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.

Climate & Disaster AI Satellite Observation Water Security Space Mobility
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Ritsumeikan University FREX - Frontiers of Earth & Space Exploration ESEC - Earth & Space Exploration Center

An initiative by Education Japan, organized in exclusive partnership with the Frontiers of Earth & Space Exploration (FREX) graduate program at Ritsumeikan University and the Earth & Space Exploration Center (ESEC). 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
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ESEC Collaboration

Close partnership with Ritsumeikan's Earth & Space Exploration Center, providing access to cutting-edge research facilities.

Research Labs Industry Partners

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.

Awards & Recognition
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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.

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

AI for Climate & Disaster Intelligence

Predict floods, fires and heatwaves before they hit.

Flood predictionLandslide predictionFire detectionHeatwave forecasting
Focusing on these issues empowers you to build AI solutions that can save lives and create resilient communities before disaster strikes.
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Track 02

Smart Earth Observations Using Satellites

Watch the planet in near real-time from orbit.

Illegal miningPlastic pollutionCoastal erosionUrban heat islands
Harnessing orbiting sensors provides a critical global vantage point to actively monitor and combat pressing environmental degradation.
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Track 03

Future of Water Security

Keep every basin, farm and tap ahead of drought.

Groundwater monitoringSmart irrigationDrought predictionWater quality
As water scarcity intensifies, space and lunar innovations will pioneer new methodologies for managing our most precious resource.
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Track 04

Future Mobility through Space Technology

Move people, data and goods through the next frontier.

NavigationSatellite internetDrone systemsAutonomous vehicles
Pioneering autonomous systems and sustainable habitats will pave the way for humanity's long-term presence and movement in space.

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.

🌪️ AI for Climate & Disaster Intelligence +
🛰️ Smart Earth Observations Using Satellites +
💧 Future of Water Security +
🚀 Future Mobility through Space Technology +