During my Honda Y-E-S Plus experience, I was working with the Mohammed bin Salman Center (MbSC) for Future Science and Technology for Saudi-Japan Vision 2030 at the Technology Management and Innovation Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Tokyo. My work involved working with a research group under Prof. Gento Mogi to study climate tech capital flows against their technology readiness levels to identify promising investment areas that lack private and public funding. 

The whole experience was extremely beautiful and exceeded my expectations. I landed in Tokyo amidst the peak of autumn, and it was a wonder to walk around the Hongo campus amidst the koyo and momiji leaves. The department, including Prof. Mogi and his staff Kogure san, was very warm in providing me a seamless transition and introduction to Japan. Honda Foundation, especially Kosasa san, was also very supportive throughout the process. I also got a chance to meet other Honda awardees as well and attended the Honda Prize Ceremony. visit nearby areas of Okutama, Hakone, and Yokohama during weekends and to Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara during the winter break. 

The end output of the work involved writing an academic paper and submitting a report to the sponsors of the MbSC Center. We also participated in the Japan Society of Energy and Resources in January, and will look forward to applying to more conferences and journals. The experience gave me a huge headstart to pivot into the climate tech space. I build really great friendships and networks which I will cherish.