Blue Ocean Initiative Partners with Minerva University for Sustainability Internships in Japan

Partnership for Sustainability

In December 2022, the Blue Ocean Initiative was formed as a collaborative business alliance aimed at addressing societal challenges related to ocean conservation and prosperity. This initiative, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, is led by Hiroyo Yoshida. Recently, the Blue Ocean Initiative has teamed up with Minerva University in the United States and Minerva Japan to promote internship collaboration as part of the sustainability research program scheduled for 2025 in Japan.

Minerva University: A Unique Learning Model

Minerva University does not have a traditional campus; instead, it employs a global mobility learning model that spans four years across eight cities. The university is an innovator in education, focusing on project-based learning that partners with industries, startups, non-profits, and local governments. Through this approach, Minerva fosters not just internationalization but the development of global problem-solvers who can practically address global challenges across multiple locations.

Revenue from these collaborative efforts will facilitate internships that are crucial for educating the next generation of leaders in sustainability.

The Role of Blue Ocean Initiative

The Blue Ocean Initiative serves as a co-creation action platform involving over 100 members from various fields, including businesses, organizations, and local governmental bodies dedicated to solving marine-related challenges. This partnership with Minerva University, recognized as one of the most innovative universities worldwide for four consecutive years by a UN-related agency, strengthens the focus on marine issue resolution through collaborative internships planned for the sustainability research program in 2025.

Members of the Blue Ocean Initiative will act as mentors, sharing practical insights and engaging in discussions that foster idea generation and support student research efforts.

Educational Goals of Minerva University

The goal of Minerva University transcends academic boundaries; it seeks to cultivate not just analytical skills but also practical abilities and leadership that engages others. Its curriculum is designed based on cognitive science and psychology, enabling students to establish their inquiries, think critically, and collaborate with others possessing diverse perspectives while tackling complex issues. These skills are essential for nurturing global leaders who can thrive in rapidly changing times while effectively utilizing their capabilities in diverse cultural and social contexts.

Blue Ocean Initiative’s Mission

The Blue Ocean Initiative aims to achieve sustainable and effective “ocean conservation and prosperity” through the multifaceted interaction and co-creation of projects among various stakeholders related to the ocean, including industries, academia, civil society, and government. This collaborative platform gathers leaders from corporate new business development, startups, investors, foundations, researchers, NGOs/NPOs, and government to facilitate innovative exchanges, joint research, networking, and the formation of new projects dedicated to solving marine issues. The initiative also seeks to contribute to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by partnering with relevant government agencies and organizations.

For more information, please visit the Blue Ocean Initiative's official website.