Waffle Monthly Update October 2025
Technovation Girls 2026: Final Call (Deadline: Sun, 23 Nov, 23:59 JST)
As we step into November, our top priority is recruiting for Technovation Girls 2026—a global app development competition engaging ~30,000 participants from 117 countries. The application deadline is Sunday, 23 November, 23:59 (JST). If you’ve been considering it, now’s the moment to jump in!
Coming up
- Final Info Session: Sun, 16 Nov — Register here → [Link]
- Application Deadline: Sun, 23 Nov, 23:59 JST
- Participation Fee: Free
What’s new in 2026
- Expanded AI application track
- In-person feedback events planned outside major cities
- End-to-end support through app release
Last year, 440 students joined from across Japan. If you want to build an app that addresses a real social challenge, this is your chance.
We especially welcome students from Aomori, Iwate, Fukushima, Niigata, Wakayama, and Kagawa.
Event Recap — 26 Oct: First Waffle Camp in Tokyo
With the generous support of Capgemini, we hosted our first Tokyo edition of Waffle Camp at their office. In one day, junior and senior high school students built their first websites and heard from an Experience Designer about diverse, human-centered roles in tech.
What participants said
- “The instructors and mentors were easy to follow.”
- “I want to join again!”
- “I learned there are many ways to help people through IT.”
Thanks to Capgemini volunteers and our university-student mentors, the room was warm, lively, and supportive.
Huge thanks to Capgemini Japan for making this possible.
Event Recap — 19 Oct: Waffle Club #9
We ran a two-part program: a game-making workshop and a career talk featuring:
- Misaki, a Waffle intern studying a healthcare major at a U.S. university
- Ayumi, a grade-11 student from Nagano (liberal arts) and Technovation Girls finalist
They discussed the challenges of online teamwork—and the joy of building something meaningful.
Participant reflections
- “I was leaning toward humanities, but now I’m open to STEM.”
- “I’m much more motivated to join TG!”
- “I can finally picture this as my own journey.”
Save the Date — 14 Dec: Waffle Club Xmas Special
A two-part online event (Zoom) for girls and non-binary students in junior/senior high school—beginners welcome. Join us to reflect on your year, set goals, and create a programmable greeting card with p5.js.
- Part 1 (10:00–10:40): Career talk with a software engineer from Amazon. We’ll reflect on 2025 and turn ideas into goals for 2026. Parents/guardians are welcome to watch together.
- Part 2 (10:40–12:00): Make an interactive Xmas card with p5.js. Mentors (girls/non-binary) will support you. Take it further after the event—perfect as a keepsake or a gift!
When: Sun, 14 Dec 2025, 10:00–12:00 (JST)
Where: Online (Zoom)
Who: Girls & non-binary junior/senior high school students
Fee: Free (join Part 1 only, Part 2 only, or both)
- Register here → [Link]
New Publication: Waffle Annual Repor
We’ve published our FY2024 Annual Report a look at program outcomes, participant stories, and what we achieved together with our partners.
An English edition is coming soon.
- Read the report (EN) → [Link]
Community — Tokyo Yamathon: We Joined for the Second Year
On Sat, 4 Oct, we joined Tokyo Yamathon (hosted by the International Volunteer Group, IVG) for the second year. Teams walk ~42 km around the JR Yamanote Line within 12 hours—while learning about our mission to close the gender gap in tech.
All participation fees support social-impact partners, including Waffle.
We hosted info booths at the start and finish, meeting many people curious about tech diversity.
Thank you to IVG and all participants for your support!
- Watch the highlights → [Link]
Workshop @ Microsoft Japan’s Give Campaign
During Microsoft Japan’s employee-led Give Campaign, our Director Kumiko Morita facilitated a hybrid lunch workshop using Microsoft Whiteboard. Together we explored:
- Why work in tech?
- Resources to expand skills and choices
- Words and mindsets that carry us forward
We received many heartfelt messages for the students we serve—“Be bold,” “Value your uniqueness,” and more.
Thank you to everyone at Microsoft Japan and to all donors who gave through the Give Campaign.
Help Us Become a Certified NPO (Tax-deductible donations in the future)
We’re working toward Certified NPO status, which will make future donations tax-deductible for supporters. One key requirement is receiving donations of ¥3,000 or more from at least 100 individuals.
If we can reach 100 donors by March 2026, we’ll be a big step closer. Your support strengthens transparency, stability, and the continuity of our programs.
- Donate here → [Link]
Legacy Giving & Bequests
We’ve started offering consultations (with a judicial scrivener corporation) for those interested in legacy/bequest giving—turning your wishes into long-term impact.
Volunteer Spotlight — Kyndryl Japan at Tokyo Yamathon
For the second year, volunteers from Kyndryl Japan supported our booths—helping share Waffle’s mission and the importance of growing the next generation of women tech leaders.
Thank you, Kyndryl Japan!
A Message from Maiko Furuse
Manager, Technovation Girls, NPO WaffleThe Technovation Girls 2026 deadline is Sun, 23 Nov, 23:59 (JST).
We hear worries like “I’ve never coded” or “Can I keep up for six months?”
You can. Many of last year’s 440 participants started from the same place—then built apps like an AI tool for dementia prevention and an accessibility app for people with visual impairments.
Over six months, students grow not only in tech, but also in problem-solving, teamwork, and confidence.
If you know
Manager, Technovation Girls, NPO WaffleThe Technovation Girls 2026 deadline is Sun, 23 Nov, 23:59 (JST).
We hear worries like “I’ve never coded” or “Can I keep up for six months?”
You can. Many of last year’s 440 participants started from the same place—then built apps like an AI tool for dementia prevention and an accessibility app for people with visual impairments.
Over six months, students grow not only in tech, but also in problem-solving, teamwork, and confidence.
If you know a student, please tell them: there’s a program that could change your life. Your encouragement matters.
Final info session: Sun, 16 Nov. Deadline: Sun, 23 Nov, 23:59—especially students in Aomori, Iwate, Fukushima, Niigata, Wakayama, and Kagawa, we’re cheering for you.
Thank you for your continued support of Waffle!
a student, please tell them: there’s a program that could change your life. Your encouragement matters.
Final info session: Sun, 16 Nov. Deadline: Sun, 23 Nov, 23:59—especially students in Aomori, Iwate, Fukushima, Niigata, Wakayama, and Kagawa, we’re cheering for you.
Thank you for your continued support of Waffle!
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