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Events
Celebrating the 2023-24 Year of the Dojo
Last night we had the last event for the (Japanese financial) year, and it was a celebration of the impact of the work our team, partners, clients and supporters have contributed these last 12 months since April began in 2023. We showcased companies from three of our portfolio initiatives: the Kobe Global Startup Support program with Invest in Kobe , the promotion of R&D and spin-off companies from Australia's leading university for entrepreneurship with UNSW Innovation Community and the first cohort of our Innovation Dojo Japan flagship Biz Dev Japan Accelerator program.
We were grateful to the guests who joined both in person and online, including representatives from large Japanese corporations with a focus on innovation across various sectors such as MUFG , 大塚製薬株式会社 , オムロングループ ,Toyota Tsusho, Daikin Industries, Ltd. , Honda, AstraZeneca Japan and more. We were also joined by friends from venture capital firms like 株式会社バリュークリエイト , Headline - Asia , InterValley Ventures , Incubate Fund , Delight Ventures in addition to university representatives from the venture capital department of 神戸大学 , 京都大学 , Kobe Gakuin University and 関西国際大学 . Foreign and local government affiliated organisations such as JETRO - Japan External Trade Organization , American Chamber of Commerce in Japan and Consulate of Switzerland, Swissnex in Japan were also in attendance.
The audience were first given the opportunity to hear from three very different organisations, global VC firm Antler Japans Ryo Umezawa who spoke about their interactions with large corporations as a foreign VC recently entering the market, Australian R&D powerhouse university, UNSW Japan representative Marisa Watanabe who shared her view on the opportunity for corporations in Japan to collaborate with world leading researchers and Manas Kala who represented a foreigner-founded AI startup company, Veritus recently having established it's office in Kobe city.
Following the panel discussion, the lineup of companies presenting was impressive;
RobCo - a leading German robotics company, that has just raised 39.1M Euros from some of the worlds leading VC firms. RobCo enables SMEs to automate their operations, and solves challenges such as skilled labour shortages, production scalability, and the transition to Industry 4.0. RobCo is looking for partners in Japan to assist with market entry and distribution.
Digital X - provides AIoT technology solutions for health related challenges such as assisted living for the elederly, protected living and energy efficiency. With teams in Australia, Vietnam and Japan, Digital X has worked alongside global governments, smart city associations worldwide, building and construction businesses, and development banks. Digital X has a Kobe city based staff member and is looking to find Japanese corporate and government partners in 2024.
Veritus - utilises AI technology to simplify complicated research and technical documents into language everyone can understand. Based in Kobe, Veritus has been selected by top accelerator programs and successfully closed a capital raising round with Japanese venture capital firms. The team are looking forward to working with academic organisations and corporations in Japan that struggle with complicated and technical documents.
Diraq - Originating in Australia, at the University of New South Wales, Diraq is delivering revolutionary quantum computing technology to the world. The company is world-leading in its field, and recently secured $23 Million in Series A funding. Diraq is looking for Japanese corporate partners interested in world-leading quantum computing research and technology.
LLEAF Greenhouse Film Technology Also originating in the research labs of UNSW in Australia (and with deep links to Western Sydney University), LLEAF engineers sunlight for increased productivity in farming and agriculture to help the world’s crops grow bigger, faster. With a representative based in Kyoto, LLEAF has already raised $3.5M for its future development and received grants and support from various government and university organisations. LLEAF is looking for Japanese corporate partners involved in food production and agriculture to discuss collaboration opportunities.
RobotAI - is an Israel based technology companies, giving robots the ability to see and become capable at tasks that were previously impossible, utilsing AI and 3D vision technology. The company has already worked with several Japanese companies including Denso and counts global motor vehicle company Ford as a client. Robot AI is looking for partners in Japan with robots integrated in the manufacturing process for potential collaboration discussions.
MAOLAC Decoding Nature - is a company born in Israel, which has enabled humans to enjoy the health benefits that replicate those of human breast milk, by identifying and developing new protein products powered by proprietary AI technology. The company has already raised $3.2M to date and is in discussions with major health and medical corporations in Japan. Maolac is looking for Japanese health industry partnerships, to discuss bringing new health benefits to the Japanese market.
Besides the gems from the panel discussion, and the bringing together of large corporations and investors with the amazing tecnology companies described above, we had a brief segment to look back at our journey growing Innovation Dojo in Japan these last 12 months. As the snapshots of some of the slides above and below this paragraph show - we had a massive year, enabled by our team, partners, collaborators and clients. It's hard to imagine up until I was hospital bound for 3 months back in 2021, when all of this was just an idea scribbled down in my messy handwriting before deciding to establish our Japan subsidiary company.
So what will we be focused on in the next 12 months across 2024-25?
1. Global Venture Capital firms
We would love to speak with you if you are a global VC that recognises Japan as a priority market. After a successful Global VC invitation program we managed on behalf of the Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe city governments in January we will have our second program like this in April - this time in partnership with a major Japanese financial instition. Watch this space!
2. Corporations and Financial Institutions
We would love to speak with Japanese or global corporations and financial institutions interested in a new venture capital model that de-risks market entry for cutting edge technology companies, and creates revitalisation mechanisms for the local Japanese economies. It's called Black Belt™ (Corporate Innovation Consulting & Fund) .
3. Global R&D organisations & Universities
We would love to speak with global universities that recognise Japan as a key market for the potential of research, startup and global entrepreneurship based partnerships with corporate Japan.
Thanks for all of your support this (financial) year and I cannot wait for what the next 12 months brings!
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 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:
- Entrepreneurial talent development
- Startup incubation
- 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.
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