JAXA Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan (MEXT)
National Research and Development Agency
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

The Cabinet Office, MEXT, METI and JAXA are hosting the side events to the second International Space Exploration Forum (ISEF2) ^*1 held on March 3, 2018. Concerted efforts are taking place in preparation for the events, which are designed to inspire younger generations and the industrial arena from around the world.

Y-ISEF, organized by MEXT and JAXA on February 28 through March 3, provides a platform for open discussions and networking, addressing the future of space exploration. Opportunities will open up to participants, around 80 young professionals and students, age 18 to 35, to exchange ideas with influential visionaries and leaders from the global political, academic and business arenas.

*1	ISEF2 is an international conference hosted by the Japanese government and will bring together Ministers, high-level officials, and the heads of space agencies to share the importance of space exploration and global collaboration aiming to promote sustainable growth of developments.

The application proceeds as follows:

1. Eligible Applicants

Young professionals and students, age 18 to 35 (from companies, universities, research institutes, public agencies, or private business). In total, approximately 80 will be selected.
No expertise is required. Motivated individuals to start up business and enterprise are welcomed to apply.

*	Find full details of qualifications in 3, the section below.

2. Application Period

October 6 through November 10, 2017. Applications are due by 5 pm on the last day (Local Time in Japan).
Successful applicants will be contacted no sooner than mid-November.

3. Application Form and Details

Refer to;

4. Y-ISEF Overview

See the attachment.

Related press release: Second International Space Exploration Forum (ISEF2) Side Events

JAXA Press Release (August 10, 2017 (JST))

Contacts

ISEF2 side events: The JAXA Department of Public Relations, TEL: 050-3362-4374
Y-ISEF application:

Attachment

Y-ISEF Overview

1. Dates and Places ^*1

February 28, 2018	Tours of JAXA's facilities and pre-workshop at the JAXA Tsukuba Space Center (Subject to change)
March 1, 2018	Workshop (Ideathon) by participants in Tokyo
March 2, 2018	Side Event for Industry "I-ISEF" in Tokyo
March 3, 2018	Career mentoring ^*2 in Tokyo

*1	Participation in the events on February 28 and March 1 is mandatory, and in events on March 2 and 3 is optional.
*2	At the career mentoring, experts of the field and business leaders will serve as mentor and offer professional advice on employment in the field and provide expertise on space enterprise.

2. Process of the Workshop (Ideathon)

Starting in December 2017, the hosting organizations put participants in groups of eight to ten^*3. Online preparation proceeds. Professional support will be available from experts of space development.
On February 28 through March 1, following the talks by the speakers, experts in business and space, brainstorming in groups takes place based on the prepared theme.^*4
Teams are asked to give short presentation of the summary of brainstorming, and contest prizes by supporting organizations.
The team awarded with the first prize will be given an opportunity to present their idea at other ISEF2 functions including I-ISEF on March 2.

*3	Each group will consist of individuals from different countries. The workshop (Ideathon) proceeds in English.
*4	“Ideas for new enterprise and activities on the moon, asteroids, and Mars”. Notice that the theme is subject to change. It will be finalized and informed to the selected participants.