Earth hacks Implements Student Ideas from "Z Generation Challenge! in Kitakyushu" into Society; Special Youth Participation Slot Newly Established for TOTO Water Environment Fund Grantee Exchange Event

Earth hacks Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Sumito Sekine; hereinafter referred to as "Earth hacks"), which develops decarbonization-related products, services, and businesses based on consumer voices through a co-creation platform, operates the "Z Generation Challenge! in Kitakyushu" program organized by Kitakyushu City. This program aims to bring ideas generated by students, based on themes presented by participating companies, into practical implementation through collaboration with company employees. Earth hacks has now supported the implementation of measures based on ideas proposed by students in this program. These measures are aimed at promoting applications from young people to the "TOTO Water Environment Fund" operated by TOTO LTD. This initiative was realized through the trial establishment of an exchange opportunity for grant recipients and youth groups at the "TOTO Water Environment Fund Grantee Exchange Event" held on February 18, 2026.

Background The TOTO Water Environment Fund aims to solve social issues in collaboration with organizations supporting local communities towards the realization of a sustainable society. While the fund supports organizations composed of a wide range of generations, it has identified a challenge in increasing the number of applications from youth-led organizations. Based on this recognition, the "Z Generation Challenge! in Kitakyushu" set the theme of the TOTO Water Environment Fund's lack of connection with young people, and proposals were made from the perspective of Generation Z to revitalize the system.

Implementation Details The measure proposed by the students was to establish a special participation slot at the annual "TOTO Water Environment Fund Grantee Exchange Event" to invite pre-selected youth organizations engaged in sustainable activities related to water. This implementation created an opportunity for exchange between youth organizations and TOTO Group employees involved with the organizations and the TOTO Water Environment Fund, by having youth organizations participate in the exchange event where grant recipients gather. The objective is to deepen the understanding of youth organizations regarding their contributions to solving local community issues, make the TOTO Water Environment Fund feel more accessible, and encourage future applications. While the event traditionally focused on organizations that have already received grants, this initiative expands the "entry point" to the system by creating touchpoints with pre-application youth organizations. The following effects are expected from this initiative: ・Promote understanding of the grant system ・Form networks between youth organizations and selected organizations ・Foster future motivation to apply

On the Day of the Event Participants from youth organizations and the "Z Generation Challenge" commented, "We were able to directly hear the diverse and innovative ideas from the selected organizations," and "New perspectives and connections were formed."

<figure c