Global Innovator ACADEMY 2026 Applications Open! Recruiting Teens from Across Japan to Challenge the World!
The Specified Nonprofit Corporation Kyoiku no Wa (Educational Network NPO) has begun recruitment for the 2026 Global Innovator ACADEMY (GIA), a practical education program designed to foster Japanese teens who aspire to global careers. This year introduces an "Entry Class" to accommodate various skill levels, aiming to create an environment where anyone can challenge the world.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 27, 2026 at 18:18
- 🔍 Collected: April 27, 2026 at 10:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 28, 2026 at 03:58 (17h 56m after Collected)
The Specified Nonprofit Corporation Kyoiku no Wa (Educational Network NPO), based in Meguro-ku, Tokyo, and led by Representative Director Kentaro Suzuki, which operates under the concept of "bringing smiles to all children through education," has begun recruiting for the 2026 Global Innovator ACADEMY (GIA). GIA is a practical education program designed to nurture Japanese teenagers who will take on the world. Starting this year, an "Entry Class" has been newly established to allow participants to challenge themselves according to their individual skill levels. The goal is to create a training environment where anyone can challenge the world.
About Global Innovator ACADEMY
GIA is a six-month practical human resource development program aimed at fostering "teenagers who can excel globally." With themes of science and technology, social issues, and global collaboration, ambitious high school students gather to take on various projects, including the world's largest U18 STEM Olympics, "FIRST Global Challenge (FGC)."
Past participants have advanced to universities such as the University of Tokyo, Keio University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Toyohashi University of Technology, and have also achieved success in various international competitions.
Official Web: http://globalinnovatoracademy.jp/
■ Key Changes for 2026
Robotics Course Expanded to Two Classes
The Robotics Course from last year has been reorganized and expanded, with the following two new classes established for 2026:
▶ Entry Class (New)
This class is for students new to robotics, offering a phased learning program from basic programs using FTC starter kits (Phase 1) to full-scale competitive development (Phase 2). It targets elementary school students (5th grade) to high school students (3rd grade) and can be attended online from anywhere in Japan.
▶ National Team (Japan Representative Class, New)
This class aims for students to represent Japan in the FGC World Competition held in October. This is an invitation-only program from the secretariat, and there is no public recruitment.
■ Three Elective Courses
① Robotics Course
An engineer development program aiming for the world stage.
Develops technical skills, strategic thinking, and team development capabilities through participation in robotics competitions.
Only the "Entry Class" is open for public recruitment this year.
What you will learn:
・Technologies such as robotics, control, and electronic craftsmanship
・Strategic thinking and team decision-making
・"Design capability to win" when competing against strong international teams
Recommended for those who:
・Love making things / want to learn by doing
・Are interested in robots and programming
・Started RoboCon from scratch but want to learn properly
Learn more about the Robotics Course
② Solution Course
A social innovator development program that tackles social issues.
A practical project where students identify "concrete issues" within Japan related to common global social problems, devise STEM-based solutions, and create their own prototypes.
What you will learn:
・Ability to discover social issues, problem-solving processes
・Implementation skills using STEM and design thinking
・Skills to materialize ideas and deliver them to society
Recommended for those who:
・Are interested in social issues and news
・Want to bring their ideas to life
・Enjoy deep thinking
Learn more about the Solution Course
③ Outreach Course
A communication and diplomacy development program that connects the world.
Students engage in communication that influences society and the world using words and strategy.
In addition to diplomacy and public relations activities, they also work on crowdfunding and policy proposals for STEM education.
What you will learn:
・Practical skills in lobbying, PR, marketing, fundraising, etc.
・Communication skills for collaborating with diverse people
・International negotiation skills, diplomatic perspective, proposal skills
Recommended for those who:
・Love to communicate
・Want to move people with words and visuals
・Desire international communication
Learn more about the Outreach Course
■ Information Session Videos Now Streaming
Information session videos for GIA as a whole and for each course (Robotics / Solution / Outreach) are available on the official LINE account. Please watch the videos for the courses you are interested in.
