Innovation Dojo

Application open for the BIZDEV JAPAN ACCELERATOR!

▶︎PROGRAM

Welcome to the “BIZDEV JAPAN ACCELERATOR” run by Innovation Dojo Japan - where ordinary people make extraordinary impacts. We specialize in Japan targeted Business Development, Startup Development (including market entry) and Talent Development via partnerships with Japanese universities. 

 Our mission in this program is to solve important problems in Japan by fostering strategic partnerships between world-class overseas startups and Japanese companies, driving their growth and supporting their mutual business success. Our primary objectives include enabling tangible results and meaningful impact by these collaborations between participating startups and our Japanese corporate networks.

Our accelerator program will provide unique opportunities, including online group mentoring specifically for Business Development in Japan, personalized 1-on-1 mentoring sessions, and targeted business matching activities to connect startups with the right collaborators. Thematically, our first cohort will focus on Maritime-tech, Agriculture, Food and beverages,  and we're set to select six innovative startups from our applicants across these areas. 

▶︎KEY benefits

▶︎Focus area

Maritime-tech
  • Research and development of autonomous vessels, smart port infrastructure, and environmentally friendly shipping solutions to align with global sustainability goals.
  • Technologies related to shipping, port management, and maritime logistics.
  • Efficient transportation systems, advanced navigation technologies, or sustainable shipping practices.
  • Construction and maintenance of maritime infrastructure, such as ports and shipyards.
Agriculture
  • Technologies that promote sustainable agriculture across the entire supply chain. This includes advancements in cultivation techniques, soil health management, and eco-friendly pest control methods.
  • Technologies that embrace precision farming and robotics in agriculture that will significantly enhance productivity. Solutions that utilize automation, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to optimize farming processes, reduce resource usage, and improve crop yields.
  • Innovations in smart farming, including sensor technologies, IoT devices, and data-driven decision-making tools, contributing to resource efficiency, crop monitoring, and overall farm management.
Food and Beverages
  • Technologies that improve the quality of local produce while promoting sustainable practices in food production are crucial. This includes advancements in farming practices, food processing, and supply chain management.
  • Innovations that contribute to the development of food and beverage products promoting well-being and health. This encompasses ingredients, processing methods, and product formulations designed to enhance nutritional value and consumer health.
  • Technologies contributing to the development of high-quality, nutritionally balanced pet food products.
  • Technologies related to alternative meat products, such as plant-based or cultured meat. Solutions that offer sustainable and ethical alternatives to traditional meat production, catering to the growing demand for plant-based and lab-grown protein sources.

▶︎Entry criteria

  • Startup Stage: Series A or equivalent and beyond
  • Industry Sector: As per themes above.
  • Product/Service Innovation: Startups applying should offer a product or service that demonstrates innovation and delivers new value to the market.
  • Japan Market Expansion: We welcome startups with a strategic interest in expanding or considering expansion into the Japanese market.
  • Language Proficiency: As the program will be conducted in English, applicants must have proficient communication skills in English. While Japanese language skills are not mandatory, a willingness to engage with the local market is encouraged.
  • Commitment to Participation: Successful applicants should be committed to attending program meetings and the final Startup Showcase, ensuring active involvement and contribution throughout the accelerator duration.

▶︎Program schedule

▶︎Selection Process

Application Submission:

Startups are invited to submit  their business concept, team details, and the potential impact of their innovation and ideal partner/customer details through the application form. Applications must be submitted by the specified deadline, January 31st.

Final Selection:

By Feb 2nd, the final cohort of six participating startups will be announced. Those selected will demonstrate a strong fit with the program's objectives and a high potential for success in the Japanese market.

▶︎APPLY HERE (Deadline: Jan 31st)

https://forms.gle/qZHyFmGHbBnYnFz27

Position Title

Junior Position / Project Coordinator

Purpose of the Role

Innovation Dojo Japan LLC is a globally focused innovation support company with team members based across Kansai (Kyoto–Osaka–Kobe region), Tokyo, and Sydney, Australia.

