[Nagoya] 100% Satisfaction! Silicon Valley-Style “English Entrepreneurship Camp 2026 for Elementary Students” to be Held

## Children Turning Ideas into Reality Through Fun

Alive Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture; CEO: Hiromi Mitsui), which operates English preschools, children’s English conversation schools, STEM programs, and after-school care, will hold the “Entrepreneurship Camp 2026” for children from 3rd grade and up from August 5th (Wed) to August 7th (Fri), 2026, at the Alive English School Higashi School (Higashi-ku, Nagoya). The program incorporates the concept of design thinking practiced in Silicon Valley, challenging students to find problems, generate ideas, and pitch them in English. The camp is open not only to Alive students but also to the general public.

This camp serves as the second half of the “Leadership & Entrepreneurship Camp 2026,” which will be held from August 3rd (Mon) to August 7th (Fri). August 5th (Wed) will be a joint program with the first half (Leadership Camp) called the “Failure Lab.”

Alive has previously conducted multiple design thinking programs for children and teenagers in Japan, collaborating with educators and entrepreneurs from Silicon Valley and experts associated with UC Berkeley. This camp incorporates the essence of the knowledge and educational methods cultivated through these experiences.

## Why Entrepreneurship Education Now?

It has been pointed out that in Japan, there are fewer opportunities to show interest in or challenge oneself with entrepreneurship compared to other countries. In actual educational settings, children are often seen hesitant to take the first step for fear of failure or lacking the know-how to turn ideas into reality. Furthermore, with the recent evolution of AI technology, the skills required of children are changing significantly. It is said that in the coming society, beyond memorizing knowledge, the ability to find problems independently, create new value, and challenge oneself without fear of failure will become increasingly important.

Alive’s entrepreneurship education initiatives date back over 15 years to the “Kids Business School” once held at the Alive English School Higashi School. In addition to these past practices, this program integrates design thinking and actual sales experience, allowing children to go through the process of discovering issues like entrepreneurs, brainstorming ideas, and collaborating with peers to bring them to fruition.

## Surprising Ideas Born from Empathy

A key feature of this program is the incorporation of design thinking, which encourages children to consider “what the other person truly needs” rather than just promoting free thinking. Students start with empathy, deeply understanding the concerns and needs of others, and learn to generate creative ideas that go beyond existing frameworks. Creativity is an essential skill for children living in the AI era.

Alive’s CEO, Hiromi Mitsui, plans to continue training on creativity in education for children at Stanford University’s educational facilities in fiscal 2026. Alive continues to research education that fosters children’s autonomy while learning from advanced global educational practices.

## 200 Original Products Sold Out Last Year

In last year’s entrepreneurship course, children commercialized original notebooks they planned and designed, and sold them in person at the “Autumn Paris Festival” held in the Endoji Shopping Street in Nishi-ku, Nagoya. They repeatedly discussed sales methods and customer service while considering how to attract people and convey the charm of the products. On the day of the event, they devised ways to approach customers and explain the product while watching the reactions of visitors, and worked as a team to challenge themselves in sales.

As a result, approximately 200 notebooks were sold out quickly. The children felt a great sense of achievement in seeing their ideas take shape, delighting customers, and achieving team goals. Later, when they received the revenue from the sales, they were thrilled, saying things like, “I earned money for the first time in my life!” and “I want to do it again!” Parents also commented, “My child learned the meaning of receiving money and the joy of working,” and “It was a trigger for my child to gain confidence.” This year, Alive plans hands-on learning that includes sales experience so that children can think for themselves, challenge themselves, and realize the results. Details regarding sales methods and locations will be announced separately.

## Event Overview

- Event: Entrepreneurship Camp 2026
- Dates: August 5th (Wed) to August 7th (Fri), 2026, 10:00 - 15:00
- Target: Open to Alive students and the general public (Intermediate to advanced English proficiency recommended)
- Venue: Alive English School Higashi School (1F Izumi 21 Bldg, 1-21-12 Izumi, Higashi-ku, Nagoya, Aichi)
- Content: Fostering challenge (Day 1), Creating value (Day 2), Pitching and realization (Day 3)

Please refer to the official website for details and registration.