Supporting Future Talent: K School Students Meet Mitsui O.S.K. Lines

On September 10, 2023, a delegation of high school students who participated in the esteemed GLOBAL TECH program visited Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) to present their achievements from the global competition sponsored by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This program aims to foster the next generation of technical talent, with MOL as one of its key sponsors.

What is GLOBAL TECH?

GLOBAL TECH is an educational program targeted at middle and high school students, which commenced in 2019. Guided by the vision of "Taking the Step to Capture Your Passion," the program adopts a curriculum developed by MIT's Beaver Works. Participants engage in learning programming and autonomous vehicle technology using small self-driving cars. The training begins each February, culminating in a national competition in June, where the top teams qualify for the global competition held at MIT in August.

Details of the Courtesy Visit

During their visit, the students shared their experiences and successes from the competition with MOL executives. They toured MOL's Safety Operations Support Center and had the opportunity to try their hand at a vessel handling simulator, gaining insights into the maritime industry.

Achievements of GLOBAL TECH 2025

In the current edition of GLOBAL TECH, 37 students from nine schools across Japan participated. Notably, students from Tsukuba University-affiliated Komaba Middle and High Schools and Hiroo Academy excelled in the competition. With support from sponsoring companies like MOL, these students represented Japan at the global level, competing among approximately 300 students.

Quotes from MOL Executives

MOL's Executive Officer, Mr. Ikeda, emphasized the significance of the GLOBAL TECH program, stating, “GLOBAL TECH provides a remarkable opportunity for young individuals to engage with cutting-edge technology and expand their horizons. We are honored to contribute to the nurturing of future leaders in society. Attending the world competition at MIT allowed me to witness firsthand how passionately students are tackling autonomous technologies. Such international learning environments are crucial for developing global talent. Furthermore, the visit provided students with deeper insights into the maritime field through our Safety Operations Support Center and simulator experience. The vision of 'Taking the Step to Capture Your Passion' aligns closely with our corporate philosophy. We look forward to continuing our support for aspiring youth and hope more companies will join us in this noble endeavor.”

Call for New Sponsors

Looking ahead, there is a growing need for partnerships with sponsors to enhance opportunities for students to embrace their passions. For 2026 and beyond, there are plans to introduce new programs focusing on autonomous underwater drones alongside the existing automotive-themed curriculum to offer a broader educational experience.

Many students face challenges due to the financial burdens associated with traveling to the world competition, which typically takes place in late July to early August in Boston, Massachusetts. To ensure that students with the willingness to challenge themselves can participate, GLOBAL TECH is seeking support from sponsors to cover necessary expenses and create equitable opportunities for all students.

Benefits for Sponsors

Sponsors receive various benefits, including:

- At the Domestic Competition:

- A designated booth at the race event for promotional activities.
- Logo placements on event t-shirts and at the venue.

- At the Global Competition:

- Opportunities to speak at seminars attended by around 400 students interested in up-to-date technologies, including autonomous driving.
- Logo displays in the venue during the event.

For Inquiries

Companies interested in exploring sponsorship opportunities are encouraged to download materials through the provided link or to contact Mr. Toyota for more information.

In conclusion, the collaboration between young talent and established companies like Mitsui O.S.K. Lines not only prepares students for future challenges but also strengthens the bridge between industry and education, paving the way for innovative leaders tomorrow.