Lectures and Events
FY 2026 Idea Challenge (IC) 1st Results Briefing
On Thursday, August 6, 2026, we held the “Idea Challenge (IC) 1st Results Briefing” at ToP on the 7th floor of Center Building No. 5 on the Ito Campus.
The Idea Challenge is a program in which students develop ideas that contribute to solving social issues based on their own awareness of these issues and their interests, and then work to test hypotheses aimed at bringing those ideas to fruition. A total of 39 entries were submitted for the first round, and following a review process, 35 ideas were selected.
At the results briefing, each team shared the background of their ideas and the results of their approximately two-month-long verification process in a format consisting of a 2-minute presentation followed by a 2-minute Q&A session. The teams delivered creative presentations within the limited time allotted, and a lively exchange of opinions took place, with faculty members posing numerous questions and offering comments.
Following the presentations, faculty members conducted evaluations and participants cast votes, including for an award newly established this academic year. The faculty evaluated the entries based on three criteria: “① Personal Passion,” “② Social Impact,” and “③ Methodology for Hypothesis Testing,” with each faculty member selecting two teams to receive the Encouragement Award. In addition, the Audience Award was determined by a vote from the participants to honor the students’ efforts.
Encouragement Award
The following eight projects were selected for this year’s Encouragement Award.
- What you need to know about money before you start working（Selected by three teachers）
- Developing and Evaluating YAYA: An AI-Enhanced Board Game for Chinese Pronunciation Learning among Beginners
- StatusMaxx
- Hexycle
- LabSync: A Smart Lab Operations & Research Tracking Platform for University Laboratories
- Connecting stdents with futures project
- Non-Invasive Platelet Counter for Point-of-Care Healthcare: Validating Market Need in Developing Countries
- startap
Audience Award
Based on the results of the audience vote, the Audience Award went to the following:
- What you need to know about money before you start working
- Developing and Evaluating YAYA: An AI-Enhanced Board Game for Chinese Pronunciation Learning among Beginners
- StatusMaxx
At QREC, we will continue to support each student’s endeavors and encourage the generation and implementation of ideas that lead to the creation of new value.
We are now accepting applications for the 2nd Idea Challenge (IC).
Whether you have an idea you’d like to bring to life, don’t have an idea yet but want to try something new, or want to further refine your work following the first round—if you have the desire to take on a challenge, you’re more than welcome to join us.
We look forward to your creative ideas and willingness to take on new challenges.
Application Deadline: By 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 26, 2026