Sony Korea Launches IT Education Support for Underprivileged Children with Green Umbrella and Tide Institute for 2026 MESH Initiative

Sony Korea has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Green Umbrella Children’s Foundation and the TIDE Institute to provide advanced IT education opportunities for underprivileged children in South Korea through the ‘2026 Mesh Education Support Project’.

The initiative leverages Sony’s intuitive ‘Mesh’ block, an Internet of Things (IoT) DIY kit designed to enable children to build their own IoT devices without requiring complex coding or programming knowledge. This approach aims to democratize access to cutting-edge technology and foster creativity among young learners.

The program is structured as a project-oriented educational experience, combining hands-on technology training with mentorship to broaden children’s thinking and make learning about advanced technology engaging, and accessible. It builds upon a workshop series that began in 2018 and has previously been delivered under the name ‘Meshmallow Workshop’.

As part of the collaboration, Sony Korea will work with the Green Umbrella Children’s Foundation and the TIDE Institute to deliver the program through local children’s centers, with university student supporters providing guidance to participants. These mentors undergo comprehensive curriculum training before engaging in fieldwork to assist students through tailored courses for different age groups.

Kitajima Yukihiro, CEO of Sony Korea, emphasized the importance of the Mesh Education Support Project as a flagship corporate social responsibility activity, highlighting its role in inspiring the next generation of innovators through accessible technology education.