Event report: UNSW Japan Partnership & Innovation Reception

On 11 September 2025, the UNSW Japan Partnership & Innovation Reception took place at the Australian Embassy in Tokyo, co-hosted with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and planned and managed by Innovation Dojo Japan.

The event marked a significant moment during the visit of Professor Attila Brungs, UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President, and Professor Stephen Rodda, Pro Vice-Chancellor Industry and Innovation, who led the UNSW delegation to Japan. The reception provided a platform to showcase UNSW’s global research and innovation strengths while deepening engagement with Japan’s corporate, academic, and government stakeholders.

With more than 45 participants, the reception reflected strong interest in UNSW’s presence and the growing importance of Australia–Japan collaboration in innovation.

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Shared Visions and Perspectives

• Opening Remarks: H.E. Justin Hayhurst, Australian Ambassador to Japan, welcomed attendees and emphasised the importance of strengthening bilateral innovation ties.
  
  
• Keynote Address: UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Attila Brungs outlined UNSW’s global impact in areas such as energy, sustainability, AI, defence, and biomedical sciences, supported by major national projects and new initiatives like the Health Translation Hub and Barker Street Ventures.

• Industry Spotlight: Dr Eiichi Harada, Senior Executive Fellow of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, presented its vision for a commercial liquefied hydrogen supply chain by 2031, a critical component in Japan’s carbon neutrality and energy security strategy.

• Fireside Chat: Daiji Igarashi (Furukawa Electric Group) and Marisa Watanabe (UNSW Japan Country Manager) discussed the realities of VC, CVC, and corporate collaboration in Japan, and the opportunities for global universities to enter this market.

• Networking Reception: Participants built connections and shared perspectives across diverse sectors strengthening ties between UNSW and Japanese stakeholders across government, academia, and industry.
  

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Strengthening UNSW’s Presence in Japan

The reception successfully advanced UNSW’s objectives in Japan:

• Strategic Engagement: UNSW’s capabilities in key research areas and its commitment to Japan were showcased to influential Japanese decision-makers, reinforcing UNSW’s reputation as a leading global partner.
  
  
• Partnership Opportunities: Discussions with existing key partners, including Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Materials, and others, strengthened relationships, a crucial aspect of Japanese business culture. The event also explored opportunities across UNSW’s key strength areas with new potential partners.
  
  
• Community Building: The event reinforced UNSW’s presence in Japan, with its dedicated country manager, Marisa Watanabe, serving as a central platform for new collaborations in research, technology transfer, and startups. The high level of engagement was evident, with a long queue of both existing partners and new collaborators eager to connect, demonstrating UNSW’s effectiveness in fostering innovation partnerships.

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IDJ’s Role & Looking ahead

The Japan engagement is led by Marisa Watanabe, UNSW’s Country Manager for Japan, who plays a central role in building relationships and driving initiatives forward.

As UNSW’s local partner, Innovation Dojo Japan is pleased to provide on-the-ground support, connecting UNSW’s research and innovation strengths with Japanese corporates, government, and academia.

The reception marked an important step in UNSW’s journey in Japan, opening the door to future projects that bring together research excellence, industry expertise, and shared ambitions for innovation. We look forward to continuing to support this journey, and to strengthening the bridge between Japan and Australia’s innovation ecosystems.

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