University's Global Expansion Program sponsored by the Ministry of Education done in Kobe

Innovation Dojo Japan recently organized a domestic program and the "1st Venture Makers Global Conference" as part of an University's Global Expansion Program sponsored by the Ministry of Education. This project is implemented by universities from five countries around the world and is led by Kansai International University. 

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■Date: 14th March 2023 to 24th March , 2023

■Domestic universities: 

Kansai University of International Studies (6 participants) and Kobe Design University (3 participants) 

 ■Overseas universities:  

Western Sydney University (9 participants), University of Delhi (2 participants) University of Keele (2 participants), Vancouver Island University (2 participants).

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The domestic program in Kobe was planned and operated by Innovation Dojo Japan, incorporating elements of the Western Sydney University's Venture Makers entrepreneurship education curriculum combined with Innovation Dojo’s expertise in the area of cross-border innovation and networks across the Japan startup ecosystem. This program aims to develop entrepreneurial skills and know-how that may be used to start a startup or work in an innovative organization.

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Through our unique network, we offered activities to deepen understanding of innovation areas and examples of collaboration with startups by visiting support organizations such as Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster and local companies such as TOA Inc., Shinki Bus co.ltd, and Pasona Inc. In addition, panel discussions and lectures by embassies of each countries, startup entrepreneurs, investors, and other players reflected what is really happening in industry and the startup ecosystem in 2023.

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In addition to the above company visits and lectures, students from Japan and abroad collaborated with each other and actually worked in groups to come up with startup ideas, research markets, competitors, and customer targets and  also prepared pitches, to present them at theVenture Makers Global  Conference on the final day.

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Opening Event in Anchor Kobe

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Air Water Inc., Corporate Visit

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Workshop with TOA Inc.

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Workshop with Shinki Bus co.ltd

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ACALL Inc Corporate visit

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Pasona Inc. Corporate Visit in Awaji Island

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Panel Discussion with Australian Embassy in Japan, British Embassy in Japan, Embassy of Canada in Japan

On March 24th (Fri), Venture Makers Global Conference was held at the ACALL Kobe Headquarters. In addition to program participants, including representatives from partner companies, Kobe City, and students and teachers from other High Schools, approximately 80 people participated in the event.

24 students who participated in the Kobe program gave pitches in six groups, and out of that 3 were selected as the best startups by the judges and received awards.

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From feedback provided by participated students, it was found that this program provided a great opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds to learn and grow together. (Examples of Feedback below)

• The Kobe program has inspired me to use my engineering degree to create my own tech-focused startup in the future. (Cohort #1 program participant, Western Sydney University)
• It has immensely supported me to come out of my comfort zone and work with people across different countries and cultures. I really enjoyed and learned a lot while working with such an intellectual and diverse group. (Cohort #1 program participant,University of Delhi )
• This experience helped me a lot. It was very stimulating to see students with ideas for things that I would never have thought of if I had just lived in Japan. (Cohort #1 program participant, Kansai University of international studies)

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▽Comment from CEO

Besides funding and sales, finding entrepreneurial talent is one of the biggest challenges for startups in Japan - it is difficult to find young people with the tools and know-how of how to solve problems in an entrepreneurial way. Especially with English language capabilities.

Our program is successfully producing people with these qualities, and not only Japanese people with global insights, but also people from India, Canada, the UK and Australia with real interests and insights into Japan's innovation ecosystem

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