[Call for Ideas] “DREAM JAPAN PROJECT 2026”: Creating the Future Together with Students and Companies

The “DREAM JAPAN PROJECT 2026,” organized by Dentsu Inc. (Social Design Engine) *, is calling for ideas from students nationwide to solve social issues that will lead to a happier future for themselves.Entries can be as short as 200 characters. The grand prize winner will receive 100,000 yen, and some outstanding entries will receive support to help bring their ideas to life. The submission period runs from Wednesday, July 1, until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 31.

This project was launched with the goal of building a promising future for Japan through collaboration between students and companies. For students, the aim is to provide experiences that will help them with comprehensive admissions (formerly known as AO admissions), job hunting, and entrepreneurship—without being constrained by academic background or financial status. For companies, the goal is to provide a platform to connect with energetic students and their ideas.

This year, the campaign centers on the tagline “What Only You Can See Right Now” to foster communication. The promotional video expresses the authentic emotions of students through the theme of “the gaze of those pursuing their dreams,” demonstrating a commitment to supporting every student.

*Dentsu SoDesign (Social Design Engine) = An internal virtual team at Dentsu Inc. that originated from the personal aspirations of employees who want to make society a better place. Since its inception, it has been pioneering new themes, insights, communication strategies, and systems in the field of social design.

Cast: Ayane Miki
Music: Fuki Kitamura, “I Think It’s Just My Imagination(?)”

Creative Team
ECD: Kinuko Honma　
CD + CW + PL + Dir: Chiki Himata
Copywriter + Production Manager: Yomogi Miura
AD + PL: Mayako Furukusa

[Overview]
Eligible Applicants: High school, vocational school, junior college, undergraduate, and graduate students nationwide in Japan
Application Period: July 1 (Wed) – August 31 (Mon), deadline at 5:00 PM
Winners’ Presentations, Awards Ceremony, and Reception: Wednesday, November 11 at Dentsu Inc. Hall
How to Apply: Apply via Google Form: https://forms.gle/Jkh8aMFZjvmrTiJ98

Common Theme: What is your idea for solving a social issue that will make your future happier?
・Collaboration with Companies for Business Development and Product Commercialization
Corporate Challenge Idea Track
We are seeking ideas for solving social issues that will make your future happier, linked to challenges posed by participating companies. (200–1,200 characters)
・Matching with VCs
Open Entrepreneurship Idea Track
We are openly soliciting ideas for solving social issues that will lead to a happier future for you. (200–1,200 characters)
・Realized with AI
AI Ideas Track
We are seeking ideas for solving social issues using AI that will make your future happier. (200–1,200 characters)

Judges:
Corporate Challenge Idea Track…Representatives from each participating company
Free Entrepreneurship Idea Course… Yuta Shimono, Chair of the Judging Committee (CEO of Muni, an AI startup spun out of the Matsuo Lab and Kyoto University); Shiho Takai (Quantum Leap Ventures); Fuyuki Tateyama (Zero One Booster Capital)
AI Idea Course… Susumu Namikawa (Growth Officer / Chief AI Master, Dentsu Japan)

Prizes:
Grand Prize: 100,000 yen; corporate awards; startup support; tour of Dentsu Inc. Headquarters; and more
*Some outstanding entries will receive support to bring their ideas to fruition

Organizer:
Dentsu Inc. (Social Design Engine)

Sponsors:
Corporate Challenge Idea Course… Sekisui House, TOYOTA CONIQ Pro, Mitsubishi Chemical, Murata Manufacturing / Milicense, Watanabe Pipe
Free Entrepreneurship Idea Track… Muni, Quantum Leap Ventures, Zero One Booster Capital
*Information on participating companies and challenges is current as of July 1

■DREAM JAPAN PROJECT 2026
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/dream_djp
note:https://note.com/dreamjjapan615

Contact: DREAM JAPAN PROJECT Secretariat dreamjapan@dentsu.co.jp