Fostering Innovators Through Idea and Implementation: High School Tech Contest 'Tech Koshien' Opens Applications Today

Life is Tech Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Yuusuke Mizuno) and Marui Group Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nakano-ku, Tokyo; President: Hiroshi Aoi) will jointly host the national technology contest for middle and high school students, 'Tech Koshien' (formerly 'App Koshien'), on December 6 (Sunday), 2026. Applications for the Product (apps/web services/games) category are now open as of today.

Additionally, 'App Koshien,' which has been held for 15 years since 2011, will be renamed 'Tech Koshien' starting with this year's event. In response to the evolving technological landscape, the contest has been refreshed: the Product category (formerly Development category) will now evaluate only publicly deployed projects, and school-based team entries are now permitted in the Idea category. This initiative aims to support more students in turning their ideas into real-world impact.

URL: https://techkoshien.jp

About 'Tech Koshien'

'App Koshien,' held continuously since 2011, is now rebranded as 'Tech Koshien.' While the competition previously focused on app development by high school students, recent years have seen a broad expansion in technological expression, including games and web services. Moreover, with the advancement of generative AI, the barrier to 'making' has lowered, increasing the importance of questions like 'what to create' and 'why to create it.' In response, the competition has evolved into a platform that evaluates both idea and implementation, regardless of the tools used. It continues to support students in thinking, creating, and delivering solutions to society.

The following three updates have been made to this year's contest:

Participants will compete in either the Development or Idea category. This year, both categories have been revised to emphasize not the method of creation, but the real-world value and impact of the project, as development approaches have diversified with technological progress.

① Merging the Development Category into the 'Product (Apps/Web Services/Games) Category'

Previously, the Development category was split into 'General Development' and 'AI Development.' Starting this year, these are unified into a single 'Product (Apps/Web Services/Games) Category.'

② Refreshing the Product Category Judging Criteria from 5 to 3 Key Points

The judging process now emphasizes real-world implementation, evaluating only publicly released (deployed) projects. Entries will be assessed on three criteria: 'Vision,' 'User Experience,' and 'Delivery' (Delivery is evaluated only at the final event).

For details, please visit the official website: https://techkoshien.jp

③ Introducing Stage Presentations at the Final Event for the Idea Category / Allowing School-Based Applications

Previously, only award winners presented at the award ceremony in the Idea category. This year, finalists will present on stage during the final event, transforming it into a platform for directly communicating ideas. Additionally, entries are now accepted not only from individuals and teams but also from school-based units. This change supports more students in shaping and sharing their ideas with society.

Application Overview

Product (Apps/Web Services/Games) Category

This category evaluates applications developed and released by participants. Unlike the Idea category, entrants must submit a working product, which will be assessed holistically for its completeness, user experience quality, and technical proficiency.

【Eligibility】

- Born on or after April 2, 2008

- Residing in Japan (nationality and residence location are not restricted)

- Individuals or teams (up to 4 members)

- Must be able to attend in person at the venue for both days, including the rehearsal on December 5, if advancing to the final event (December 6, 2026)

【Eligible Applications】

- iOS / iPadOS apps (published on the App Store)

- Android OS apps (published on Google Play)

- Web applications (operable via PC or smartphone browsers)

- Game applications (games operable on iOS, Android, or web browsers)

【Schedule】

Entry Opens: June 16, 2026

Deadline for First Submission of Project Data: August 30, 2026

Deadline for Submitting Release URLs after Store Approval: September 4, 2026

First Round Results Announcement: September 14, 2026

Second Round Evaluation and Results Announcement: October 11, 2026

Final Event: December 6, 2026

【Judging Criteria】

Evaluation will be based on the following three axes:

- Vision (Why was it created? What makes it unique?)

- User Experience (Is the core experience effectively realized?)

- Delivery (Has it been improved based on external feedback and successfully delivered?) ※ Evaluated only at the final event

Idea Category

Participants will compete by submitting technology-driven proposals addressing challenges provided by sponsors. This category evaluates the 'planning ability' and 'expressiveness' of ideas presented in a proposal document.

【Target for Selection】

Proposal documents that use technology to solve challenges proposed by sponsors

※ Challenges will be announced on the official website at a later date

【Schedule】

Application Deadline: September 28, 2026

Finalists Announcement: October 30, 2026

Final Event: December 6, 2026

【Judging Criteria】

Contribution, Novelty

＜School Applications＞

Teachers can serve as representatives, allowing participation from various school units such as classes, clubs, grades, or volunteer groups. Eligible institutions are middle and high schools certified by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Each school may submit one entry containing multiple team projects. Details on application methods and participation conditions will be announced later.

URL: https://techkoshien.jp

【About Life is Tech Co., Ltd.】

Life is Tech, an EdTech company founded in 2010 with the mission of 'maximizing the potential of every middle and high school student,' focuses on nurturing next-generation digital talent. Its flagship cloud-based curriculum for schools, 'Life is Tech Lesson,' is used by approximately 1.35 million students across 4,400 public and private schools in over 600 municipalities nationwide (*1). The company also operates 'Life is Tech !,' Japan's largest programming and AI camp and school, with over 62,000 participants to date, and supports corporate digital talent training for full-scale DX transformation. To date, it has delivered digital innovation education to over 2 million people (*2). In 2022, the company received B Corp certification, an international recognition for businesses demonstrating high social and environmental responsibility. Life is Tech will continue to drive educational innovation for future generations in collaboration with stakeholders, addressing both youth potential and societal challenges.

(*1) As of August 2024

(*2) As of December 2024

Service Website: https://life-is-tech.com