In a world where technology is rapidly evolving, ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge is crucial. Lenovo, under its vision to deliver “Smarter technology for all,” has been at the forefront of this mission, particularly in Japan, where it partnered with NPO Waffle to support STEM education for middle and high school girls.
Breaking stereotypes and building futures
In Japan, the stereotype that “girls are not suited for STEM or IT fields” remains deeply rooted, preventing many young girls from pursuing careers in technology. This is especially true in rural areas, where access to IT opportunities and role models is limited. Recognizing this challenge, Lenovo has been supporting Technovation Girls since 2020, a program that provides girls and non-binary students with opportunities to engage with IT and develop their skills.
A journey of empowerment
Waffle, founded by Sayaka Tanaka, has been instrumental in promoting Technovation Girls in Japan. Since its establishment as a nonprofit organization in 2022, Waffle has been receiving support from Lenovo. This partnership has enabled Waffle to implement a six-month program where participants develop an app and business plan to solve a social issue. Lenovo’s support includes financial assistance, providing IT devices, employee volunteering for mentorship, and judging at official pitch events
Inspiring stories of success
The impact of this initiative is evident in the stories of the participants. For instance, last year’s Lenovo Award winner, team Majaboot, developed “SmooPe,” a train transfer navigation app for wheelchair users. One of the team members, a wheelchair user, had long felt the challenges of getting on and off trains smoothly. Their app was designed to address this issue, and after completing the program, they decided to pursue a university degree in information technology
Another inspiring story is that of team Spes Dojo, who won the Technology Award for their AI-based origami app, “Oripal.” This app promotes dementia prevention while introducing Japan’s traditional culture, origami, to the world. The team involved elderly users in the development process, incorporating their feedback to refine the app. Despite living in different regions, the team members collaborated online to develop their mobile app
Creating a cycle of empowerment
A cycle of empowerment is emerging, as Technovation Girls alumni return to support younger participants after entering university. Some even work as interns at Waffle, contributing to a growing sisterhood. One such student, who initially had no personal access to a computer, was able to participate in Technovation Girls thanks to free laptop rentals and no-cost learning opportunities. She has since actively joined various competitions and programs and is now studying computer science at university
Quantifying the impact
Since Lenovo’s support began in 2020, a total of 755 students from all 47 prefectures in Japan have participated in Technovation Girls. According to a 2024 participant survey, the percentage of participants who felt confident in their programming skills increased from 13% before participation to 44% after. Additionally, confidence in business development skills rose from 19% before participation to 56% after.
Looking ahead
Lenovo’s commitment to supporting initiatives like Technovation Girls is a testament to its dedication to leveraging access to technology and STEM education for social good. By providing opportunities for middle and high school students across Japan to engage with IT, Lenovo is helping to foster a diverse next generation of leaders who are equipped to solve social issues with technology.
Sayaka Tanaka, founder of Waffle, expressed her gratitude for Lenovo’s support, stating, “This support paved the way for other companies to follow as sponsors. At the time, as an unknown NPO, receiving sponsorship from a major corporation earned us great trust from society, allowing both Waffle and our events to grow significantly”.
As we look ahead, Lenovo remains committed to supporting Waffle and Technovation Girls, ensuring that more young girls have the opportunity to pursue their dreams in STEM fields. Stay tuned for more updates and inspiring stories from Lenovo’s ongoing efforts to drive positive change through technology.
