New pathway into Japan’s lucrative food industry for tech startups launched in Kobe

JETRO Kobe, Hyogo prefectural government, Kobe City government, and Innovation Dojo Japan have launched a business matching program Next Kitchen specifically designed for overseas food tech and food industry startups. This is the 3rd year of this program after successful years in 2023 and 2024. This year, the program will be held from 4-7 February 2025 in Kobe, Japan. 

This program offers 1-on-1 business matching, networking, site visits, mentorship, and showcases, providing participants access to over 20 leading Japanese companies, including Osaka Gas, Juchheim, Sumitomo corporation, Nishimoto Wismettac, Future Food Fund, Kobe Bussan, Fujicco, Kanetetsu Delica Foods, The Fukuju brewery, Yaegaki Biotechnology and more.The areas of technology  the participating companies are seeking include

- Factory and storage robotics, automation tech, 

- AI analytics to improve productivity

- Up-cycling food waste, 

- Sustainable packaging and cutlery

- Alternative proteins, dairy, fish etc

- Food freezing and refrigeration tech to extend produce expiry dates

- de-alcoholised beverages

- Energy efficient factories

- Automated cooking robotics

- Processing technology for kelp, seaweed, and beans.

It is a growing trend in Japan that large corporations partner with, invest in and become a customer of food tech and food industry related companies from around the world. With substantial government funding, this is a fantastic opportunity for businesses aiming to enter the Japanese market.

Applications are now open and will close on 31 October 2024!

More information can be found on the website. https://www.nextkitchen-kobe.com/ or contact japan@innovationdojo.com.au