Aura Inc. Launches Pilot Program for Early Childhood Education Integrating Generative AI and Fashion STEAM; Opens 'Aura Creative Education Institute'

Aura Inc. (Shibuya, Tokyo) has opened the 'Aura Creative Education Institute,' a research and development hub for creative education. In partnership with Mirai Yōshisha, a non-profit organization, Aura will begin research and pilot testing of 'Degiana' education—a fusion of digital and analog learning—including Fashion STEAM programs.

### Background: From the 'Age of Making' to the 'Age of Thinking and Making'
With advancements in generative AI, anyone can now 'make' things. Conversely, the importance of thinking and design skills to produce intended outputs is higher than ever. Furthermore, in early childhood, analog experiences involving physicality and materials are considered essential for building a creative foundation. Based on this, Aura Inc. has launched research and pilot programs to establish a creative education model focused on the 'ability to think and make.'

### Pilot Project Overview
- Period: Starting April 2026
- Target: 25 children (ages 3 to 5)
- Location: Mirai Yōshisha
- Frequency: 4 times per month
Note: The education space spans three floors above ground and one basement floor, providing an integrated learning environment.

### Core Activities
- Development of creative education programs incorporating fashion.
- Cultivation of thinking and ideation skills using generative AI.
- Creative activities merging digital and analog expressions.
- Construction of a creative education model for early childhood.
*Detailed educational designs are currently confidential during the R&D phase.

### Program Features (Value Proposition)
This initiative emphasizes a process of 'Think → Create → Communicate.' It aims to foster creativity, thinking, and expression holistically through a curriculum optimized for early childhood, designed to minimize teacher burden. Children are expected to improve their initiative and problem-solving skills through trial and error.

### Growth Potential (Investment Perspective)
- Unique positioning in the 'Fashion x STEAM' domain, combining physicality and creativity.
- Growing market for 'Generative AI x Early Childhood Education.'
- High implementation capability with existing pilot fields.
- Scalability through the expansion of the curriculum to other institutions.
The business is expected to grow both in content development and implementation.

### Comment from Urara Isoda, Representative Director of Aura Inc.
'Generative AI has made expression accessible to everyone. However, to achieve intended expressions, a foundation of thinking and design is indispensable. At Aura, we value facing the essence of creativity—how to think and how to express—rather than leaving answers to AI. By experiencing the process of thinking and wandering as "play," we aim to bring out children's free ideas and sensibilities, contributing to the cultivation of next-generation creative talent.'

### Future Outlook
Aura aims to systematize the education program through this pilot for future expansion to other educational institutions. The company will also establish educational methods including prompt design to promote talent development that combines creativity and technical skills. Furthermore, insights gained will be shared with society to help establish a new standard for creative education. This digital-analog approach also holds potential for children with diverse developmental characteristics, expanding their possibilities for expression and learning.