Why the Minerva Project x Avinton Japan Forum Matters in 2026
As Generative AI reshapes the value of “knowledge,” the ability to think critically and solve complex problems has become the most essential skill for the future.
Avinton Japan, in partnership with the Minerva Project—renowned for creating the “Most Innovative University in the World”—is proud to announce an exclusive interactive forum. This event will introduce Minerva’s “Thinking OS” and explore how to implement this foundational layer of thinking into Japanese education and human resource development.
1. Event Concept: Updating the
The core theme of this forum is the shift “from acquiring knowledge to mastering the ‘Thinking OS’.”
- The “Thinking OS”: Just as an operating system drives applications, a “Thinking OS” is the foundational cognitive framework required to process information and navigate uncertainty. Minerva defines this through “Habits of Mind” and “Foundational Concepts” (HCs)—skills such as critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and effective communication .
- Science of Learning: The forum itself is designed as a live Minerva learning experience. Grounded in over 40 decades of research in the science of learning, the program mirrors Minerva’s classroom: highly interactive, discussion-driven, and focused on transferring learning to real-world contexts .
- Implementation in Japan: Avinton Japan aims to bridge this theory with practice. Through initiatives like “Avinton Academy on Campus,” Avinton has been implementing these concepts in technical fields. This forum will explore how to further scale this “OS” within Japanese high schools, universities, and corporate environments.
2. Event Details
This is an invitation-only forum designed for leaders in education to engage in deep dialogue, not just passive listening.
- Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
- Time: 15:00 – 18:00 (followed by a reception)
- Venue: The University of Tokyo
- Participants: University Presidents, Deans, High School Principals, and Senior Education Leaders
Agenda Highlights
- 15:00 Welcome & Hook: Framing the global challenge and Japan’s unique opportunity .
- 15:10 Keynote Session: A visionary address by Ben Nelson (Founder & CEO, Minerva Project) on why traditional models no longer suffice .
- 15:50 Breakout Sessions:
- University Leaders Track: Designing bespoke innovation programs and system-wide solutions .
- High School Leaders Track: Introduction to the Minerva Baccalaureate (MBacc) and its holistic model for partner schools .
- 16:45 Closing & Call to Action: Invitation to join the inaugural 2026 cohort of partner institutions .
3. Voice of the Organizers
Ben Nelson
Founder and CEO, Minerva Project / Founder, Minerva University
“Traditional education models no longer suffice.”
Ben Nelson is a visionary dedicated to reinventing higher education. He established Minerva in 2011 with the goal of nurturing “critical wisdom” through a systematic and evidence-based approach to learning . Under his leadership, Minerva University has been named the #1 most innovative university in the world for four consecutive years . His mission is to share this unique approach with like-minded institutions worldwide to accelerate educational transformation .
Sachiko Nakase
Representative Director, Avinton Japan
“In the AI era, we must move beyond ‘how to use technology’ to ‘how to formulate the right questions’.”
At Avinton Japan, we witness firsthand that technical skills alone are not enough in the field. The ability to break down complex problems and make decisions without clear answers—the “Thinking OS”—is critical. Through our “Avinton Academy on Campus,” we have been working to install this OS into the Japanese education system. We are thrilled to partner with Minerva to bring this world-class methodology to Japan and co-create the future of learning with you.
Related Links
▼ Minerva University
https://www.minerva.edu/
▼About Avinton Academt on Campus
https://avinton.com/academy-on-campus/
▼Full Event Summary in Japanese
https://avinton.com/blog/2026/01/minerva-thinking-os-forum-japan-2026/
