Education Japan × FREX Ritsumeikan University

How can Earth & Space Science
improve life on Earth over the next 20 years?

Pick a challenge track, describe the real problem you want to solve, and submit your research idea — one focused step at a time.

Lunar Surface Exploration & Dev Spacecraft & Rovers Data Science Small Satellite Mission Concept Earth Observation Comm & Navigation
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Ritsumeikan University FREX - Frontiers of Earth & Space Exploration

An initiative by Education Japan, organized in exclusive partnership with the Frontiers of Earth & Space Exploration (FREX) graduate program at Ritsumeikan University. Combining science, engineering, and management to pioneer Moon, Mars, and Cislunar exploration.

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Cross-disciplinary Graduate School

Combining science, engineering, and management in a single program to train the next generation of space leaders.

Science Engineering Management
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Moon · Mars · Cislunar · Earth

A broad scope of focal fields spanning our solar neighborhood, pushing the boundaries of human exploration and sustainability.

Lunar Tech Earth Observation Deep Space

FREX Future Innovators Challenge

Submit your research idea to win a spot at Sakura Quest and kickstart your academic pathway in Japan.

Deep Space
AI Resilience
Lunar Habitats
Earth Observation
Sustainability

Shaping the Next Frontier

The FREX Future Innovators Challenge is a premier global competition designed to discover and accelerate brilliant minds in Earth and Space sciences. Selected visionaries will gain unparalleled access to top-tier mentorship, networking opportunities, and pathways to Ritsumeikan University's cutting-edge graduate programs.

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Global Platform

Compete and collaborate on a global stage alongside like-minded innovators.

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Push Boundaries

Explore your capacity and mindset to innovate solutions for humanity's greatest challenges.

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Top-Tier Mentorship

Gain unparalleled access to expert guidance from Ritsumeikan University's leading researchers.

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Sakura Quest

Win an exclusive invitation to present your research live in Japan and kickstart your academic pathway.

Choose your challenge track

Four futuristic research areas — same four orbiting in the scene above. Pick one to carry into your submission.

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Track 01

Lunar Surface Exploration & Dev

Pioneer the technologies and infrastructure needed for sustained human presence on the Moon.

Lunar habitatsResource utilizationSurface mobility
By focusing on lunar exploration, you pave the way for humanity's long-term expansion into the solar system.
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Track 02

Spacecraft & Rovers

Design the next generation of autonomous vehicles and spacecraft for deep space missions.

Autonomous navigationRoboticsPropulsion systems
Innovative rover and spacecraft designs are critical for exploring uncharted territories in extreme environments.
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Track 03

Data Science

Harness the power of big data and AI to extract meaningful insights from space-borne sensors.

Machine learningPredictive modelingBig data analytics
Advanced data science unlocks the true value of space missions, transforming raw telemetry into actionable intelligence.
🛰️
Track 04

Small Satellite Mission Concept

Develop innovative mission architectures and use cases for CubeSats and small satellite constellations.

Constellation designMiniaturizationPayload development
Small satellites are revolutionizing space access, offering agile and cost-effective platforms for groundbreaking missions.
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Track 05

Earth Observation

Utilize satellite imagery and remote sensing to monitor climate change, resources, and disasters.

Climate monitoringDisaster responseResource management
Earth observation from space provides a vital, comprehensive perspective for safeguarding our planet's future.
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Track 06

Comm & Navigation

Advance the communication networks and navigation systems critical for Earth and space operations.

Deep space networkSatellite internetGPS alternatives
Robust communication and precise navigation are the invisible backbones of every successful space endeavor.
Awards & Recognition
Genius
🚀
Visionary
💡
Leading
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Grand Prize

1 WINNER
  • Present your research idea live at Sakura Quest (10 minutes) in front of the Ritsumeikan University team and invited guests.
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Excellence Award

Top 5
  • Meet the Ritsumeikan University delegation during Sakura Quest.
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Finalists

Top 20
  • Invitation to Sakura Quest as FREX Future Innovators Finalists.

Submit your research idea

One step at a time.

Registration

Submit your research interest

Register now to secure your spot. You will receive an email with a link to submit your full proposal by Aug 12, 2026.

🌕 Lunar Surface Exploration & Dev +
🛸 Spacecraft & Rovers +
📊 Data Science +
🛰️ Small Satellite Mission Concept +
🌍 Earth Observation +
📡 Comm & Navigation +

Got questions?

Our team is here to help you. Reach out to us anytime at
contact@educationjapan.co.in or call us at +91 817 818 7939.