With the goal of developing and supplying the most diversity-focused talent and technology ecosystem in Japan, we operate through a highly diverse team across the following three areas:

  • Entrepreneurial talent development through joint programs with domestic and international universities
  • Startup community management and support for foreign companies entering Japan in collaboration with government agencies
  • Business development and fundraising support services through extensive networks with corporations, venture capital firms, and other stakeholders

To support operations at our Kobe base and across Japan, we are seeking a coordinator who can provide cross-functional support across multiple projects. Working closely with the CEO, directors, and project managers, this role will help manage multiple parallel projects and serve as a core position supporting the company’s growth.

Responsibilities and Duties

In both Japanese and English, the successful candidate will work with internal stakeholders such as the CEO, directors, and managers to support and operate multiple projects, including:

  • General project management support
  • Project coordination through communication with clients
  • Document preparation and deliverables under team guidance
  • Assisting with coordination among staff and other stakeholders
  • Email correspondence, presentation/report preparation, and data entry
  • Scheduling and coordinating meetings
  • Language support/translation as required
  • Event and program operation support
  • PR and promotional activities via social media and email
  • Scheduling and logistical coordination for speakers and stakeholders
  • Operational support across Kobe and the Kansai region (mainly Kyoto–Osaka–Kobe)
  • Back-office support including office operations and document shipping
  • Coordination with external specialists as required
  • Proactively proposing and implementing operational efficiency improvements upon approval

Location, Compensation, and Benefits

Work Location

Kobe office (Chuo-ku, Kobe) or remote work

Working Hours

Assumed 40 hours per week

Salary

Determined based on experience and skills
Monthly salary range: JPY 280,000–380,000

Holidays and Leave

  • Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays
  • Summer holidays
  • New Year holidays
  • Annual paid leave

Benefits

  • Employment insurance
  • Workers’ compensation insurance
  • Employee pension insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Transportation allowance

Employment Type

Full-time employee with probation period (3 months)

Required Skills, Experience, and Qualifications

Required

  • Native-level Japanese and conversational English ability
  • Approximately 2–5 years of professional work experience

Preferred

  • Interest in building a career in the innovation and technology industry
  • Interest in working with international colleagues and clients
  • Experience in project coordination or administrative support (industry not specified)
  • TOEIC score of 800 or equivalent English proficiency
  • Basic PC skills (Microsoft 365 / Google Workspace)

Position Title

Project Assistant (Assigned to Individual Projects)

Purpose of the Role

Innovation Dojo Japan LLC is a globally focused innovation support company with team members based across Kansai (Kyoto–Osaka–Kobe region), Tokyo, and Sydney, Australia.

With the goal of developing and supplying the most diversity-focused talent and technology ecosystem in Japan, we operate through a highly diverse team across the following three areas:

  • Entrepreneurial talent development through joint programs with domestic and international universities
  • Startup community management and support for foreign companies entering Japan in collaboration with government agencies
  • Business development and fundraising support services through extensive networks with corporations, venture capital firms, and other stakeholders

We are seeking assistants to support the practical operations of specific projects (entrepreneurship development programs, startup incubation, business development and fundraising support, etc.) while working closely with designated project managers. This role is intended primarily for project-based outsourcing or part-time arrangements, with flexibility depending on the applicant’s expertise and availability.

Responsibilities and Duties

Under the direction of the assigned project manager, the successful candidate will support the following tasks related to their assigned project:

  • Project progress management
  • Schedule coordination, meeting minutes, and task management
  • Document and design preparation
  • Communication with clients, participating companies, and mentors
  • Email correspondence and data entry/organization
  • Language support/translation as required
  • Event and workshop operation support (online/offline)
  • Scheduling and logistical arrangements for speakers and participants
  • Assistance with PR and promotional activities via social media and email

Location, Compensation, and Working Conditions

Work Location

Primarily remote work (attendance at events in the Kansai region may be required)
Preferably based in Kobe City or Hyogo Prefecture

Working Hours

Approx. 2–4 days per week / 4–8 hours per day depending on project requirements

Compensation

Hourly wage: JPY 1,400–2,000
(Determined based on experience and skills)

Contract Type

Independent contractor agreement or part-time employment (negotiable)

Contract Period

Until project completion (minimum 3 months, renewable)

Other

Remote communication will primarily use online tools such as Zoom, Slack, and Google Workspace.

