Press Release [Press Release] Announcement of the “Innovative Learning Awards 2026” and the Start of Nominations The General Incorporated Association Learning of Tomorrow (Chairperson: Nanako Ishido; hereinafter referred to as the Learning of Tomorrow) has opened submissions for the “Innovative Learning Awards 2026.”
About the “Innovative Learning Awards”
Rapid technological innovation in the 21st century is significantly transforming the nature of education. The traditional framework of school education is
In an era where learning is moving beyond traditional school settings—with learners taking the lead and learning increasingly taking place in communities outside of school and in digital spaces—there is a growing need to design learning environments that place all learners at the center. This award emphasizes the realization of designs that empower all learners to take the lead and recognizes the importance of building “Learning of Tomorrow” spaces that transcend the boundaries of traditional schools. Its objectives are to realize a society where people of all ages continue learning throughout their lives and to create new learning environments that will lead the future of education.
“Innovative Learning Awards” Official Website
https://innovative-learning.org
■Overview
[Application Category]
1. Division of Advanced Education
: A division that evaluates initiatives aimed at leveraging cutting-edge technologies to achieve personalized learning and innovation in digital education.
2. Department of Educational Innovation: A department that evaluates new approaches and initiatives that transcend traditional boundaries and fundamentally transform the structure of learning.
3. Learning Space Design Category: A category that recognizes designs
and environments that revolutionize both physical and digital learning spaces.
[Evaluation Criteria]
We will conduct a comprehensive selection process based on the following criteria.
(1) Innovation: Incorporating new ideas and technologies that have never been seen before,
Does it have the potential to significantly change the nature of education?
(2) Effectiveness: Is there a theory that is realistically implementable and produces results?
(3) Social Impact: Does it have a broad impact on society and bring about sustainable change?
[How to Apply]
・Please submit your application by filling out the required information on the application form on the award website by Monday, August 31, 2026.
・Please upload supplementary materials such as presentation slides, photos, and videos to cloud storage and enter the shared URL in the form. Set the sharing settings to “Anyone with the link can view.” Please set the URL’s expiration date to no later than the end of the review period.
* Please agree to the Innovative Learning Awards Entry Rules before submitting your entry.
■Implementation Structure
—Organizer—
Learning of Tomorrow Association, a General Incorporated Association
—Co-sponsored by—
Digital Policy Foundation
—Special Thanks—
Japan Internet Safety Promotion Association
Japan Information Technology Services Industry Association
The Software Association of Japan
Japan Association of New Economy
Deloitte Tohmatsu LLC
—Sponsored by—
New Economy Federation, General Incorporated Association
KEIDANREN (Japan Business Federation)
Professor, Keio University; Ph.D. (Policy and Media)
Director, B Lab
Chairperson, Learning of Tomorrow (General Incorporated Association)
Chairperson, CANVAS
After graduating from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Tokyo, he served as a visiting researcher at the MIT Media Lab before founding the NPO CANVAS and the Learning of Tomorrow Association, a General Incorporated Association, and assuming the role of representative. He serves as an outside director for Matsuya Co., Ltd., Fuji Media Holdings, Inc., and Digital Garage, Inc.
He has served on various government committees, including the Information and Communications Council of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, as well as the NHK Central Broadcasting Program Council. He also serves as a director of the Digital Signage Consortium, among other roles. He holds a Ph.D. in Policy and Media.
His publications include *Turning On Children’s Creativity!*, *What Are Smart Kids Doing on Their Smartphones?*, *The Forefront of Online Education in Japan: Considering Learning in the Post-COVID Era*,“What Is Programming Education? 45 Questions Parents Want to Know,” and “Declaration on Digital Education.” He has also provided supervision for numerous works, including “Ah, I See! Programming Education for Parents and Children Through Manga.”
