Winter Edition · Current

SEED 2026

Winter Edition · Social Entrepreneurs for Sustainable Development
The SEED 2026 Winter Edition brings together university students from the United States, Colombia, Brazil and Argentina to build real business solutions for Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan — supporting local traditional businesses through six months of hybrid work and a two-week study tour.

Program Overview

SEED (Social Entrepreneurs for Sustainable Development) is GOROM Association’s international social-entrepreneurship program. It connects university students from Latin America, Japan and the United States to develop innovative business solutions for social problems, revitalize the regional economy of Yamanashi Prefecture, and train social entrepreneurs with a global perspective.

From 2026 the program runs in two annual editions — SEED Summer and SEED Winter. This year GOROM Association holds the Winter Edition only: the online phase runs from July to November 2026 and the study tour to Japan takes place from November 29 to December 12, 2026.

This edition gathers 28 students across six partner universities in four countries, six supporting professors, and four intern students from Japan and South Korea — about 38 people in total — organized into four multicultural teams working with local partners in Yamanashi.

At a Glance

28
Students
6
Universities · 4 countries
4
Multicultural teams
6
Months, hybrid
Online Sessions

10 online sessions: Design Thinking and entrepreneurship workshops, market research, and direct communication with Japanese producers.

Study Tour to Japan

One week in Tokyo and one week in Yamanashi: final presentations to producers and authorities, plus embassy and organization visits.

Participating Universities

Six partner universities across four countries, with interns from Japan and South Korea supporting logistics and team coordination.

Florida International University
United States · Miami
FAAP
Brazil · São Paulo
Universidad del Rosario
Colombia · Bogotá
Universidad de los Andes
Colombia · Bogotá
Universidad de Belgrano
Argentina · Buenos Aires
Universidad Austral
Argentina · Buenos Aires

The Four Teams

Each multicultural team works with a local partner and producer in Yamanashi Prefecture. Paste each team’s group photo (with member cards) in the space provided.

The GOROM Team

Staff and interns coordinating SEED 2026
The GOROM Team

The Professors

Supervising and team professors from the partner universities
The Professors

Cultural Center Team

Local culture & community
ProfessorStaci Bernhard (FIU)
SupervisorRicardo Peña
Team LeaderDaniela Solarte Rodríguez
Cultural Center Team

Hanko Team

Traditional Japanese seals
ProfessorVictoria Cerrano (Austral)
SupervisorLuis Ignacio Arguero
Team LeaderTobías Grime Kahan
Hanko Team

Souvenir Business Team

Souvenirs & regional products
ProfessorNelson Mora Murcia (Rosario)
SupervisorRicardo Peña
Team LeaderMariana García Cubides
Souvenir Business Team

Wine Tourism Team

Family vineyards & wine tourism
ProfessorViviane R. Franco de Oliveira (FAAP)
SupervisorLuis Ignacio Arguero
Team LeaderTrinidad Bernardello
Wine Tourism Team

Interested in the SEED Program?

Reach out to learn how your university or students can take part in the next edition.

gorom.association@gmail.com