UTokyo IPC Presents “Special Innovative Prize” at the Teenage Business Contest Japan – Empowering high school students to tackle local challenges across Japan –

UTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Kosuke Ueda; hereinafter “UTokyo IPC”) is pleased to announce that at the final round of the Teenage Business Contest Japan (TBCJ) held on August 7, 2025, at EGG Japan, we presented the UTokyo IPC Special Innovative Prize to Project NUNU – Single Mothers & Poverty in Okinawa, an initiative addressing challenges faced by single mothers in Okinawa.

 

Project NUNU – Winner of the UTokyo IPC Special Innovation Award (First Prize)

 

At the Teenage Business Contest Japan 2025, Project NUNU received the UTokyo IPC Special Innovation Award (First Prize) for its innovative approach to addressing the SDG challenges of single mother and child poverty in Okinawa—a region with some of the highest poverty rates in Japan. Developed by high school students, the project proposes a sustainable “mother community platform” that goes beyond short-term aid by offering employment opportunities, skills training, and peer-to-peer support. By integrating social entrepreneurship and digital tools, Project NUNU aims to empower single mothers toward financial independence while strengthening local communities, contributing to Okinawa’s long-term economic and social revitalization. TBCJ and UTokyo IPC will continue to support the winning team in executing Project NUNU to help realize its vision and create lasting impact.

“TBCJ is about more than just great ideas—it’s about finding ways to turn those ideas into reality,” said Millie Gan, founder and organizer of Teenage Business Contest Japan. “Project NUNU stood out because it combines compassion, entrepreneurship, and a clear action plan to make a real difference for single mothers and children in Okinawa.”

 

Comment from Hideki Nagasaka, Partner & Director (1stRound), UTokyo IPC

 

The Teenage Business Contest Japan, the first nationwide business contest led by high school students, was a groundbreaking initiative in which students proposed solutions in English to pressing social challenges facing Japan, including an aging population and regional depopulation. We were truly delighted to support this endeavor, which was conceived, organized, and brought to fruition by its founder, Millie Gun, together with the participating high school students.

What left a particularly strong impression was the passion and concreteness of every project. Some teams conducted careful interviews and even created prototypes. Most of all, we were deeply moved by how each student identified issues they truly cared about and acted with independence and responsibility.

This year’s UTokyo IPC Special Innovative Prize was awarded to Project NUNU, which addresses poverty, teenage pregnancy, and support for single mothers in Okinawa. Project NUNU not only envisioned delivering essential goods through “NUNU Packages,” but also building collaborations with local businesses, raising awareness through radio and social media, and pursuing partnerships with international youth organizations. Its approach, extending beyond material aid to foster local economic circulation and empower young people themselves, was highly impressive and provided many valuable insights.

Seeing high school students tackle social issues using English, global perspectives, and free and creative thinking gave us a deep sense of hope for the future. We are proud to have supported this challenge and remain committed to encouraging the next generation as they take bold steps to shape society with their own hands.

 

 

 

About Teenage Business Contest Japan (TBCJ)

 

TBCJ is a high school student–led program that aims to revitalize Japan’s regional economies by fostering creative, community-driven solutions. Selected students (individually or in teams) from across the country present their business plans in English before a panel of judges from academia, government, and industry.

The contest was founded by Ms. Millie Gan, a high school student based in the United States, drawing on her experience participating in Stanford University’s entrepreneurship support program.

In the final round, ten teams delivered presentations, and multiple awards—including the UTokyo IPC Special Innovative Prize—were presented.

UTokyo IPC sponsored and supported this event in recognition of its mission to provide innovation opportunities for high school students and to encourage a global perspective in addressing societal challenges.

 

 

 

Contact
UTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd.
Entrepreneur Lab 261, South Research Building,
The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
TEL: +81-3-3830-0200 / FAX: +81-3-3830-0183
Email: info2@utokyo-ipc.co.jp
Contact person: Hideki Nagasaka