Lotte Launches Recruitment for 2026 Academic Year Outreach Classes: Unique Program Fostering "Creative Thinking Skills" Through Lotte's Product Development Methods for Elementary Schools

Lotte Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Hideki Nakajima; hereinafter "Lotte") has begun recruiting participating schools for the 2026 academic year for its outreach class program, "Lotte Innovation Challenge ~Future Snack Development Lab~," which aims to foster "creative thinking skills" essential for children who will lead future society.

This program, with Lotte employees serving as instructors, provides lessons that connect to the development of "creative thinking skills," where children consider solutions to problems and the realization of wishes, based on important concepts in snack product development.

Since its launch in the 2021 academic year, the program has received high praise from the educational field, with comments such as, "It allows children to learn about and experience real-world problem-solving using familiar 'snacks' as a theme," and "I was surprised to see children who are usually hesitant actively express their ideas." From the 2023 academic year, in addition to dedicated instructors, Lotte introduced a "concurrent instructor system," where employees continue their regular duties while also conducting outreach classes. This academic year, 36 instructors will visit elementary schools nationwide. Through this initiative, Lotte aims to contribute to nurturing the creative thinking skills essential for children who will lead the future, and to promote sustainability management that connects with society through food education activities.

2026 Academic Year Recruitment Guidelines

Lotte employees will directly visit schools to conduct "outreach classes."

[Eligible Prefectures] *The number of schools that can be implemented in each prefecture is limited. **Hokkaido, Miyagi, Tokyo, Saitama, Kanagawa, Chiba, Aichi, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Hiroshima, Fukuoka**

*Please note that implementation may be declined even in the above prefectures. We appreciate your understanding.

- Target: Classes of 5th and 6th graders in elementary schools nationwide - Application Method: Please apply via the application website (http://www.career-program.ne.jp/lotte/innovation.html). - Application Period: From April 2026 *Applications will close once the planned number is reached. - Content: World