Model Entrepreneur® Competition

1. Eligibility

Students must be enrolled in grades 9-12 to participate in the competition. Teams must consist of 2 to 6 members.

After confirming team info, team members cannot be added or removed. However, if a team member withdraws, the team can continue as long as at least two members remain.

2. Contest Guidelines

Step 1: Fill out the registration form

Step 2: Submit qualification materials

• Team Introduction Video: 1.5 to 2 minutes introducing all team members and your entrepreneurial idea.
• Complete the Online Question Set: Each team must fill out the designated online question set as part of the review process.
• Provide Supporting Documentation for ONE of the following criteria:
  • Attend a listed school
  • Submit a recommendation letter (in English) from a club advisor, teacher, or past MEC award winner.
  • Provide school grades or English proficiency test scores as proof of academic qualification.

Step 3: Receive acceptance letter and make payment

Note: Students studying in mainland China should register for MEC Hybrid China 2025 to skip the qualification review and gain additional resources.

3. Deadline

Competition Sign Up:

• Registration and Qualification Materials Submission Deadline: Jan 15, 2025 (PST GMT-8)
• Payment Deadline: Jan 22, 2025 (PST GMT-8)

Competition Process:

• Business Proposal – First Draft Submission Deadline:April 7, 2025 (PDT GMT-7)
• Commercial Video Submission Deadline: May 30, 2025 (PDT GMT-7)
• Business Proposal – Final Draft Submission Deadline: July 14, 2025 (PDT GMT-7)
• Check-in: July 28, 2025 from 14:30 – 20:30 (JPT GMT+9)
• Competition Events: July 29 – July 31, 2025 (JPT GMT+9)

4. MEC Legacy Tokyo 2025 Competition Activities

• Orientation: Gain essential insights and guidelines to kickstart your journey.
• Lectures: Learn from industry leaders, including Dr. Anas Chalah, Assistant Dean at Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.Workshops: Engage in hands-on learning sessions with top professionals.
• 3-Day Competition: Compete in a high-stakes challenge to showcase your entrepreneurial skills.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers and industry professionals at the dinner party and social events.
• Explore Tokyo: Experience the city’s rich culture and vibrant atmosphere.

5. Prizes

MEC recognizes outstanding participants with start-up funds, trophies, certificates, and IEG scholarships, which grant access to various IEG programs.

• 1st Place: $12,000 ($3,000 start-up fund; $1,500 in scholarships for IEG programs per member; letter of recommendation from MEC Judge)
• 2nd Place: $9,800 ($2,000 start-up fund; $1,300 in scholarships for IEG programs per member; letter of recommendation from MEC Judge)
• 3rd Place: $7,550 ($1,250 start-up fund; $1,050 in scholarships for IEG programs per member; letter of recommendation from MEC Judge)
• 4th Place: $6,300 ($600 start-up fund; $950 in scholarships for IEG programs per member; letter of recommendation from MEC Judge)
• 5th Place: $4,500 ($300 start-up fund; $700 in scholarships for IEG programs per member; letter of recommendation from MEC Judge)

6. Registration Fee

• Basic Plan ($999): includes Competition Fee, Workshop & Lectures, Networking Opportunities, Dinner Party, and Daily Lunch. Students with this plan must arrange their own transportation to the venue daily.
• Signature Plan ($1,699): includes everything in the Basic Plan plus Daily Breakfast, Accommodation for 3 nights, and Chaperone Support. Students must check in at the assigned hotel lobby on July 28, 2025, between 14:30 and 20:30 (JPT GMT+9). No airport pick-up is included.
• Premium Plan ($4,999): includes everything in the Basic Plan plus Daily Breakfast, Luxury accommodation, Dedicated Chaperone Support, Private Group Chat, Airport Pick-up/Drop-off, and Taxi for Transit. Students must provide flight details for airport pick-up/drop-off.