TIF Demo Day Winter 2023: A Showcase of Transformative Education
Founded by Scott Smoler and Kai Childs, The Innovation Fellowship (TIF) is a new international high school for students who want to become successful in life by doing work that is meaningful to them. On December 2nd, 2023, TIF held their first Demo Day in Tokyo, providing us an opportunity to see their innovative approach and to watch the students showcase the projects that they were working on.
Hosted on their campus at the Plug and Play Innovation Center in Shibuya with the gathering of students, parents, and the general public, TIF Demo Day event showcased the incredible progress TIF students made in just three months. For example, one of the students built a DIY AI voice assistant called Alex, while the other created an online platform named Entity, designated for showcasing and promoting short films exclusively. Another student developed a website designed to assist drone users in navigating regulations and selecting suitable models. Other ideas presented in the event included a city information blog tailored for teenagers named Teengirl, and an app specifically designed to aid students in finding collaboration partners called Kinship. The projects demonstrated exceptionally well-researched and developed presentations by the students of the program.
TIF Demo Day Winter 2023 Highlights
TIF challenges the conventional "one-size-fits-all" model by offering a personalized curriculum tailored to each student's interests and driven by real-world projects. This departure from standardized education allows students to explore their passions and stay engaged throughout the school day. Additionally, the students are empowered to create greater impact in the society, as their purpose-driven interests will enhance their motivation to be innovative and become exceptional in their fields.
“If you can wake up everyday and do what you care about, with people you like, what you are good at, what you could be paid for, and what adds value to the world, that’s a great life” - said Scott Smoler, summarizing the five pillars that make up the guiding mission of TIF.
A Launching Pad with Holistic Guidance
Mao Sano, an attendant at the event commented: “I was impressed by how confident and happy all the students seemed to be speaking.” Another commenter, Mark Bivens, Managing Partner at Shizen Capital, shared his thought through his LinkedIn that witnessing TIF students has reinforced his optimism for the future, and congratulated the team on the success of the event.
TIF's dynamic academic curriculum also ensures that students are covering all of the essential subjects for college, personalized to their goals. Graduates leave with a standout portfolio, a comprehensive transcript, self-awareness, and entrepreneurship skills – essential components for college admissions and life success.
Watch TIF Demo Day Winter 2023 [Full Event]
Empowering the Next Generation for Life Success
The TIF Demo Day Winter 2023 provided us with a comprehensive overview of The Innovation Fellowship's unique educational model. By focusing on personalized guidance, project-based learning, and effective mentorship, TIF aims to support student’s success in their future pursuit. The emphasis on college readiness, coupled with the development of a well-rounded skill set, positions TIF as a trailblazer in shaping students not only academically but also for a successful and meaningful life beyond school.
The Innovation Fellowship accepts applications on a rolling basis. Interested individuals can reach out to jointhefellowship@innovationfellowship.org or visit their website: https://www.innovationfellowship.org/ for more information.
TIF's commitment to impact extends beyond the classroom through its collaboration with industrial experts and leading partners across different sectors, including Social Impact Lab Japan (SILJ). At SILJ, we incubate, accelerate, invest and support impact entrepreneurs locally and globally. With partnerships across 60+ Japanese institutions, +500 events, and a focus on social entrepreneurship and UN Sustainable Development Goals, SILJ strives to act as a force of inspiration for people to change the world into a better place.
Photos and Videos Credits: The Innovation Fellowship, 2024