What a week for global founders! With the success of our Demo Day and key movements across Asia, the contrast in how nations are approaching the "talent war" has never been clearer. Here’s your concise update from Manabu Hubs:
💡 Japan vs. Taiwan: Who Wins the Global Talent Race?
Returning to Taipei recently amplified a stark difference in attracting high-skilled professionals.
Taiwan's Gold Card: The Employment Gold Card is a model of agility. My own experience getting it in just two weeks shows a system built for speed, flexibility, and trust in high-skilled workers. It truly empowers founders.
Japan's Hurdles: This stands in contrast to the increasingly rigid pathways often faced in Japan.
This agile approach by Taiwan presents a huge opportunity for founders seeking a fast, effective launchpad in Asia.
🇹🇼 Reflections from Hualien & Taipei
Our recent activities in Hualien were focused on innovation, community, and growth:
Meet Pacific Hualien 2025 Recap: The theme, "Gathering the Boat of Innovation to Build a New Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Eastern Taiwan," perfectly captured the spirit. It was remarkable to see Hualien positioned as a strategic hub where industry, technology, and culture converge, fulued by a youth-driven economy.
Read the Full Analysis: [Link to LinkedIn Article on Meet Pacific 2025]
Digi Gold Card Event: In my presentation, I stressed three core principles for success: Be Curious, Be Innovative, and Step Outside Your Comfort Zone. That’s where real growth happens!
🌟 Honored to Judge the 30th InnoServe Awards! 🇹🇼
It was an incredible honor to serve as a judge at the 30th International ICT Innovative Services Awards 2025 in Taipei! A huge congratulations to the team behind IC-12: @Novalith Smart Textile AI System for Continuous Maternal-Fetal Monitoring for their outstanding project in AI, Smart Healthcare, and AIoT. As the Founder & CEO of Manabu Hubs , I noted the absence of Japanese participants. I hope we can bridge this gap to see more amazing Japanese/global projects here next year! Read More..
🏆 Global Demo Day Winner Announcement!
Huge congratulations to Bolzard! Our top-performing startup scored 6.8, based on our judging criteria (Market Potential, Product/Team Strength, and Presentation Quality).
As recognition of their outstanding innovation, Bolzard wins a return flight ticket from Japan to Brisbane City, Australia! ✈️ Sponsored by Tourism Events Queensland. Our government partner.
We thank all participating startups for their hard work and our judges, Stephen and Pablo, for their thoughtful evaluation.
🌏 Global Ecosystem Updates
Osaka Biotech Platform: The Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) runs "DSANJ," a drug discovery platform. Researchers and startups can propose innovations to ~40 pharmaceutical companies and VCs in Japan at the DSANJ Bio Conference (held twice a year).
Australia Debate: Don't miss The Great Victorian Startup Debate hosted by Cremorne Digital Hub & Aussie Founders Club. It's a chance to hear open perspectives on the ecosystem's future.
JETRO Resources: Considering launching in Japan? JETRO provides essential information on the legal system, procedures for incorporation, visa status, and taxation. [Link to JETRO Setup Guide]
🚀 Launchpad is Open: StartupClub Cohort 3
Ready to accelerate your growth across Japan, Taiwan, and Australia? Our highly successful StartupClub Incubator Program is now accepting applications for Cohort 3!
Designed for founders, tech senior digital nomads, and entrepreneurs ready to conquer new markets.
Powerful Program: Access to Demo Day in Fukuoka, RamenTech, Meetup Festival Hualien - Demo! 3 nights accomodation, and much more.
Secure Your Spot: A non-refundable deposit of €500 is required to confirm your slot in our highly curated international cohort.
Apply Here Today: [Link to StartupClub Application]
From the Team at Manabu Hubs and Fukuoka Startup Collective