Empowering Future Leaders: Waffle AI Leadership Program Launching Soon

Waffle AI Leadership Program: A Pathway to Empowerment

The Waffle AI Leadership Program, organized by the non-profit organization Waffle, is an initiative designed to nurture digital skills and leadership qualities among women and non-binary university students. This unique program is set to commence in late October 2026, with support from Kyndryl Japan, who will provide grants, mentorship from their employees, and educational opportunities.

Since its establishment in 2019, Waffle has successfully reached approximately 4,000 female and non-binary high school and university students, offering hands-on experiences in technology education. While events focused on encouraging women in STEM fields have increased, recent challenges have emerged. Many young individuals struggle to sustain their studies and careers in the tech sector, which this program aims to address.

Over four months, participants will develop both AI proficiency and leadership skills through hands-on practice and mentorship. By completion, students will collaborate on the development of an app to tackle a specific problem they wish to solve. Prior to the formal launch of the program, a community event aimed at university students will take place on September 5, 2026, featuring industry leaders.

Community Event: September 5, 2026

On this date, Waffle will welcome female and non-binary university students to a panel discussion titled “How Do Leaders Grow in an Era of Uncertainty — AI and Women’s Career Stories,” featuring prominent women leaders in the tech industry. The event will also include workshops for participants to discover their leadership styles and provide a sneak peek into the upcoming Waffle AI Leadership Program. This event is free and open for registration for all interested students, whether they have attended Waffle programs before or are new participants.

Event Details:

- Date: September 5, 2026 (13:00-16:00, registration from 12:30)
- Location: Kyndryl Japan Office, Roppongi Hills, Tokyo
- Target Audience: Female and non-binary university and graduate students
- Capacity: 30 participants (lottery for overflow)
- Cost: Free
- Registration Deadline: September 1, 2026

What to Expect During the Program:

1. AI Skill Sessions: Participants will learn hands-on how to effectively utilize AI tools in practical situations. No programming experience is necessary. They will identify problems, apply AI, and develop their solutions into real applications available on the internet.

2. Leadership Workshops: The program will cover essential leadership skills such as decision-making, engaging stakeholders, and effective communication. As technology mitigates many technical challenges, participants will face significant human-centric issues that require collaborative problem-solving.

3. Monthly Mentoring: Participants will each have a Kyndryl employee mentor throughout the program, providing guidance on utilizing AI tools and navigating career pathways. These interactions aim to support participants in achieving their personal goals while developing leadership qualities.