Imagine this: You're a broke college student scrolling through your phone when you stumble upon a contest where first place wins ¥10,000,000 (that's about $67,000 USD) for literally just having a good idea about AI.
Sound too good to be true? Well, it's not. SoftBank Group – yes, the same tech giant worth billions – just announced the most generous AI idea contest we've ever seen, and students across Japan are scrambling to get their applications in.
🎯 Contest Quick Facts
Why Is SoftBank Giving Away This Much Money?
According to Masayoshi Son, SoftBank Group's Representative, we're on the brink of an AI revolution. He believes that "AI agents autonomously performing tasks" will "fundamentally transform operational efficiency and decision-making" on an unprecedented scale.
Translation? SoftBank knows that the next big AI breakthrough could come from anywhere – including a dorm room. They're essentially paying ¥10 million to get first dibs on the next game-changing idea.
💡 Pro Tip: This isn't just about the money. Winners get their ideas potentially turned into real products by one of the world's biggest tech companies.
Who Can Apply? (Spoiler: Probably You)
The requirements are surprisingly simple:
- ✓ Be 18-29 years old (as of April 1, 2025)
- ✓ Be a student at a Japanese university, graduate school, or technical college
- ✓ Live in Japan or have Japanese residence
- ✓ Not be a full-time employee (part-time work is OK)
You can apply individually or as a group of up to 5 people. And here's the kicker – there's no limit on how many ideas you can submit.
🚀 What Kind of Ideas Are They Looking For?
💡 Social Problem Solvers
Ideas that use AI to tackle real-world issues in society or daily life
🏢 Business Innovators
AI solutions that boost productivity and innovation in companies or organizations
The Selection Process: Your Path to ¥10 Million
Primary Screening (Document Review)
Submit your idea through their online form. Top 100 entries advance.
Results: Late October 2025
Secondary Screening (Online Presentation)
Present your idea online to judges. Top 10 entries advance.
When: Mid-November 2025
Final Screening (In-Person Presentation)
Present directly to SoftBank Group management. Winner takes all.
When: December 2025
The Catch: What You Need to Know
Before you start dreaming about that ¥10 million, there are some important details:
⚠️ Intellectual Property Rights
By applying, you transfer all intellectual property rights of your idea to SoftBank Group. However, if they patent your idea and make money from it, you get one-third of the profits after expenses.
📝 Original Ideas Only
Your submission must be original and unpublished. No copying from research papers or reusing old contest entries.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- 1 Read the full application rules on SoftBank's website
- 2 Develop your AI idea (focus on solving real problems)
- 3 Submit through their online application form
- 4 Wait for results (all applicants get a participation certificate)
⏰ Time is Running Out!
Applications close October 16, 2025 at 6:00 PM
That's your chance to win life-changing money with just one brilliant idea.
Final Thoughts: Is This Worth Your Time?
Let's be real – the odds of winning first place are slim. But consider this: even 100th place gets prize money, and ALL applicants get recognition. Plus, you're getting your idea in front of one of the world's biggest tech companies.
For students with genuine AI ideas, this could be the opportunity of a lifetime. The worst that can happen? You spend a few hours writing up your idea and get a participation certificate. The best? You walk away ¥10 million richer.
💰 Bottom Line
If you're a student in Japan with even a half-decent AI idea, you'd be crazy not to apply. The entry is free, the potential reward is massive, and you literally have nothing to lose.