mymizu Co-founder recognised by MIT Technology Review’s “Innovators Under 35 Japan” awards
Robin Lewis, Co-founder and Representative Director of Social Innovation Japan - the organisation behind mymizu - has been selected among a handful of young entrepreneurs, humanitarians and inventors in MIT Technology Review’s inaugural “Innovators Under 35 Japan” awards.
Since 1999, MIT Technology Review has been recognising the most talented young innovators and entrepreneurs globally who are using science and technology to solve the problems affecting today's society. The awards span a wide range of fields, including biotechnology, energy, transportation, communications, and the Internet, and previous awardees include Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg and Google’s Sergey Brin.
This year, the publication hosted its first Under-35 awards in Japan, to highlight some of the important steps being taken by Japanese innovators to solve real-world problems.
“I am humbled to be selected amongst such brilliant people who are pushing the boundaries of what is possible. At Social Innovation Japan, we are fully committed to combining the power of community and social movements with technology to create long-lasting change, and will continue to forge ahead with our partners towards a brighter future,” comments Lewis.
In 2019, Social Innovation Japan launched mymizu, an award-winning platform that tackles plastic waste at the source through a unique blend of crowdsourcing data, digital storytelling and community building. In less than 18 months, the platform has gained users across 45 countries, brought in partners from across sectors and industries, saved hundreds of thousands of single-use plastic bottles, and built a significant movement for sustainable living.
A recent milestone has been the launch of the ‘mymizu Challenge’ - a service to enable companies, educational institutions and other organisations to make a tangible environmental impact while teambuilding and engaging in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Challenge involves teams engaging in a friendly competition to reduce as many single-use plastic bottles as possible, while learning about sustainability in a fun and interactive way.
Social Innovation Japan, through mymizu and its wider capacity building and educational programs, will continue to promote TechForGood initiatives across Japan and support those individuals working at the intersection between technology and social change.
About Social Innovation Japan
Social Innovation Japan, selected by Nikkei in its prestigious list of ‘100 businesses creating the future of Japan’, is a community of problem-solvers, thinkers, and doers. Since 2017, the organisation has worked with some of the world’s leading brands, entrepreneurs, local governments and nonprofits to drive positive change; from running experiential education programs and building a diverse community of change makers, to creating award-winning products and services that tackle real-world problems. Together, we’re creating a movement for change from Japan, with the rest of the world.
Website: www.socialinnovationjapan.com
About mymizu
mymizu is a multiple-award-winning initiative to tackle plastic waste. The mymizu app connects people to 200,000 free water refill stations (water fountains and partner cafes, shops, hotels) globally. Using mymizu, it’s possible to refill your water bottle anywhere – it’s good for the planet, the body and the wallet! Furthermore, mymizu provides creative educational experiences, consultancy services and lifestyle products — building a movement towards a world where sustainable living is easy and fun!
Website: www.mymizu.co
The mymizu app is internationally available for download on iOS and Android.
About Robin Takashi Lewis
Robin is a social entrepreneur based in Japan with over 10 years’ experience working with social enterprises, NGOs and inter-governmental organisations across 20+ countries. He is a Board Member of Shibuya QWS (one of Japan’s leading innovation hubs), a Board Member of not-for-profit organisation Youth4Nature, and a TED x Speaker. He graduated with a M.A. in International Business from the University of Edinburgh, UK.
About MIT Technology Review
MIT Technology Review is a world-renowned independent media company whose insight, analysis, reviews, interviews, and live events explain the commercial, social, and political impact of new technologies. It derives its authority from the world's foremost technology institution and from its editors' deep technical knowledge, capacity to see technologies in their broadest context, and unequaled access to leading innovators and researchers. The company’'s mission is to make technology a greater force for good by bringing about better-informed, more conscious technology decisions through authoritative, influential, and trustworthy journalism.
---
For media or partnership enquiries please contact:
Reiko Suzuki (media@mymizu.co)
一般社団法人Social Innovation Japan
〒151-0062 Tokyo, Shibuya-ku, Motoyoyogicho, 4-5-3C
