The University of Tokyo One Earth Guardians Training Program and Toyota Mobility Foundation Begin Recruitment for the 5th Cohort of "Good Life on Earth" Idea Realization Support Program, Connecting to the Future of the Earth

The University of Tokyo One Earth Guardians Training Program (Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo) and the Toyota Mobility Foundation (Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo) have begun recruiting for the 5th cohort of "Good Life on Earth," an idea realization support program for high school students, technical college students, and university 1st-2nd year students.

Continuing from last year, we are seeking individuals who have ideas that lead to a "Good Life" (life and living) on this Earth and contribute to the future of the planet, using "something" they are passionate about as a starting point.

Those who pass the selection process will proceed to research and development after refining their ideas through mentoring by University of Tokyo professors. In principle, the expenses for activities will be supported by this program.

In the 2026 academic year, we aim to recruit high school students, technical college students, and university students with strong aspirations, and to form and expand a community that continues to challenge itself to pursue its "passions" together.

At the "GLE Lab" within the Hongo Campus, where University of Tokyo professors provide mentoring and accompanying staff support activities, various experimental equipment can be used.

Participants pursue their respective "passions" such as fashion, food, sound, dogs, seaweed, insects, and enzymes.

They deepen their ideas while participating in workshops and other sessions held in parallel with their individual activities.

【Good Life on Earth 5th Cohort Application Guidelines】

■ Application Content

We are seeking individuals who have ideas that lead to a "Good Life" (life and living) on this Earth and contribute to the future of the planet, using "something" you are passionate about as a starting point. We expect applications from those with the ambition to act on their own, driven by their passion for "what they love."

■ Application Period

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 – Tuesday, June 9, 2026

■ Briefing Session

Date & Time: Sunday, May 24, 2026, 14:30–16:00

Venue: University of Tokyo Yayoi Campus, Food Science Building, Toichiro Nakajima Memorial Hall

Online streaming available

Registration Deadline: Thursday, May 21, 2026

■ Eligibility

High school students, technical college students, and university 1st-2nd year students nationwide, or those of equivalent age, who resonate with the concept of this program and have the will to challenge themselves.

■ Application Requirements

・Must be principally between 16 and 22 years old at the end of the application year.

・Must be able to communicate in Japanese.

・Must have an environment accessible for online interviews and lectures.

・Must have parental consent.

・Must be able to attend the kickoff camp in person from Saturday, September 19 to Monday, September 21 (holiday).

(Location: University of Tokyo Yayoi Campus / Hongo Campus, planned)

・Must be expected to be able to participate in research and development at a University of Tokyo laboratory.

* In principle, expenses for travel and accommodation for selected participants' activities will be provided based on certain criteria.

■ Selection Criteria

Comprehensive judgment will be made through document screening and online interviews, based on the following perspectives:

Creative | Edgy | Original | Proactive | Passionate

■ Submission Requirements at Application

Please answer the following items via the form:

・What is your "passion"? (Approx. 200 characters)

Here, "passion" includes what you are engrossed in and passionate about, or what you are bothered by and want to do something about.

・Based on that "passion," what ideas do you have that connect to the future of the Earth? (Approx. 500-1000 characters)

・What is the title of your idea? (Up to approx. 40 characters)

・What actions have you taken so far?

Please describe any actions you have actually taken to verify or implement your idea.

・What do you want to work on by participating in Good Life on Earth?

Please tell us what you think you can do and want to challenge yourself with, precisely because of the Good Life on Earth environment.

・Attached materials (optional submission)

Illustrations, photos, videos, etc.

For more details on application information, please refer here.

Apply | Good Life on Earth – For a planet where all life can coexist

Message from the Organizers

It is said that "innovation comes from free thinking," but our surroundings are filled with an atmosphere that hinders free thinking. On the other hand, a maxim from Uppsala University in Sweden, where I spent my time as a postdoctoral researcher, states, "Thinking freely is great, but thinking rightly is greater," acknowledging the value of free thinking while also emphasizing the importance of correct thinking.