Embedded Files
TESP 2026 Winter
TESP 2026 Winter
Tohoku University Engineering Short Program (TESP) Winter 2026 is an intensive international program that combines research experience in Tohoku University laboratories with entrepreneurship-oriented, project-based learning. Participants work in multicultural teams to explore real-world social challenges, develop value propositions, consider implementation pathways, and connect specialized knowledge gained through laboratory activities to possible solutions for society.
The program also includes field trips, Japanese cultural experiences, and opportunities to interact with Tohoku University students. Through these activities, TESP aims to foster engineers and deep-tech talent who can work across disciplines and cultures and translate research-based knowledge into social value.
TESP Winter 2026 is organized by the School of Engineering, Tohoku University, with cooperation from the International Research Institute of Disaster Science and the Semiconductor Creativity Hub.
Key Information
Key Information
Program Overview
Program Overview
Entrepreneurship Module, Laboratory Activity Module, Field Trip, Japanese language class, Japanese cultural experiences (e.g., kimono dressing, tea ceremony, doll painting), and field trip are included. Please refer to each field’s page for details.
Program Date
Program Date
Thursday 3rd December - Friday 18th December 2026
Accommodation
Accommodation
Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. Please ensure your check-in date is no later than December 2.
To find affordable accommodation options, TU support could assist.
Program Fee
Program Fee
110,000 JPY
The fee covers tuition, experimental materials, cultural and social activities, field trip, and cafeteria vouchers. Participants are responsible for their own accommodation, local transportation, airfare, and insurance.
Language
Language
English
Evaluation
Evaluation
The coursework and laboratory activities, including an oral presentation, are equivalent to 4 ECTS credits. A certificate of completion will be awarded to all participants who successfully complete the program.
Scholarship
Scholarship
A JASSO scholarship of 80,000 JPY is available for 8 selected students from TU/SoE partner institutions.
Application Deadline
Application Deadline
September 24, 2026 (JST)
Selection Results
Selection Results
September 30, 2026 (JST)
Program Structure
Program Structure
The overarching challenge for TESP Winter 2026 is “Resilient Essential Systems.” Participants explore how science and engineering can contribute to making the systems that support everyday life and society more resilient to disruption and change.
Entrepreneurship Module
Entrepreneurship Module
Rather than staring from a predetermined technology or solution, participants begin by exploring real-world problems and identifying meaningful opportunities for change. Through project-based learning, they integrate insights from laboratory activities and field-based learning to revisit their initial assumptions, explore scientific and technological possibilities, and develop a feasible value proposition and pathway toward implementation. Lectures & activity include:
Problem Identification
Opportunity Assessment
Market Exploration
Problem Reframing
Value Design
Feasibility Assessment
Pitch and Final Presentation
Laboratory Activity Module
Laboratory Activity Module
Participants are placed in Tohoku University laboratories according to their academic background and interests. They experience research activities and projects under the guidance of faculty members and researchers. The laboratory experience is integrated with the entrepreneurship module so that participants can consider how research-based expertise and technologies may contribute to solving real-world challenges.
Tentative Schedule
Tentative Schedule
Field Trip
Field Trip
Japanese Cultural Experiences
Japanese Cultural Experiences
Page updated
Report abuse