Fukuoka Prefecture Fully Supports "I Want to Try!" High School Students Solve Social Issues with Business: "High School Infinite Challenge ~Entrepreneurs Challenge~" Recruitment for 2026 Fiscal Year Starts!

The Fukuoka Prefectural Federation of Small and Medium Enterprise Management Associations (Headquarters: Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture; Chairman: Senji Kobayashi) is operating as the secretariat for the "High School Infinite Challenge 2026" hosted by Fukuoka Prefecture. We are pleased to announce that recruitment for the "Entrepreneurs Challenge," one of the core components of this project, which supports high school students venturing into social business, began on April 14.

There are young people who want to take on challenges, but no place for them to step forward.

Even if students and young people have the desire to make society better, there has been no "mechanism to take the first step." Business contests and pitch events are venues where "people who already have solid ideas" compete, and until now, there has not been sufficient support for young people at the stage of "having something they want to try" or "wanting to do something but not knowing how."

Recognizing the "gap between young people who want to challenge themselves and the mechanisms to support them" as an issue, we are committed to creating an environment where high school students can take their first step with peace of mind.

Supporting "Infinite Possibilities": "High School Infinite Challenge 2026"

Fukuoka Prefecture has been supporting high school students' challenges in society since fiscal year 2022 as the "Future-Creating High School Challenge." From this fiscal year, the program has been renewed and will deploy new initiatives as the "High School Infinite Challenge."

Recruitment flyer expressing courage to step into society with a "first penguin" motif.

The Entrepreneurs Challenge is one of the core programs within this initiative. By establishing an environment where high school students can undertake genuine "social business entrepreneurship experiences" while still enrolled, we contribute to fostering next-generation talent that will support the sustainable development of Fukuoka Prefecture.

(Image: Excerpt from recruitment flyer)

Program details here (Fukuoka Prefecture HP)

Not a business contest or pitch contest. Supporting the desire to "try it out."

The Entrepreneurs Challenge is fundamentally different from traditional business contests and pitch contests. It is not a place to "win" through judging, but rather focuses on "the desire to try it out" to address and solve social issues, providing ongoing support to realize these aspirations.

Even if ideas are vague, individuals or groups can apply. After selection, we provide continuous support for human resources and know-how for two years. In addition to this, financial support is also provided for the first year.

Program Features

Activity Funds

Grants of up to "500,000 yen." High school students can freely use these funds for costs to realize their ideas.

One Year of Hands-on Support

Experienced business supporters continuously provide hands-on support for one year. This includes assistance with goal setting, planning, and review.

In addition, continuous support is provided throughout the activities, including monthly study sessions (8 sessions in total).

Expert Advisors

Experts in various fields such as law, accounting, marketing, and researchers provide advice as needed.

Specialized support tailored to each high school student's plan is available.

2025 Activities

In fiscal year 2025, seven teams were selected, and high school students in Fukuoka Prefecture took on challenges to realize their own aspirations.

Challenge Plan Name / Name (Group Name) / Affiliated School

- Let's go to depopulated areas! ~Feeling the charm of local communities~ / Student Group BPC / Fukuoka Futaba High School

- Morning dining hall for all generations "Asayui" / Sisters / Seinan Gakuin High School

- Job Charm Communication Team / Job Charm Communication Team / Higashi Fukuoka High School

- Re:Farm / Yusei Kamata / Junshin High School

- Learning and healing with bottle aquariums / Misato Kurata / Waseda Saga High School

- Wanwan One Health ~ Project to eliminate refusal of guide dogs in stores~ / Minami Hiraoka / Chikushi Jogakuen High School

- Eliminate food loss! Disposable rescue strategy / Kana Watanabe / Prefectural Tochiku High School

Group photo of Challengers + Supporters at the "2025 Achievement Presentation."

📺 In 2025, the activities of high school challengers were featured in numerous media outlets such as KBC "Asadesu.," "Gyutto," "Wish+," FBS "Mentai Wide," and the Yomiuri Shimbun. Additionally, the final achievement presentation held at Acros Fukuoka attracted approximately 200 participants.

Minami Hiraoka, who received the Grand Prize for Impression at the achievement presentation. Scene from the achievement presentation attended by approximately 200 spectators.

Online Briefing Session and Preliminary Training Session Held

Online briefing sessions and preliminary training sessions are being held for high school students considering participation in this project, as well as their parents and school officials. Details on the dates and times are posted on the Fukuoka Prefecture HP "High School Infinite Challenge Portal."

[Online Briefing Session] (Zoom, Free Participation)

Date: Friday, May 8, 2026, 18:00-19:00

Content: Explanation of the project's purpose,