Call for Applications: “Nenone Program” at Common Nexus/「ねのねプログラム」募集について

＊英語に続いて、日本語で案内しています/The following information is provided in Japanese after the English section..

📢 Call for Applications: "Nenone Program" at Common Nexus

Common Nexus, which officially opened on July 1, 2025, is now accepting applications for the "Nenone Program"from Tuesday, July 1 to Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

We look forward to receiving applications from many curious and motivated individuals!

🌱 What is the Nenone Program?

The Nenone Program is an open call for exploratory projects based on your own curiosity.

Have you ever thought:

  • “I have something I want to try outside of my major or main job!”

  • “I’d like to experiment with a new idea.”

  • “I want to share what I’m doing and see how people respond!”

If so, this program is for you. We're looking for individuals and teams full of curiosity and the desire to explore.

Selected teams will have access to:

  • A booth at ComoNe (Common Nexus) for showcasing their work
  • Monthly meetings with experts who can provide feedback and guidance
  • A 3-month period to engage, experiment, and share their ideas

🔗 More details about the Nenone Program:
https://awrd.com/award/nenone02　　☜information in Japanese only

Here is the translation by Chat GPT

🌟 What You Can Do with the Nenone Program (Benefits for Selected Participants)

  1. Use ComoNe as Your Base of Activity

  1. Selected teams can freely use the LOUNGE (members-only area) in ComoNe during opening hours as a co-working and activity space.
    See the FLOOR MAP on the official website for details about the LOUNGE.

  2. Access to Digital Fabrication Tools – Free of Charge
    You can use tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and embroidery machines for free.

    • ⚠️ Before using the machines, you must attend a paid FAB training session.

    • ⚠️ You cannot bring your own 3D printer filament. For other materials, please prepare them yourself.

  3. Showcase and Present Your Activities
    You'll be provided with a booth or shelf to experimentally showcase your work.
    After the 3-month activity period, you’ll present your results in a public presentation event.

    • ⚠️ Event spaces exclude the Grand Staircase and Hall. Spaces like KOAGARI, KITCHEN, and ROOTS BOOKS (suitable for ~30 people) are available. See the FLOOR MAP on the website for more.

  4. Use ComoNe for Your Own Events or Meetings
    You may hold one event per month at ComoNe for things like workshops or networking sessions.

  5. Support for Sharing Your Activities
    Your project will be featured on the ComoNe official website and social media, helping you reach a wider audience.

  6. Networking with Diverse People
    ComoNe welcomes a wide range of visitors—researchers, artists, business professionals, children, and adults.
    You’ll also have opportunities to receive advice from ComoNe Ambassadors (experts from various fields).

    • You can learn more about the ambassadors on ComoNe’s social media and in the building.

  7. Opportunity to Extend Your Activity Period
    At the end of the 3-month period, you’ll present your project at the “Como Market” event.
    One team will receive a Special Award based on audience voting, which comes with a one-time extension of another 3 months.

    • ⚠️ A team cannot receive the extension more than once.

✅ Expectations for Participants

Participants are asked to:

  • Present your project idea at the start of the program.

  • Attend a monthly check-in with the Common Nexus team.

  • Use your assigned exhibition space to showcase progress and results throughout the 3-month period (flexible schedule).

  • Present your final outcomes at a Common Nexus-hosted event after 3 months.

  • Actively use ComoNe’s facilities and continually update your project.

📥 How to Apply

Applications are accepted via the AWRD platform:
👉 https://awrd.com/award/nenone02

  • Your personal information will be shared only among ComoNe staff and its partner company Loftwork Inc. (ComoNe team) and will not be used for unrelated purposes.

  • Project information submitted may be made public on the AWRD site.

📅 Application Period

From: Tuesday, July 1, 2025, 00:00 (JST)
To: Tuesday, August 19, 2025, 23:59 (JST)

✏️ What You Need to Submit

  • Project Image
    Attach images that clearly show your concept or prototype.

  • Project Title and Description
    Provide the project name and what you plan to work on.

  • Project Schedule
    Outline your 3-month plan and expected outputs. (Not publicly shared)

  • Team Members and Roles
    List up to 5 members (including leader). Solo applications are welcome. (Not publicly shared)

🎯 Who Can Apply?

Anyone is welcome to apply!

  • Students, faculty, staff, companies, organizations, volunteer groups, or individuals — regardless of affiliation or background

  • No restrictions on scale or genre of the project

  • Past participants may not apply with the same project as before

🧠 Selection Criteria

Applications will be reviewed by the Common Nexus Program Committee based on:

  • Alignment with ComoNe’s concept and willingness to take a cross-disciplinary, proactive approach

  • A clear plan to update and evolve the project multiple times during the 3-month period (not a one-time event)

📝 1st Round Awardees: https://awrd.com/award/nenone01/result
🎉 2nd Round Awardees will be announced soon—stay tuned!

 

🏢 Common Nexus Official Website:
English site

Organized by:
Administrative Office, Common Nexus, Tokai National Higher Education and Research System

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Question from NU-EMI

Is Japanese required to apply for this program?
Is it possible for international students who are not fluent in Japanese to apply?
Are any information or guidance available in English?

Answer from Administrative Office, Common Nexus

While Japanese is not required to apply for the Nenone Program, please note that no official program materials are provided in English.

For events like the Opening event held on July 5, you are welcome to present your project in English. However, please be aware that:

  • Event announcements, promotions, and facilitation on the day will be conducted in Japanese.

  • The majority of visitors and participants are Japanese speakers.

Therefore, we recommend presenting in Japanese if possible, as it will help ensure your project and ideas are more easily understood by the audience.

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📢 2025年7月1日に開業したCommon Nexus（コモンネクサス）では、
2025年7月1日（火）〜8月19日（火）の期間で以下のとおり、
「ねのねプログラム」を募集しています。

たくさんの皆様からの応募をお待ちしています。

◇「ねのねプログラム」
ねのねプログラムは、自らの好奇心に基づいた探究活動を
公募するプログラムです。
　
「自分の専攻や本業とは別にやりたいことがある！」
「まずは実験的に始めてみたい。」
「自分の活動を発信したい、反応をみてみたい！」
そんな好奇心あふれる人を募集します。
採択されたチームは、3ヶ月間にわたりComoNeを拠点に、
活動を発信できる展示ブースの提供や有識者にアドバイスをもらえる
ミーティングの機会を用意します。
　　
◇「ねのねプログラム」詳細
　https://awrd.com/award/nenone02
　
◇Common Nexusホームページ
　https://comone.thers.ac.jp/
　
東海国立大学機構Common Nexus事務部

(JH)

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