Okayama University student KUBO Shunki (4th year, Faculty of Science) won the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award (Grand Prize) at the 17th Campus Venture Grand Prix National Tournament on January 29. The event, which is known as a venerable stepping stone for student entrepreneurs, was sponsored by Nikkan Kogyo Newspaper and the Japanese Cabinet Office, among others.

The Campus Venture Grand Prix is open to students enrolled in graduate schools, universities, technical colleges, junior colleges and vocational schools. This year, 800 teams from 8 regions across Japan participated, submitting creative business plans that went through a competitive selection process. Mr. Kubo’s business proposal "ABABA" features an online platform that aims to create a more efficient hiring process by recommending exemplary job applicants who fall out at the final round interview for a particular company to other companies that are currently recruiting. After winning the grand prize at the Chugoku Regional Tournament, Mr. Kubo was selected to participate in the National Tournament, which was held online due to the COVID-19.

A total of 12 business plans represented by either groups or individuals were presented and judges assessed the business plans according to criteria such as enthusiasm of the speakers, clarity of the presentation and potential growth of the business plan. After careful deliberation, Mr. Kubo’s ABABA was awarded the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award. The award ceremony was held on February 15 at Kazan Kaikan in Kasumigaseki, Tokyo. Mr. Kubo participated online and received a certificate of commendation as well as a supplementary prize for his business proposal.

This is not Mr. Kubo’s first entry into the National Tournament; he also had the opportunity to participate last year, though unfortunately he was unable to secure a prize that time. His experience gave him extra motivation to succeed this year. Commenting on his success, Mr. Kubo said, “I am grateful that I was able to compete again, as my business proposal was evaluated by numerous people who recognized the need for a service that supports new graduates seeking employment. I hope to continue to build support for my platform so that it can reach more students. I aim to contribute to a world wherein companies collaborate with each other during their recruitment processes.”