Waffle Monthly Update – January 2026
Celebrating Milestones and Looking Ahead
Thank you, as always, for supporting Waffle’s mission to close the gender gap in technology.
As February begins and many students prepare for a new academic term, Waffle is also stepping confidently into its next chapter. This month, we reflect on the Waffle College’s Tech Career Course graduation and share insights from Sayaka Tanaka, CEO of Waffle’s participation in the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos.
We hope you enjoy this update—and we would be grateful if you shared it with others who believe in building a more inclusive future in tech.
Waffle College 2025 Tech Career Course Graduationn Ceremony
42 Students Successfully Complete the Six-Month Program
On January 17, Waffle College’s 2025 Tech Career Course concluded with a graduation ceremony.
Forty-two participants from across Japan—from Miyagi in the north to Okinawa in the south—successfully completed the six-month program that began in August 2025. Throughout the course, students developed foundational programming and AI skills while exploring technology as a tool for social impact.
At the final event, each team presented a mobile application developed during an intensive one-month build phase. The confidence and clarity in their presentations reflected not only technical growth, but resilience, collaboration, and perseverance.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the following organizations for serving as judges and providing corporate awards:
- UNIADEX, Ltd.
- Morgan Stanley Holdings Co., Ltd. Morgan Stanley
- The Japan Research Institute, Limited
- Salesforce Japan Co., Ltd. Salesforce
- 42 Tokyo
Their encouragement and professional feedback offered students invaluable exposure to real-world perspectives in the tech industry.
Watch the event highlights here.
Waffle CEO Sayaka Tanaka Participates in the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting (Davos)
In January 2025, Waffle CEO Sayaka Tanaka participated in the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
The Annual Meeting convenes global leaders from government, business, academia, and civil society to address pressing international challenges. Tanaka attended as a member of the Young Global Leaders (YGLs) community—an initiative of the World Economic Forum recognizing leaders under 40 with the potential to shape the future.
Discussions throughout the week spanned topics such as:
- Artificial Intelligence and the transformation of education
- Gender equality in the digital economy
- Climate change and sustainable innovation
- Global workforce development
One particularly resonant theme was the future of education in the AI era. As technological advancement accelerates, what skills must young people cultivate? And how can education systems ensure that AI narrows, rather than widens, gender disparities?
The insights gained in Davos will inform Waffle’s ongoing educational programs and policy advocacy efforts in Japan.
Tanaka shares further reflections in her personal blog.
Support Waffle’s Journey Toward Certified Nonprofit Status
Waffle is currently working toward obtaining Certified Nonprofit Organization status in Japan. Achieving this certification would allow donations to become tax-deductible and further strengthen our transparency and long-term sustainability.
To qualify, we must secure:
- Donations from at least 100 individual supporters
- Each contributing ¥3,000 or more annually
- By March 31, 2026
This milestone represents more than a requirement—it reflects the collective support that sustains our mission.
If you believe in expanding opportunities for girls and gender minorities in technology, we warmly invite your support.
We also offer consultations for individuals interested in legacy and bequest donations, in partnership with a licensed judicial scrivener office. If you would like to explore how your values can support future generations, please feel free to contact us.
Partner Spotlight: UNIADEX, Ltd.
Waffle’s programs are made possible by the generosity of many partners.
We would like to recognize UNIADEX, Ltd., which provided continuous support throughout the entire 2025 Tech Career Course—from the opening ceremony in August to the graduation ceremony in January.
UNIADEX, Ltd.:
- Provided the venue for the completion ceremony
- Served as judges during the final presentations
- Sponsored corporate awards
- Engaged directly with students during networking sessions
For many participants, speaking with professionals actively working in the field provided both inspiration and clarity about their future possibilities. We are sincerely grateful for UNIADEX, Ltd.’s ongoing commitment to empowering the next generation.
Message from a Waffle Team Member
Chikako Masaki Partnership Team, NPO Waffle
Hello, and thank you for your continued support. I joined Waffle in December 2025 after working in management support and startup environments. I was deeply inspired by Waffle’s mission to close the gender gap in technology and by its belief in transforming society through education.
Over the past two months, I’ve been learning so much. As a member of the Partnership Team, I have had the opportunity to engage with corporate partners and stakeholders who believe in Waffle’s mission. Their commitment and passion are truly energizing.
In 2026, we aim to deepen dialogue with more companies and organizations while exploring new forms of collaboration. Although I still have much to learn, I am committed expanding opportunities and choices for every individual we serve.
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