IHI participated as a special sponsor in the 20th High School Chemistry Grand Contest
IHI participated as a special sponsor in the final selection round of the 20th High School Chemistry Grand Contest held on October 25 and 26. This contest is an educational program supporting learning and research activities conducted by high school and technical college students (up to the third year) nationwide, aiming to cultivate future talent capable of excelling in the field of chemistry. Since the 2023 academic year, it has been hosted by the Shibaura Institute of Technology, using the Shibaura Institute of Technology Toyosu Campus, adjacent to IHI’s Toyosu Headquarters (Koto-ku, Tokyo), as the venue. This year, approximately 600 students from 62 high schools and technical colleges nationwide participated. The preliminary screening involved document reviews of the results of chemistry-based experimental and investigative research. Those who passed the preliminary screening advanced to the final selection meeting. The top 10 schools gave oral presentations, while the others gave poster presentations. Awards were given to the outstanding presentations selected from among them.
On October 25, following the opening ceremony, poster presentations were held. Students who had narrowly missed advancing to the oral presentations in the preliminary screening explained their research findings to visitors and responded thoughtfully to questions. Simultaneously, exhibits by sponsoring companies were held. IHI introduced its efforts toward achieving carbon neutrality, including the development of SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel), which requires chemical engineering technologies, and the development of ammonia combustion technology. Approximately 100 visitors came to the IHI booth, posing enthusiastic questions about the technologies and business activities presented. A high level of interest in carbon neutrality and the necessary science and technology was evident.
On October 26, the top 10 finalist schools gave their oral presentations, and three schools invited from overseas delivered special lectures. Among the oral presentations, three schools were awarded the Grand Award for particularly outstanding presentations. Awards were also presented to the other finalist presentations, including poster presentations. IHI, as a special supporting company, presented the IHI Award to the Chemistry Club of Hyogo Prefectural Takarazuka North High School for their presentation theme, “Development of Solid Secondary Batteries Using Natural Polysaccharides.” IHI particularly commended the school’s confident presentation in English and their innovative concept of utilizing natural polysaccharides to develop safe, environmentally friendly, sustainable batteries as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries. This research aligns with IHI’s corporate philosophy of “Contributing to the development of society through technology” and its vision of “Creating a society where nature and technology are in harmony,” making it a worthy recipient of the IHI Award.
IHI will continue to support the High School Chemistry Grand Contest through its sponsorship, helping students who will lead the next generation deepen their curiosity about science (chemistry).