Yes, as a startup support program of Kobe City, all services are provided free of charge.

There is no specific number of hours to commit. You can participate at your own pace according to your needs and schedule.

If you are an overseas startup, you need to have a base in Japan or at least be seriously considering it. Mentoring itself can be conducted online, so there is no need to travel to Japan or Kobe from overseas or other cities.

A mentor is a person who listens to your business progress and challenges, and gives you advice and hints that may help you solve your problems based on his or her experience and expertise. Depending on your needs, you may be matched with more than one mentor.

The mentor's opinion is only one of the data points for your consideration and is not responsible for your decision or its consequences.

All types of startups are eligible to participate, regardless of stage, domain/theme, location of headquarters, etc. However, if you are an overseas startup, you need to have a base in Japan or at least be seriously considering it.

All you need to do is agree to the pledge and terms of use when registering for the Kobe Startup Hub, and add your startup information to start getting mentored.

Startups are accepted at any time, but the conditions of support and some details may change after the end of March 2022.

The support services provided through the Kobe Startup Hub and the Global Mentorship Program* are all available free of charge as part of the Kobe City Startup Support Program.

However, this does not apply to products and services provided by people and companies you meet through this platform or program, for which you sign a separate contract at your own risk. For example, contracts with lawyers, scriveners, etc. are included in this category.　

*Global Mentorship Program: A free mentoring program provided by Innovation Dojo Japan on behalf of Kobe City through Kobe Startup Hub. The community manager will connect you with a mentor who is active in Japan and abroad.

The support services provided through Kobe Startup Hub and the Global Mentorship Program are based on the premise that information will be disclosed to the extent that there is no need to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Therefore, as a general rule, please do not share any potentially proprietary or confidential information with the community manager, mentors, or any other parties you meet through the community or the program.

However, if you wish to be treated as an exception to this rule, such as in the case of deep tech or later-stage startups, we encourage you to consult with us on a case-by-case basis. In addition, in order to ensure effective matching, the Community Manager may share materials and other information provided in advance by startups with outside mentors and companies.

All types of startups are eligible to participate, regardless of stage, domain/theme, location of headquarters, etc. However, if you are an overseas startup, you need to have a base in Japan or at least be seriously considering it..

All you need to do is agree to the pledge and terms of use when registering for the Kobe Startup Hub, and add your startup information to start getting mentored. .

Startups are accepted at any time, but the conditions of support and some details may change after the end of March 2022.

The Kobe Startup Hub and Global Mentorship Program are platforms and programs owned by the City of Kobe.
Innovation Dojo Japan LLC has been entrusted with the management of these two projects and plays the role of Community Manager and concierge.