Innovation Dojo

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. 

■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).

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.

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.

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.

Opening Event in Anchor Kobe

Air Water Inc., Corporate Visit

Workshop with TOA Inc.

Workshop with Shinki Bus co.ltd

ACALL Inc Corporate visit

Pasona Inc. Corporate Visit in Awaji Island

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.

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)

▽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

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.

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