Second "SPACE IDEA CONTEST" to Connect Students with the Space Industry to be Held

Alumnote Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Toge Nakazawa), whose purpose is "to provide all next-generation individuals with the power to break through the unknown," will be in charge of planning and operational support for the second "SPACE IDEA CONTEST," organized by Manned Space Systems Corporation (hereinafter referred to as JAMSS), following its involvement in the first contest. The contest will be held on October 3-4, 2026, at X-NIHONBASHI TOWER (Chuo-ku, Tokyo), and applications will be accepted from university and graduate students nationwide.

In the previous contest, applications were received from 128 universities nationwide, with participant satisfaction exceeding 96%. This contest aims to provide students interested in the space field, as well as those who have had little previous contact with it, an opportunity to engage with space and discover new career possibilities.

What is the SPACE IDEA CONTEST?

The SPACE IDEA CONTEST is an idea contest for designing the future of people and space. No specialized knowledge of space is required. Students from all fields, including engineering, economics, law, medicine, design, and arts, can participate.

Participants will work in teams to discuss and conceive of future society and life on the Moon, and present their ideas. A key feature of this contest is that students with different specializations collaborate, gaining new perspectives and learning.

Participation is free, and travel and accommodation expenses for students participating from afar will be covered by the organizer.

Reason for Alumnote's Support of This Contest

Alumnote, with its purpose of "providing all next-generation individuals with the power to break through the unknown," is engaged in various initiatives connecting universities, students, and companies.

Students do not often have opportunities to connect their specialized knowledge with societal or industrial challenges. On the other hand, companies are seeking touchpoints with students who possess diverse perspectives and potential.

The SPACE IDEA CONTEST serves as a practical learning ground, using space as a grand theme to foster collaboration among students across academic disciplines to envision future society. Through planning and operational support, Alumnote encourages students' challenges and the creation of new connections with companies.

First Contest Operational Results: Applications from 128 Universities Nationwide, Satisfaction Rate Exceeding 96%

The first contest (held in December 2024), for which Alumnote provided operational support, received applications from 128 universities nationwide. Fifty-four participants who passed the document screening divided into 10 teams to work on idea generation.

In participant surveys, over 96% responded that they were "very satisfied" or "satisfied."

Participants commented:

- "Through the encounters and experiences in this contest, I strongly felt that I want to work in the space industry in the future." - "It was a stimulating two days that I can say was a life-changing experience." - "It was a great time filled with new perspectives and discoveries, being able to talk with many people I wouldn't normally interact with."

Second Contest Theme

"Living on the Moon in 2040. Design the systems that support life."

Set in 2040, when the first settlers arrive on the lunar surface, participants will act as members of JAMSS's project team to identify challenges for sustained human life on the Moon and tackle the creation of systems to solve those challenges.

At this time, the Moon will not be a fully established world. Life will have just begun to be sustainable with limited energy and resources. To enable more people to live on the Moon, sustainable living infrastructure such as energy, water, food, resources, living environments, and healthcare needs to be established. Simultaneously, elements that enrich people's lives, such as entertainment, sports, culture, education, and community, are also essential.

The Moon has various constraints different from Earth, including a gravitational environment that is one-sixth of Earth's. Learning in any field, such as law, engineering, information, design, economics, medicine, psychology, agriculture, architecture, environment, education, arts, and sports, can be applied to "systems for continued living on the Moon."

Second Contest Overview

Name

Second SPACE IDEA CONTEST | Let's Design the Future of People and Space

Theme

Living on the Moon in 2040. Design the systems that support life.

Date and Time

October 3 (Sat) - 4 (Sun), 2026

Venue

X-NIHONBASHI TOWER Conference Space

(Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)

Eligibility

University and graduate students nationwide (regardless of major)

Application Format

Individual application

Participation Fee

Free

Travel and Accommodation Expenses

Covered by organizer (with some conditions)

Application Period

June 30, 2026 (Tue) - August 31, 2026 (Mon)

Number of Participants

Approximately 50 people

Special Judges

To be announced

Prize Money

Grand Prize: 300,000 yen (per group)

Subsidiary Prize

Special Experience Program (planned)

Other Prizes

Special Judge Award: 100,000 yen, Special Award: 50,000 yen

Organizer

Manned Space Systems Corporation (JAMSS)

Operational Support

Alumnote Inc.

About Alumnote Inc.

Alumnote Inc. is a startup originating from the University of Tokyo with the mission to "channel capital into the next generation of education," aiming to update university fundraising methods to solve the financial difficulties of universities and educational institutions.

To utilize the operating profits of university endowments, backed by donations, as new financial resources for universities, the company supports the revitalization of university communities and the fundraising operations of universities, providing digital tools and execution support for acquiring donations. They also plan and operate Giving Campaigns to support universities and students nationwide.

About Manned Space Systems Corporation (JAMSS)

Manned Space Systems Corporation (JAMSS) is a leading company in Japan's manned space development, with the mission to "design the future of people and space." At the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" on the International Space Station, JAMSS has supported astronauts' activities from the ground in areas of "operation," "utilization," "training," and "safety," including system monitoring and control, support for space experiments, astronaut training, and safety evaluation of onboard equipment.

In recent years, space has opened up broadly to private companies as a new economic sphere, and the utilization of space is diversifying. JAMSS is at the forefront of these changes, working to create opportunities for the expansion of space utilization. Moving forward, they will continue to contribute to the creation of new value in a wide range of fields by leveraging the technological capabilities and knowledge cultivated in manned space development.

Inquiries Regarding This Matter

SPACE IDEA CONTEST Secretariat (within Alumnote Inc.)

E-mail: pr@alumnote.com

Inquiries to the Organizer (Manned Space Systems Corporation): https://www.jamss.co.jp/contact/

SPACE IDEA CONTEST Official Website: https://www.jamss.co.jp/space-idea-contest/