Explore exciting job opportunities at Innovation Dojo Japan and become part of a dynamic team dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
Students find success in Japan Ministry of Education backed Global Entrepreneurship Program in Kobe
Innovation Dojo Japan recently delivered a global entrepreneurship program in Kobe, bringing together students from Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom, India, and Canada for an intensive, hands-on learning experience.
As part of an University's Global Expansion Program sponsored by the Ministry of Education, this project is led by Kansai University of International Studies and supported by partner universities across five countries. Now in its fourth year, the program continues to evolve, combining global perspectives with real-world execution.
Program Highlights
1. Turning real challenges into real opportunities
In collaboration with leading companies in Kobe, participants engaged in workshops based on real business challenges.
From day one, students developed an understanding of each company’s business and market environment, identifying user needs, and testing ideas that could realistically work in today’s world. This approach enabled participants to experience the full cycle of problem-solving in a real-world context.

2. Learning by building, not just listening
The program is designed as a journey, taking participants from initial problem discovery all the way to pitching a business concept.
Through a design thinking framework, students worked through:
- Problem Definition
- Ideation
- Business Model Design
- Pitch Development
Supported by workshops, mentoring, and peer collaboration, each team transformed early concepts into structured, presentable businesses.
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3. Cross-cultural collaboration in a global environment
One of the most powerful elements of the program is its diversity. A total of 24 students from the United Kingdom, India, Australia, Canada, and Japan participated in the program, forming multinational teams. Every discussion became a space where different perspectives met, sometimes aligned, sometimes challenged each other, but always pushed ideas further. Navigating language differences, cultural nuances, and contrasting approaches, teams developed not only better solutions, but also the ability to work effectively in global environments.
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4. From ideas to impact
The program concluded with the International Student Entrepreneurship Conference, where each team presented their final pitch. From AI-driven food solutions to next-generation tourism experiences, the ideas reflected both creativity and practicality, shaped by real-world insights and collaboration.
More importantly, participants walked away with something far beyond a pitch deck, a deeper understanding of how to create value in a global context.
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Looking Ahead
At Innovation Dojo Japan, we see entrepreneurship education as more than knowledge transfer. It is about creating environments where people can challenge themselves, collaborate across borders, and build something meaningful.
We will continue to expand and refine programs like this, working closely with universities, companies, and public institutions to develop globally capable talent and contribute to the growth of the startup ecosystem.
If you are interested in participating in future programs, or exploring collaboration opportunities, please feel free to get in touch with us. We would love to hear from you!
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.



