GIA Jr. Launches U14 Robotics Program Aiming for World Championship Titles
A professional robotics team development program for elementary and middle school students has been established with the goal of competing in global arenas.
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- 📰 Published: May 29, 2026 at 05:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 28, 2026 at 21:01
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Global Innovator ACADEMY (GIA) has officially announced the launch of "Global Innovator ACADEMY Jr. (GIA Jr.)," a STEM and robotics development program specifically designed for students under the age of 14. Leveraging the VEX Robotics platform—the world’s largest educational robotics competition framework—the program seeks to cultivate the next generation of innovators through robot construction, programming, and team dynamics.
Operated with support from Sanei Robotics, GIA Jr. functions under the philosophy "Robotics is a Sport." Unlike traditional programming classes that focus solely on academic knowledge, this initiative emphasizes creativity, resilience, and international perspective by treating competition as a medium for personal growth.
### Program Highlights
1. **Online Garage Team Start-up Course**: Guidance for those looking to form and manage new robotics teams, including operational roles and competition workflows.
2. **VEX Learning Support**: Access to global learning resources, robot manufacturing techniques, and strategic planning.
3. **National Community and Exchange**: Networking opportunities through online and physical events to share knowledge and practice with peers across Japan.
4. **Local Team Activities**: Physical workshops for robot building. In the Kanagawa/Shonan area, the "SHONAN VEX TEAM" is being launched in collaboration with the VEX classroom "FIVE by DOHSCHOOL."
### Recruitment and Participation
The program is open to students who will be in grades 3 to 8 by 2026. While program participation is generally free of charge, participants are responsible for their own VEX IQ Education Kits. Monthly rental options (approx. 3,000 to 4,500 JPY) or outright purchases (approx. 121,000 JPY) are available. A free trial and information session is scheduled for June 28 at the Shonandai Civic Center.
Operated with support from Sanei Robotics, GIA Jr. functions under the philosophy "Robotics is a Sport." Unlike traditional programming classes that focus solely on academic knowledge, this initiative emphasizes creativity, resilience, and international perspective by treating competition as a medium for personal growth.
### Program Highlights
1. **Online Garage Team Start-up Course**: Guidance for those looking to form and manage new robotics teams, including operational roles and competition workflows.
2. **VEX Learning Support**: Access to global learning resources, robot manufacturing techniques, and strategic planning.
3. **National Community and Exchange**: Networking opportunities through online and physical events to share knowledge and practice with peers across Japan.
4. **Local Team Activities**: Physical workshops for robot building. In the Kanagawa/Shonan area, the "SHONAN VEX TEAM" is being launched in collaboration with the VEX classroom "FIVE by DOHSCHOOL."
### Recruitment and Participation
The program is open to students who will be in grades 3 to 8 by 2026. While program participation is generally free of charge, participants are responsible for their own VEX IQ Education Kits. Monthly rental options (approx. 3,000 to 4,500 JPY) or outright purchases (approx. 121,000 JPY) are available. A free trial and information session is scheduled for June 28 at the Shonandai Civic Center.
FAQ
Who is eligible to join the program?
Students who will be between the 3rd grade of elementary school and the 2nd grade of junior high school as of 2026 are eligible.
What are the costs involved?
The program itself is primarily free. However, participants must cover the cost of the robot kit, which can be rented for 3,000–4,500 JPY/month or purchased for approximately 121,000 JPY.
Can beginners participate?
Yes, beginners are welcome. The program is designed to support students starting from zero and stepping up toward world-class competition.