TOMODACHI Microsoft iLEAP Social Innovation and Leadership Program
The TOMODACHI Microsoft iLEAP Social Innovation and Leadership Program is designed to cultivate a new generation of Japanese social entrepreneurs and community leaders (ages 18-25) who are prepared to make a positive difference in Japan, the United States, and around the world. Program participants are selected from a highly competitive, nationwide pool of applicants, to participate in experiential leadership training in Seattle, Washington, and activities in Japan.
The scholars take classes in leadership and entrepreneurship, work with technology advisers to grow their ideas, and conduct site visits to social businesses and organizations.
The program is run during the July – November period and also involves activities back in Japan.
TOMODACHI Microsoft iLEAP Social Innovation and Leadership Program 201８
U.S. Trip
From August 1 to 25, 2018, 24 university students and young professionals traveled to Seattle, Washington, for a 4-week intensive leadership training as part of Phase Two of the TOMODACHI-Microsoft iLEAP Social Innovation and Leadership Program 2018. This program consists of three (3) phases. Phase 1 took place in Japan with preparatory activities including an online meeting. Phase 2 was a 4-week intensive leadership training in Seattle. Now, the scholars are back in Japan for Phase 3 of the program, in which individual project implementation occurs in Japan with the support of Microsoft Advisors and a new partner organization, ETIC.. Read More>>
Final Report Session
On November 17, 2018, the final report session of the TOMODADHI-Microsoft iLEAP Social Innovation and Leadership Program 2018 took place at the NPO ETIC. in Tokyo. Participants spent a day, presenting their leanings through the program, as well as the projects they implemented.
The panel discussion began with the Founder and CEO of the NPO ETIC., Haruo Miyagi, emphasizing that the program is a miracle made possible by all of the stakeholders. Seven volunteer Microsoft Advisors also joined as panelists and answered questions earlier collected from the participants. Read More>>
TOMODACHI Microsoft iLEAP Social Innovation and Leadership Program 2017
Summer Program
U.S. Trip
From August 8 – 25, 2017, 18 university students and young professionals traveled to Seattle, Washington, for a three-week intensive leadership training as part of Phase Two of the TOMODACHI-Microsoft iLEAP Social Innovation and Leadership program 2017. This program consists of three phases in total. Prior to the training in Seattle, the participants completed Phase One, which included such preparatory activities as online meetings and a reflection inventory assignment in Japan. In the upcoming Phase Three, program participants will develop and implement a change project in Japan until the end of January 2018. Read More>>
Final Report Session
On February 16, 2018, the final presentations of the TOMODACHI Microsoft iLEAP Social Innovation and Leadership Program 2017 took place at Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd. The presentations were led by the 16 university students and young professionals participating in the program. The group traveled to Seattle, Washington, in August 2017, and at these final presentations, each participant presented on their projects since returning, their learnings from the program, and their future visions. Read More>>
Spring Program
From February 20 – March 24, 2017, 
twenty-five TOMODACHI Microsoft iLEAP Social Innovation and Leadership Program participants visited Seattle, Washington to participate in a four week leadership training program. During the program, the participants had various opportunities to learn about philanthropy, leadership, and entrepreneurship. One of the highlights was a site visit to the headquarters of Microsoft, where the participants learned about Microsoft’s philanthropic vision and received advice on their group projects. After returning to Japan, representatives from among the participants shared their experiences at a debriefing session. Read More>>
TOMODACHI Microsoft iLEAP Social Innovation and Leadership Program 2016
“I was seeking something that changes me but through this program I realized changes happen within me. I feel very empowered and now I have courage to take next steps towards my vision.”
From August 20 to September 17, 2016, twenty five Japanese university students and young professionals that seek an entrepreneurial mindset traveled to Seattle, Washington to participate in an experiential leadership training program. During this TOMODACHI Microsoft iLEAP Social Innovation & Leadership Program, the scholars were divided into group project teams of five members with team mentors, including employees of Microsoft. They worked in their teams and met with prominent businesses in the area and received business mentoring from recognized Japanese American leaders in the Seattle community. Read More>>