Register for Official LINE here
■ 2026 Recruitment Overview
【Eligibility】
Residents of Japan under 18 years old as of October 10, 2026.
* Enrollment in school is not required.
【Application Period】
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 - Friday, May 15, 2026
【Activity Period】
May - November 2026 (tentative)
【Participation Fee】
Free
【Participation Conditions】
・Those who can contribute to the growth of the Japan national team and the development of junior members, as a member of the Global Innovator ACADEMY, which aims to nurture U18 STEM Japan representatives to challenge the world, under the concept of "You are the top in Japan, and the best in the world."
About Global Innovator ACADEMY
GIA is a six-month practical human resource development program aimed at fostering "teenagers who can excel globally." With themes of science and technology, social issues, and global collaboration, ambitious high school students gather to take on various projects, including the world's largest U18 STEM Olympics, "FIRST Global Challenge (FGC)."
Past participants have advanced to universities such as the University of Tokyo, Keio University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Toyohashi University of Technology, and have also achieved success in various international competitions.
Official Web: http://globalinnovatoracademy.jp/
■ Key Changes for 2026
Robotics Course Expanded to Two Classes
The Robotics Course from last year has been reorganized and expanded, with the following two new classes established for 2026:
▶ Entry Class (New)
This class is for students new to robotics, offering a phased learning program from basic programs using FTC starter kits (Phase 1) to full-scale competitive development (Phase 2). It targets elementary school students (5th grade) to high school students (3rd grade) and can be attended online from anywhere in Japan.
▶ National Team (Japan Representative Class, New)
This class aims for students to represent Japan in the FGC World Competition held in October. This is an invitation-only program from the secretariat, and there is no public recruitment.
■ Three Elective Courses
① Robotics Course
An engineer development program aiming for the world stage.
Develops technical skills, strategic thinking, and team development capabilities through participation in robotics competitions.
Only the "Entry Class" is open for public recruitment this year.
What you will learn:
・Technologies such as robotics, control, and electronic craftsmanship
・Strategic thinking and team decision-making
・"Design capability to win" when competing against strong international teams
Recommended for those who:
・Love making things / want to learn by doing
・Are interested in robots and programming
・Started RoboCon from scratch but want to learn properly
Learn more about the Robotics Course
② Solution Course
A social innovator development program that tackles social issues.
A practical project where students identify "concrete issues" within Japan related to common global social problems, devise STEM-based solutions, and create their own prototypes.
What you will learn:
・Ability to discover social issues, problem-solving processes
・Implementation skills using STEM and design thinking
・Skills to materialize ideas and deliver them to society
Recommended for those who:
・Are interested in social issues and news
・Want to bring their ideas to life
・Enjoy deep thinking
Learn more about the Solution Course
③ Outreach Course
A communication and diplomacy development program that connects the world.
Students engage in communication that influences society and the world using words and strategy.
In addition to diplomacy and public relations activities, they also work on crowdfunding and policy proposals for STEM education.
What you will learn:
・Practical skills in lobbying, PR, marketing, fundraising, etc.
・Communication skills for collaborating with diverse people
・International negotiation skills, diplomatic perspective, proposal skills
Recommended for those who:
・Love to communicate
・Want to move people with words and visuals
・Desire international communication
Learn more about the Outreach Course
■ Information Session Videos Now Streaming
Information session videos for GIA as a whole and for each course (Robotics / Solution / Outreach) are available on the official LINE account. Please watch the videos for the courses you are interested in.
Register for Official LINE here
■ 2026 Recruitment Overview
【Eligibility】
Residents of Japan under 18 years old as of October 10, 2026.
* Enrollment in school is not required.
【Application Period】
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 - Friday, May 15, 2026
【Activity Period】
May - November 2026 (tentative)
【Participation Fee】
Free
【Participation Conditions】
・Those who can contribute to the growth of the Japan national team and the development of junior members, as a member of the Global Innovator ACADEMY, which aims to nurture U18 STEM Japan representatives to challenge the world, under the concept of "You are the top in Japan, and the best in the world."