UWC ISAK Japan is proud to share the launch of the Alumni Action Fund (AAF)—a JPY100 million initiative created to support startups led by UWC ISAK alumni who are taking bold action to solve real-world problems.
While not managed by the school itself, the Fund represents the deep connection between UWC ISAK’s vision and the entrepreneurial spirit of our alumni and founders. It is the result of collaboration between a group of alumni, including B (Vietnam ‘17), Dylan (Philippines ‘17), Shin-ji (Malaysia ‘17), Shota (Japan ‘20), So (Japan ‘20), and Viktor (Slovakia ‘18), alongside several of the school’s founding members. Together, they’ve built a framework that offers not just capital, but mentorship and long-term support.
The Fund’s goal is to support 10-20 companies by 2030. Returns will primarily be reinvested into UWC ISAK’s strategic initiatives—ensuring that alumni-led success continues to fuel future generations of changemakers.n.
A Vision Extended Beyond Graduation
For UWC ISAK Japan Chair, Lin Kobayashi, the Fund represents a natural next step in fulfilling the school’s founding vision.
“Since our founding, UWC ISAK Japan has been dedicated to empowering young people to realize their potential and become catalysts for positive change. The Alumni Action Fund represents an exciting evolution of that vision—supporting our graduates not just as students, but as changemakers in the real world. It’s especially meaningful to see this initiative emerge from within our own alumni and Founder community. With guidance from leading investment experts, the Fund enables us to extend UWC ISAK’s impact far beyond our campus and into the future. I’m incredibly excited to see what our alumni will build—and how they will lead—with this opportunity.”
Alumni Building for Alumni
From its inception, the Fund was designed with alumni at its heart—led by those who understand the UWC ISAK experience and who are committed to paying it forward.
Looking back on the inception of the Alumni Action Fund, Shin-ji shared, “When the idea of the Alumni Action Fund came together, I was excited to be part of something that could take our collective impact to the next level. UWC ISAK has always pushed us to dream big and make a positive difference—and the AAF is such a powerful way for us to carry those values forward and actively live out the mission and purpose of our school.”
So reflected on what inspired him to get involved: “In every conversation I’ve had with the Founders, what struck me wasn’t just what they’ve achieved in their own lives—it was their belief in us. Their passion for supporting students and alumni as we pursue our challenges made me excited to be a part of this fund. The establishment of this fund perfectly aligns with UWC ISAK Japan’s vision to realize our potential and be a catalyst for positive change. I cannot wait for the Alumni Action Fund to help us alumni support each other and create meaningful change in the world.”
Viktor, who played a key role in designing the Fund’s structure, adds: “Launching the Fund was a way of formalizing something we’ve all felt for years—UWC ISAK alumni want to build, and they want to support each other while doing it. This isn’t about chasing unicorns or maximizing returns. It’s about high-trust capital, mentorship, and belief in the power of this community. Seeing Junpei’s startup as our first investment has only reinforced that belief.”
Spotlight: Junpei’s AI Startup
The Fund’s first investment will be made in a startup co-founded by Japanese alum Junpei and three fellow entrepreneurs. Their company, Spark+ is an AI-driven innovation studio helping traditional industries—especially in manufacturing—embrace digital transformation. By developing tailored AI solutions such as large language models and computer vision systems, Spark+ is enabling companies to streamline operations, boost productivity, and stay competitive in an increasingly automated world.
Junpei began developing the concept of Spark+ in 2023 after meeting one of his co-founders after enrolling at the University of Tokyo. Since officially launching the company in 2024, Spark+ has grown rapidly from 4 to 40 members, earning recognition through collaborations with established industry leaders—Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, TDK Corporation, and TOPPAN Inc.—and selection for multiple innovation accelerator programs, including Microsoft for Startups, AWS Activate, and Matsuo Lab Startups®.
“The idea started forming while I was at UWC ISAK,” Junpei explains. “It was a place where I could explore my interests freely while being challenged to think about real-world problems. That mindset stayed with me.”
With support from the Alumni Action Fund, Junpei and his team have been able to accelerate product development and refine their strategy with guidance from experienced mentors.
“Having the support of the Alumni Action Fund means more than just capital—it’s a vote of confidence from people who know where I come from and believe in where I’m going. It’s also deeply motivating to be part of a community that wants to see each other succeed.”
Looking ahead, Junpei hopes Spark+ will play a meaningful role in reshaping how people and businesses interact with technology—and that the Fund will inspire future generations of UWC ISAK alumni to believe in their ideas and act boldly.
The Lasting Impact of UWC ISAK Japan
The launch of the Alumni Action Fund marks a milestone for the UWC ISAK Japan community. It is a reflection of the commitment of the school’s community of Founders and Supporters to lifelong impact and a powerful example of alumni leadership in action. With its first investment already underway, the Fund sets a precedent for what’s possible when shared values, bold vision, and community come together.
List of Founding Supporters/Investors:
- Toru Shimada
- Mamoru Taniya
- Ryo Ohira
- Shusaku Minoda
- Matt Cheng
- Gen Miyazawa
- Tomonori Ito
- Masahiro Koshiba
- Riku Sugie
- Lin Kobayashi
The launch of the Alumni Action Fund marks a milestone for the UWC ISAK Japan community—a testament to the school’s enduring mission of empowering young leaders to create positive change. This initiative has been made possible through the vision and generosity of founding supporters and investors including Toru Shimada, Mamoru Taniya, Ryo Ohira, Shusaku Minoda, Matt Cheng, Gen Miyazawa, Tomonori Ito, Mashiro Koshiba, Riku Sugie, and Lin Kobayashi. Their commitment to lifelong impact and belief in the power of alumni leadership have brought this Fund to life. With its first investment already underway, the Alumni Action Fund sets a bold precedent for what’s possible when shared values and community come together.
