Innovation Dojo Japan Begins Operating "Kobe Global Startup Support" Project for Fourth Term to Promote Innovation in Kobe City

Innovation Dojo Japan LLC (Headquarters: Kobe City; Co-founder & CEO: Joshua Flannery; hereinafter, Innovation Dojo Japan) is pleased to announce that it has been re-contracted by Kobe City to operate the "Kobe Global Startup Support" program (hereinafter, "this project"), which provides business support to foreign entrepreneurs and overseas startup companies, and has commenced this year's support activities. This project is planned and operated by our company to promote innovation within Kobe City by facilitating collaboration between local companies and overseas startups, including conducting surveys of local companies' technology and business needs, fostering momentum, supporting business matching, and organizing events.

In fiscal year Reiwa 7 (2025), based on needs hearings with approximately 40 local companies, we discovered and selected overseas startups, conducted interviews with 72 companies/individuals, and created 18 business matching opportunities. Furthermore, this led to 5 NDA/PoC (Proof of Concept) agreements and trial implementations, and one company successfully established a base in Kobe City, generating concrete results.

Building on these achievements, this year we will further strengthen our understanding of local companies' needs, focusing on needs-driven startup selection and promoting highly accurate matching. Concurrently, we will organize events aimed at promoting collaboration with overseas startups and disseminate information about this project externally to raise its recognition abroad and showcase the appeal of Kobe City. Through these initiatives, we aim to continuously promote innovation creation within the city and revitalize the regional economy, enhancing its competitiveness.

Main Supporters of This Project

・Operating companies with headquarters, branches, or business bases in Kobe City

・Operating companies with bases in the Keihanshin area that contribute to innovation promotion in Kobe City

Our Role in This Project

Leveraging our expertise and global network in supporting collaboration between domestic companies and overseas startups, we will support new business development and business expansion for local companies through international partnerships. Specifically, we will provide services for the following:

(1) Understanding and external communication of local companies' needs

(2) Organizing events to promote collaboration with overseas startups

(3) Discovery and screening of overseas startups

(4) Business matching support

(5) Establishment of an implementation system with Japanese-English bilingual and English-speaking staff

Project Period

Until March 31, Reiwa 9 (2027)

Upcoming Event

Dive into Life Tech Kobe 2026

Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 16:00 - 18:00, Free admission, Online

・Reverse pitches by local companies

・Introduction to Kobe's startup ecosystem

Registration: https://dive-into-lifetech-kobe-2026.peatix.com

Future Outlook

Through various support activities, we will provide opportunities for introducing innovative technologies and services to companies and related organizations in the Keihanshin region, including Kobe City, and indeed throughout Japan, thereby promoting mutual business growth. Taking this project as an opportunity, our company, together with Kobe City, will further contribute to the realization of a diverse startup ecosystem in the Hyogo-Kobe region through strengthened global collaboration.

◾️ To Overseas Startups & Scale-ups

Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are now being accepted from overseas startups and scale-ups considering establishing a presence in Kobe City or entering the Japanese market. Eligible companies are invited to register their interest through the form below as part of the Kobe Global Startup Support program.

▶︎ Submit your EOI here: https://forms.gle/jJ6UaXbJGYVRoUem8

Reference: Company Overview

<Innovation Dojo