Required Skills, Experience, and Qualifications

Required

  • Native-level Japanese and conversational English ability
  • Practical experience in project coordination and operations
    (Any industry; may include administrative or management-related work but is not limited to those areas)

Preferred

  • Interest in building a career in the innovation and technology industry
  • Interest in working with international colleagues and clients
  • Comfortable using online tools such as Zoom, Slack, and Google Workspace

Position Title

Long-Term Intern

Purpose of the Role

Innovation Dojo Japan LLC is a globally focused innovation support company with team members based across Kansai (Kyoto–Osaka–Kobe region), Tokyo, and Sydney, Australia.

With the goal of developing and supplying the most diversity-focused talent and technology ecosystem in Japan, we operate through a highly diverse team across the following three areas:

  • Entrepreneurial talent development through joint programs with domestic and international universities
  • Startup community management and support for foreign companies entering Japan in collaboration with government agencies
  • Business development and fundraising support services through extensive networks with corporations, venture capital firms, and other stakeholders

We are seeking long-term interns who can contribute to our business operations while learning directly through hands-on experience. Rather than performing only routine administrative work, interns will participate in projects from the same perspective as employees, including research, document creation, event operations, and client support. This role offers valuable practical experience for students with strong interests in startups and global business.

Responsibilities and Duties

Under the guidance of assigned staff members, interns will support one or more of the following tasks in Japanese (and English where required):

  • General project management support
  • Research (overseas startups, industry trends, client company background research)
  • Assistance with preparing materials, meeting minutes, and reports
  • Event and program operation support
  • Support for workshops and pitch events
  • Assistance with PR and promotional activities via social media and email
  • Article writing
  • Event reports and interviews
  • Proactively proposing and implementing operational efficiency improvements upon approval

Location, Compensation, and Working Conditions

Work Location

Primarily remote work (attendance at events in the Kansai region may be required)

Working Hours

Minimum 3 hours per day / minimum 2 days per week during weekdays between 10:00–18:00

Hourly Wage

JPY 1,200–1,400 per hour
(Negotiable depending on experience and skills)

Transportation

Full transportation reimbursement

Contract Type and Period

Paid internship (part-time/casual employment)
Minimum employment period: 3 months
(1-month probation period applies)

Start Date

Flexible / rolling basis

Required Skills, Experience, and Qualifications

Required

  • Currently enrolled in a university or graduate school
    (No restrictions on year level or major)
  • Conversational English ability
    (Reading/writing skills preferred)
  • Motivated to learn proactively and take initiative

Preferred

  • Native-level Japanese (not mandatory)
  • Strong interest in innovation, technology, startups, and international business
  • Interest in working with international colleagues and clients
  • Basic PC skills (Microsoft 365 / Google Workspace)

Application Method and Application Period (Common to All Positions)

If you are interested in any of the above positions, please send your resume and a brief self-introduction to the contact person below:

Recruitment manager  japan@innovationdojo.com.au

Please include the position title in the email subject line
(example: “Application – Junior Position”).

Application deadline: July 15, 2026

We look forward to receiving your application.

Company Overview

Company Name

Innovation Dojo Japan LLC

Representative

Co-Founder & CEO: Joshua Flannery (Executive Officer)

Established

2021 (July 5, Reiwa 3)

Listing Status

Unlisted

Business Activities

Services business (entrepreneurship development and innovation support)

Address

4-1-14 Isogami-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture
(Sannomiya Sky Building, 120 WORKPLACE KOBE)

Website

Innovation Dojo

Innovation Dojo Japan was founded in Sydney, Australia in 2016 with the mission:

“Where ordinary people make extraordinary impacts.”

Since its establishment, the company has built experience and expertise around three core pillars:

  1. Entrepreneurial talent development
  2. Startup incubation
  3. Business development and fundraising support related to innovation

Moving forward, together with our mission and vision, we will continue leveraging our global connections to contribute to the growth and development of entrepreneurship and innovation.

Application open for the BIZDEV JAPAN ACCELERATOR!
Innovation Dojo

Innovation Dojo Japan is where ordinary people make extraordinary impacts. Founded in 2016, we have developed experience and know-how across three key areas: entrepreneurial talent development, startup incubation and services supporting innovation-related business development and capital raising. 

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