peers, and nurture their creativity. By presenting in English, participants can also gain practical communication and presentation skills that will be valuable for their future.
Call for Teams
We are inviting senior high school students to participate–both team and individual entries are welcome. Students from technical colleges (Kosen) who are equivalent to senior high school grades 1 through 3 are also welcome.
If you are interested in business or eager to challenge yourself in English, we encourage you to apply!
Outstanding teams will be recognized and awarded the following special prizes:
- 1st Prize: Tokyo Electron Award
Prize: Activity Support Fund of JPY 100,000 - 2nd Prize: AXA Award
Prize: Activity Support Fund of JPY 50,000 - 3rd Prize: Kotonoha Award
Prize: Activity Support Fund of JPY 30,000
How to Apply
Register via the following
Registration Form
Application Deadline: Friday, October 30, 2026, 17:00
*Further details will be sent to applicants after registration.
Hosted by
Tohoku Forum for Creativity, Tohoku University
TOHOKU UNIVERSITY Startup Incubation Center
Co–hosted by
Miyagi University
Sponsored by
Tokyo Electron Limited.
AXA Life Insurance Co., Ltd.
Contact
Yoshiaki Maeda (Tohoku Forum for Creativity, Tohoku University)
Email: yoshimaeda*tohoku.ac.jp (change * to @)
Yuiko Fujita (TOHOKU UNIVERSITY Startup Incubation Center)
Email: sangaku–startup*grp.tohoku.ac.jp (change * to @)