#Japan #Tokyo #AI Startup #WAFFLE #Empower Next

Waffle Empower Next Program Launches

In an inspiring move towards bridging the gender gap in technology, the non-profit organization Waffle, headquartered in Tokyo's Minato Ward and led by Chairwoman Sayaka Tanaka, is launching the "Waffle Empower Next Program." This program aims to nurture aspiring female and non-binary entrepreneurs by supporting university and high school students in developing AI-driven applications and services.

Program Overview

The program will kick off with an intensive three-day retreat from August 7 to 9, 2026, followed by five months of ongoing mentorship and support culminating in a demo day in December. Waffle's initiative seeks to address the glaring underrepresentation of women in the startup ecosystem, which currently sees female founders making up less than 10% of total founders in Japan, compared to over 20% in Europe and the U.S. For engineering students, the percentage is even lower, at approximately 15% — the worst among OECD countries according to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (2023).

The Need for Change

These statistics illuminate a structural issue where opportunities for women to enter entrepreneurial fields, particularly in technology, are not adequately available. In the wake of rapid advancements in AI, Waffle aims to empower students by providing them with hands-on experiences that connect their interests with technology, facilitating entrepreneurial pursuits as a viable career path.

The program is designed to eliminate the barrier of technical expertise, so participants do not need to possess extensive programming knowledge to bring their ideas to life. Participants will have the opportunity to create a functioning product from scratch, which they will take to market, thus gaining practical experience in entrepreneurship.

Program Features

Intensive Retreat

During the three-day retreat, participants will engage in workshops focused on AI application development. They’ll release their products and receive feedback from potential users, allowing them to iterate on their designs effectively. The retreat will conclude with a pitch event, where participants present their projects to a panel of judges including industry professionals and investors.

Ongoing Support

Following the retreat, participants will benefit from monthly mentoring sessions and an online community that fosters collaboration and feedback among peers. This phase will focus on acquiring first users while continuously refining the product based on user insights.

Demo Day

In December 2026, participants will showcase their achievements at a demo day held in Tokyo. This event will serve not just as a culmination of their learning but as an opportunity to attract potential investors and engage with community stakeholders.

How to Apply

Participation is free, though some costs for meals may arise. The program is part of the TOKYO SUTEAM initiative, which supports diverse startup development efforts led by various organizations within Tokyo.
Visit Waffle's official site to apply or for more information.

About Waffle

Founded to combat gender disparities in technology and to empower women and non-binary individuals, Waffle runs various educational programs, including the monthly "Waffle Club" that caters to beginners in product development and careers. They also support Japanese participation in the international app development contest "Technovation Girls" and organize collaborative events with companies. Their dedication was recognized with the 2020 Japan SDGs Award for Partnership and is active in advocating for structural changes in society through policy proposals.

Waffle's latest publication, "Myself × IT = Strongest Theory," is another testament to their commitment to including a broader range of voices in the tech industry.