Celebrating 25 Years of Innovation: The Laurus E&I Fair 2026
On Thursday 5 March 2026, Laurus International School of Science held its annual Entrepreneurship & Innovation (E&I) Fair at the Mita Campus as part of the school’s 25th-anniversary year.
The Fair is a practical expression of Laurus’s mission to create future innovators who change the world for the better. All students from the Primary and Secondary divisions took part, working under this year’s theme, Sustainable Toys & Games.
Over four months, students researched potential users, developed ideas, designed products and built prototypes. They considered how their products could be useful, enjoyable and sustainable, as well as how they connected with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. At the Fair, students presented their work to families, visitors and the wider Laurus community.
A particularly valuable aspect of the programme was the continuity of industry involvement. Senior professionals from the toy, games and creative industries did not simply arrive to judge the finished products. The same professionals supported students throughout the process as guest speakers and mentors.
They helped students shape their initial ideas, consider their intended users, refine their designs, create and test prototypes, and think about production, branding and marketing. They then returned as judges for the Secondary Shark Tank.
Having followed the students’ progress from ideation through fabrication and marketing, the judges could consider both the finished products and the thinking, persistence and teamwork behind them. Secondary finalists presented their products, explained the problems they were addressing and responded to challenging questions about their designs and business ideas.
The winning projects reflected the range of ideas developed by Laurus students. Balance Racer was a screen-based fitness game designed to encourage players to move while playing. The students explored how technology could support health, wellbeing and a more active lifestyle.
Fish Market was a board game inspired by Japan’s seafood markets. Players managed their own areas, collected fish cards, created menus and competed to earn money. The students combined Japanese cultural references with business concepts and ideas about sustainability.
The industry judges were impressed by the originality and confidence of the students’ work.
Ichiro Ishikawa, Head of Spin Master Japan, said, “I felt that they had no limitation to their ideas.” He also emphasised the importance of presenting a strong idea clearly.
Fujio Nobata, President of Pools Japan, said that some of the ideas “far exceeded what we professionals could have imagined”. He encouraged students to present what they believed in “with confidence and enjoyment”.
Working in character licensing and creative brand development at Daewon Creative Japan, Director Masato Okamura highlighted the originality of the concepts. “Each student’s ideas were unique and fresh,” he said, emphasising the importance of clear, well-prepared pitches.
Lisa Sasano, founder of Bluesky Rockets Ltd., which supports toy and entertainment concepts across international markets, focused on collaboration. “What really mattered was how much the team could discuss the original idea from different perspectives and elevate it together.” Her perspective highlighted the importance of listening, questioning and developing a shared vision.
The students were not simply displaying completed assignments. They were explaining decisions, defending ideas and responding to professional feedback. They experienced what it takes to move from an initial concept to a product that other people can understand and value.
As part of the wider Laurus Innovator Programme, the E&I Fair gives students the opportunity to develop their ideas, work with others and take responsibility for what they create. As Laurus celebrates 25 years of education, the Fair reflects its continuing commitment to helping young people turn their ideas into positive action.