UNDP will hold the "Youth Co:Lab Japan Dialogue 2026" online on November 4. The theme is "Accelerating AI x Social Innovation with the Problems You Want to Solve." It was planned out of the view that, now that generative AI makes it easier to turn ideas into reality, what matters is not only which technology to use but which problem you want to solve.
The speakers are a co-founder of a company developing AI solutions for social issues, a young woman entrepreneur working on AI for women's career support and job creation in Africa, and an official from the AI Industry Strategy Division of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The official will introduce efforts to build an environment for "trustworthy AI" in which entrepreneurs can take on challenges safely, along with public support measures.
The moderator is a young entrepreneur who won the grand prize at the Youth Co:Lab Japan competition in 2025. After the session, an optional small-group networking session will let participants ask the speakers questions and talk with one another.
The Social Innovation Challenge Japan 2026, a social entrepreneur contest, is also currently accepting applications, with a deadline of November 16, 2026.
Key points
- Entrepreneurs and a policymaker discuss social entrepreneurship in the AI era
- Free and online, so you can join from anywhere in Japan
- Applications for the social entrepreneur contest (due Nov 16) are also open
Why we recommend this event
As the use of AI spreads, how to apply it to social issues is a major theme for international cooperation and nonprofits as well. It is valuable to hear from both practitioners and a policymaker.
It is also a good entry point for learning about Youth Co:Lab, UNDP's initiative that supports young social entrepreneurs.
Editor's comment
Starting from a social problem and building a business around it is a perspective that also resonates with people working in NGOs and NPOs.
Since it is online and easy to join, please consider registering if you are interested in social entrepreneurship.