Symphony Contest-3rd｜一般社団法人steAm BAND

We place great importance on speaking with experts in a variety of genres.

In a traditional competitive contest, entries are often judged and a grand prize is chosen, but this contest is open to those who "don’t know what to submit" or "don’t know how to do research, but would like to talk to someone about their interests and questions they have. We, steAm BAND, are holding the "STEAM Symphony Contest" in the hope that the curiosity and creativity that swell through encounters with experts in the fields of interest will provide invaluable nourishment for individuals and at the same time create great movement in society. We look forward to your participation!

The 3rd STEAM Symphony Contest will be held as the selection event to decide Japan’s representative for the 2026 International Creativity & Innovation Award (ICIA). ICIA is an international educational platform established in alignment with the United Nations’ World Creativity and Innovation Day. It aims to foster creativity and innovation among young people through hybrid competitions (combining online and in-person participation) and collaborative activities. Winners of this contest will be recommended as Japan’s representatives to the ICIA 2026 global round held in Cambodia.

Join us for this exciting opportunity!

*Please note that the selection of representatives applies only to participants from Japan.

Contest Process

About Mentoring

This is a place where you can talk to experts in a variety of fields.
※You are welcome to bring your family members, friends, teachers, etc. to the mentoring session.
※Reservations can be made after the first screening is completed.
※Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
※Online mentoring is available.

Contest Outline

Categories	Art and Philosophy: Artists and Philosophers Including Liberal Arts Basic Research: Researchers (Scientists and Mathematicians) Problem Solving: Inventors, Entrepreneurs and Engineers Applicants are encouraged to: - come up with new and original ideas. - describe the science, mathematics, and technology behind the idea. - show prototypes of some kind. - share your ideas toward an inclusive and diverse society. Please select one category for entry.
Registration Fee	free
Eligibility	Pre-school, elementary school, junior high school and high school students, and seniors (60 years old and older) * Any individual or group is welcome to apply. * If you are a group please apply with the affiliation of the primary applicant.
How to apply for the first selection （Entry）	Please register as a friend on the LINE below and then enter. https://liff.line.me/1661292049-alvYv88b/landing?follow=%40245ocvzo&lp=XHljxq&liff_id=1661292049-alvYv88b *If you are unable to register via LINE, you can apply by other means. 　Please feel free to contact us by email.(steamband@steam21.com) [To applicants under 12 years old and their guardians] As part of our efforts to ensure that young people can use LINE safely and securely, we have raised the recommended age for use to 12 years and older. Therefore, for applicants under 12 years old, please ensure to register using the guardian’s LINE account.
First selection	Make a video up to 3 minutes in length and submit by the end of December 15. Please register as a friend on LINE, enter, and submit your entry via LINE. If you are unable to register via LINE, please contact steamband@steam21.com. Applicants are recommended to include the following (in any order): - Introduction of yourself and your theme - Motivation, passion and purpose of your work. - Background and previous research Clearly cite your research. Plagiarism is not acceptable. - Concept, process, results, analysis, summary, reflection and your impression about your work. - Any prototypes or works of art (if applicable) Slides may be used. There is no fixed format. Above all, explore your own ideas! For more information, click here.*
prize	・Grand Prize ・Jury Awards The winners will be announced on the special website. Only the winners will be notified by e-mail.
Final Judging Session	Date: TBC Location: Otemon Gakuin University Format: Hybrid format (real and online)
Judges	Juichi Yamagiwa　 Research Institute for Humanity and Nature Kan Suzuki　　　　University of Tokyo Professor, General Corporation steAm BAND Executive Chariman Sachiko Nakajima steAm Inc. CEO, Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan Thematic Project Producer, General Corporation steAm BAND Representative Director Tetsuo Kobori　　 Tetsuo Kobori Architects Inc. Representative, Hosei University Professor
Organized by	General Incorporated Association steAm BAND
Sponsored by	ReNet Japan Group and Inc.Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd., and The Osaka YMCA
In cooperation with	steAm, Inc. and Otemon Gakuin University

Introducing Mentors

※Mentors will be updated as needed.

Color coding

ScienceTechnologyEngineeringArtsMathematics

The University of Tokyo

Kan Suzuki

Social InnovationWellbeingPublic PhilosophyEducation and Sports Policy