The Launch of the 15th TOMODACHI Boeing Entrepreneurship Seminar: A New Opportunity for Japan's STEM Students
On June 22, 2025, the TOMODACHI Boeing Entrepreneurship Seminar will kick off for its 15th iteration, spearheaded by the U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) and the U.S. Embassy in Japan. This unique initiative aims to foster entrepreneurship among students studying in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) through hands-on experience, collaboration, and skill-building workshops.
The seminar includes a preparatory seminar and a multi-day hackathon, where participants will engage in developing digital solutions as teams. The program is primarily targeting high school, vocational school, and university students in Japan. Students will learn crucial skills such as project planning, team collaboration, and the development of practical solutions to real-world challenges.
The 2025 iteration is particularly focused on creating opportunities for Japanese students to hone their skills on a global platform, reflecting a commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators and leaders. The program, operated by Code for Japan, has a history of contributing to entrepreneurial development and aims to empower participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to bring their innovative ideas to life.
Audrey Yamamoto, Executive Director of the U.S.-Japan Council, expressed her hopes for the program's impact on its participants, stating, "Through this program, I hope participants are inspired from diverse perspectives, believe in their capabilities, and are motivated to tackle challenges that shape the future. I particularly wish that the experiences here will help them transform their knowledge and skills in STEM into entrepreneurial ideas that positively impact society. The U.S.-Japan Council will continue to support passionate youth in taking their first steps toward becoming globally minded leaders."
Alisa Shackman, Chief of Staff and Sustainability Lead at Boeing Japan, also emphasized the importance of the program, sharing her belief that it will provide students from across Japan with the chance to realize their ideas on an international scale. Through newly formed partnerships like the one with Code for Japan, participants will gain technical skills and build transnational networks, enhancing their confidence and talents.
Eligibility
Students enrolled in high school, vocational schools, junior colleges, universities, or graduate schools are encouraged to apply. While prior experience in entrepreneurship is not mandatory, applicants should express an interest in applying their skills to solve societal issues and develop entrepreneurial ideas. Participants need to be proficient in Japanese, as the program is conducted primarily in Japanese, and should be willing to present their projects in English at the final conference.
Timeline of Events
This program exemplifies the collaborative spirit of the TOMODACHI Initiative, which emerged from support efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake. This partnership aims to cultivate the next generation of U.S.-Japan leaders through educational and cultural exchange programs. For more details about the application process and eligibility, please visit the program's website at Code for Japan. This initiative plays an integral role in strengthening U.S.-Japan relations, contributing to a safer and more prosperous world.
The seminar includes a preparatory seminar and a multi-day hackathon, where participants will engage in developing digital solutions as teams. The program is primarily targeting high school, vocational school, and university students in Japan. Students will learn crucial skills such as project planning, team collaboration, and the development of practical solutions to real-world challenges.
The 2025 iteration is particularly focused on creating opportunities for Japanese students to hone their skills on a global platform, reflecting a commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators and leaders. The program, operated by Code for Japan, has a history of contributing to entrepreneurial development and aims to empower participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to bring their innovative ideas to life.
Audrey Yamamoto, Executive Director of the U.S.-Japan Council, expressed her hopes for the program's impact on its participants, stating, "Through this program, I hope participants are inspired from diverse perspectives, believe in their capabilities, and are motivated to tackle challenges that shape the future. I particularly wish that the experiences here will help them transform their knowledge and skills in STEM into entrepreneurial ideas that positively impact society. The U.S.-Japan Council will continue to support passionate youth in taking their first steps toward becoming globally minded leaders."
Alisa Shackman, Chief of Staff and Sustainability Lead at Boeing Japan, also emphasized the importance of the program, sharing her belief that it will provide students from across Japan with the chance to realize their ideas on an international scale. Through newly formed partnerships like the one with Code for Japan, participants will gain technical skills and build transnational networks, enhancing their confidence and talents.
Eligibility
Students enrolled in high school, vocational schools, junior colleges, universities, or graduate schools are encouraged to apply. While prior experience in entrepreneurship is not mandatory, applicants should express an interest in applying their skills to solve societal issues and develop entrepreneurial ideas. Participants need to be proficient in Japanese, as the program is conducted primarily in Japanese, and should be willing to present their projects in English at the final conference.
Timeline of Events
- - Prep Seminars: June 22, July 5, and July 12, 2025
- - Application Deadline: July 31, 2025, at 23:59 JST
- - Hackathon Retreat: September 26-28, 2025
- - Final Presentation: Scheduled for December 2025
- - U.S. Training for Select Participants: February or March 2026
This program exemplifies the collaborative spirit of the TOMODACHI Initiative, which emerged from support efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake. This partnership aims to cultivate the next generation of U.S.-Japan leaders through educational and cultural exchange programs. For more details about the application process and eligibility, please visit the program's website at Code for Japan. This initiative plays an integral role in strengthening U.S.-Japan relations, contributing to a safer and more prosperous world.
Topics People & Culture）
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