Waffle Monthly Update – June 2025
As summer begins, students across Japan are showcasing the results of their learning and growth. From the Technovation Girls Japan Pitch Event, where elementary, middle, and high school students presented innovative apps, to the nationwide rollout of Waffle College Kickoff for university students, June was filled with inspiring moments of challenge, creativity, and confidence.
In this edition, we bring you highlights from our key programs, powerful voices from participants, and exciting news about global recognition. We hope you enjoy reading—and we’d be thrilled if you share this update with your community!
Technovation Girls Japan: Taking the Stage and Reaching the World
On June 21st, we held the Technovation Girls 2025 Japan Official Pitch Event, the finale of our six-month national program. Out of 88 teams and 440 participants, 11 finalist teams were selected to pitch in front of a panel of judges and an audience of over 200 guests.
This year, we also invited 10 additional teams, ranked just outside the finals, to join a special “Challenge Stage” in Tokyo. The winning team from this stage earned the final spot on the main pitch stage.
The Minister of Education Award went to Team E-support, creators of DiaLink, an AI-powered diary app designed to help prevent dementia. Other finalist teams tackled pressing social issues such as water shortages during disasters and heatstroke prevention, showcasing remarkable creativity and empathy.
“At first, I didn’t understand programming at all, but building the app with my team was so rewarding.”
“Knowing our app might help someone in need makes me want to keep going.”
These voices moved us all deeply.
On June 9th (JST), the Technovation U.S. headquarters announced that Infiniti ∞ Girls, creators of the app TorchVision, had been selected as a World Summit finalist. Their app uses voice control to help people with visual impairments navigate safely, and also won the MetLife Foundation Award.
We look forward to sharing more about the World Summit, scheduled for September 2025, in a future update.
📽️Watch the full pitch event archive here
Waffle College Kickoff: Exploring Tech, One Step at a Time
“I’m interested in IT but have no idea where to start.”
“I’m not from a STEM background, so maybe tech isn’t for me…”
To support university students who feel this way, we’ve launched Waffle College Kickoff, a hands-on introduction to tech and digital skills. Since May, sessions have been held at Fukui University, Tohoku University, Tohoku Gakuin University, Seisen University, and Tsuda University.
Participants created websites that expressed their personalities, introducing their hobbies, favorite artists, or personal messages. With guidance from mentors in the tech industry and Waffle College alumni, even first-time coders proudly completed their first site.
“I was nervous at first, but it was so much fun!”
“I didn’t think I could do it—but now I believe I can.”
This event is the entry point into the full Waffle College Tech Career Course, a six-month program where students learn the foundations of coding and AI and work together to develop social impact apps.
Special Workshop with Okayama Sozan High School & Microsoft Japan
On June 17th, we hosted a special workshop at Microsoft Japan’s Tokyo office for 41 second-year students from Okayama Sozan High School. Students experienced web development, tried out AI tools, and listened to real career stories from Microsoft employees.
What stood out wasn’t just the tech, but how students reflected on identity, diversity, and their dreams for the future. For many, this was the first time visiting a tech company and meeting professionals working in the field.
“It seemed hard at first, but I actually had fun!”
“I realized I had some biases—and I feel different now.”
“Maybe this world is open to me, too.”
Waffle Club: Playing with AI and Hearing Real Stories
On June 15th, we hosted Waffle Club, a monthly program for middle and high school students. Ten participants joined our workshop on building custom “Oshi detector”, an AI app that helps you spot your favorite idols or celebrities in photos using Thunkable and Teachable Machine.
“I didn’t know AI could be this easy!”
“I can build something myself!”
In the second half, a Waffle College alum who transitioned from a humanities background into STEM shared her personal journey. She spoke openly not only about her achievements but also the challenges of navigating male-dominated spaces in tech.
“I was scared at first, but I’m glad I tried.”
“Community support really made a difference.”
A Step Toward Becoming a Certified NPO
Waffle is currently working to become a certified NPO in Japan. This designation would allow us to offer tax-deductible donations and expand our impact more sustainably.
To qualify, we need support from at least 100 individual donors of ¥3,000 or more annually. This requirement demonstrates that Waffle is backed by the wider community—a vital step toward long-term growth.
We’re just 80 donors away from reaching this goal by March 2026. Your support could make all the difference.
Volunteer Spotlight: Kindryl Japan
We’re grateful to the dedicated volunteers from Kyndryl Japan Group, the Japanese subsidiary of the world’s largest IT infrastructure services provider.
Kyndryl mentors joined us for multiple Waffle College Kickoff sessions, supporting first-time coders and sharing valuable career insights. Thanks to their encouragement, many students discovered new possibilities in the tech field.
A Message from Our Team
“In June, we witnessed the passion and creativity of so many students. From winning hackathons to presenting apps on the national stage, these young people reminded us why we do what we do.
Hearing their doubts—‘I didn’t think I could code’—transform into pride and confidence was deeply moving. We’ll keep walking alongside every student who dares to try.”
—Maiko Furuse, Program Manager, Technovation Girls Japan
Thank you for reading and for being part of this journey. Let’s continue to empower the next generation together.
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