The 15th TOMODACHI Boeing Entrepreneurship Seminar Launches

A prototype-centric entrepreneurship program for students in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

The TOMODACHI Initiative (hereafter “TOMODACHI”), a public-private partnership led by the U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Audrey Yamamoto, Representative Director; hereinafter “USJC”) and the U.S. Embassy in Japan will host the 2025 TOMODACHI Boeing Entrepreneurship Seminar in partnership with Boeing Japan, KK from June 2025 to March 2026. The program, targeting students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields, will consist of skills-building “prep seminars” followed by a multiple-day “hackathon” where students will develop digital solutions in teams. Applications for student participation in the hackathon will be accepted through Thursday, July 31, 2025.

 

The TOMODACHI Boeing Entrepreneurship Seminar 2025 is a program designed to empower the next generation of Japanese high school, technical college (Kosen), vocational school, junior college, university, and graduate students with innovation and leadership skills. Implemented by General Incorporated Association Code for Japan, the 2025 seminar, marking the program’s 15th year, will focus on building opportunities for Japanese students in STEM to advance and apply their skills in a global context. Participants will gain practical learning experiences by developing essential skills in project planning, team-based design and development, and other processes crucial for real-world problem solving. The program includes expert-led seminars, interactive workshops, networking opportunities with STEM-related research institutions and companies, and opportunities to expand their global perspectives through support from Boeing. 

 

Audrey Yamamoto, Representative Director of USJC, stated as follows: “We hope that through this program, participants will be inspired by diverse perspectives, believe in their own potential, and take on the challenges of shaping the future. In particular, I hope the program experience will help them leverage the knowledge and skills cultivated in STEM fields to bring entrepreneurial ideas to life and drive positive societal change. Through the TOMODACHI Initiative, USJC remains committed to empowering passionate young individuals to take their first steps and supporting their journey to become globally-minded leaders.”

 

Alisa Schackmann, the chief of staff and sustainability lead at Boeing Japan, says as follows. “It’s our hope that this program provides the opportunity for students across Japan – not just in major cities – to learn from globally minded experts and to build the tools and cross-border networks that they need to bring their innovative ideas to life. Through partnership with Code for Japan, we are excited to see not only the products that come to life, but also a growth in confidence and capacity of the Japanese participants to share their talent with the world.”

 

Application Information:
For details and to apply, please visit the link.

 

Eligibility:
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be currently enrolled in a high school, technical college (Kosen), vocational school, junior college, university, or graduate school. (*Working professionals who are also students are not eligible.)
• Have an interest in cultivating entrepreneurship, applying ideas to real-world contexts, and using their skills to solve problems
• Be studying in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. (*Prior experience is not required. Applicants who are willing to learn and participate in team-based development are welcome. Coding or design skill level at the time of application will not be a selection factor.)
• Have an interest in Japanese and U.S. cultures and be motivated to contribute to the long-term development of U.S.-Japan relations. (*Applicants must hold Japanese citizenship or permanent resident status in Japan.)
• Be able to actively participate in a program conducted primarily in Japanese.
• Be willing to conduct a presentation in English at the final event scheduled for December 2025. (*English proficiency is not a requirement for selection.)
• Be available to participate in all program activities through February 2026. 
• Have access to a suitable device and a stable internet connection to use essential online tools, such as Zoom and Google Drive.

 

Program Schedule:

• Preparatory Seminars: Sunday, June 22, 2025; Saturday, July 5, 2025; and Saturday, July 12, 2025 
• Hackathon Application Deadline: Thursday, July 31, 2025 23:59 (JST)
• Hackathon: Friday, September 26 to Sunday, September 28, 2025 (planned for 3 days, 2 nights)
• Final Presentation Session: December 2025 (Tentative) (Selection for the U.S. Study Program will be based on team project activities undertaken from the Hackathon through to this final session).
• U.S. Study Program for Selected Participants: February or March 2026 (Final dates will be determined in consultation with the selected participants.)

 

Program Management: 

• Organized by: The U.S.-Japan Council (Japan)
• Sponsored by: Boeing Japan, KK
• Implemented by: Code for Japan

About the TOMODACHI Initiative 
The TOMODACHI Initiative is a public-private partnership between the U.S.-Japan Council and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, with support from the Government of Japan. Born out of support for Japan’s recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, TOMODACHI invests in the next generation of Japanese and American leaders through educational and cultural exchanges as well as leadership programs. The initiative seeks to foster a “TOMODACHI Generation” of young American and Japanese leaders who are committed to and engaged in strengthening U.S.-Japan relations, appreciate each other’s countries and cultures, and possess the global skills and mindsets needed to contribute to and thrive in a more cooperative, prosperous, and secure world.  Visit us at www.tomodachi.org