【Iizuka City】Prize 300,000 yen! "e-ZUKA Smart App Contest 2026" Announced – Recruiting Next-Generation Engineers to Solve Regional Issues from Iizuka, a Town Where IT Engineers Gather

Fukuoka Prefecture's Iizuka City is recruiting participants for the app development contest "e-ZUKA Smart App Contest 2026" (15th edition), which has been held continuously since fiscal year 2012.

This contest aims to discover and nurture outstanding engineers and promote the creation of a town where IT engineers gather, called "Iizuka." A wide range of participants, from elementary school students to working adults, compete with their technical skills and ideas.

Background and Purpose

Iizuka City is home to three educational and research institutions: the Faculty of Computer Science and Systems Engineering at Kyushu Institute of Technology, the Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology at Kindai University, and Kindai University Kyushu Junior College. The city has long had an environment conducive to nurturing IT talent.

This contest started in fiscal year 2012 with the goals of improving participants' technical skills and proposal abilities, and creating opportunities for interaction with engineers and IT companies. A major characteristic is that it goes beyond simply presenting app ideas; participants are required to analyze regional issues using local and public data and propose how to link that analysis to solutions.

Contest Overview

Categories and Application Period

The contest consists of three categories according to age.

*The General Category allows applications by individuals or groups. Up to 10 groups from the same school can apply.

*Software to be used in the Elementary School Category and Junior High School Category: Scratch, Viscuit, micro:bit, Springin'

Prizes and Awards (General Category)

*Prizes are also prepared for the Elementary and Junior High School categories.

Final Judging Criteria

Judging is on a 100-point scale, with the presentation judging accounting for 50 points. Emphasis is placed on how well participants analyze regional issues, propose solutions that make judges think "Why didn't I think of that?!" and demonstrate "analytical ability" and "creativity/originality."

General Category (High School Students and Above)

*For the Elementary and Junior High School categories, please check the official website.

How to Apply

Instructions will be posted on the official website once preparations are complete.

Official Website: e-ZUKA Smart App Contest 2026 (Iizuka City official)

Contact Information

Iizuka City, Economic Affairs Department, Industry-Academia Promotion Division

Address: 5-5 Shintateiwa, Iizuka City, Fukuoka Prefecture 820-8501

Phone: 0948-22-5518

Email: sangaku@city.iizuka.lg.jp