Two Weeks of Innovation, Culture, and Connection

Sustainability in Australia This September, students from Japan’s Kansai region travelled to Sydney to take part in the Venture Makers Global Exchange […]

Sana Singh

October 24, 2025

Uncategorised

4 min read

Sustainability in Australia

This September, students from Japan’s Kansai region travelled to Sydney to take part in the Venture Makers Global Exchange Program (VMGEP) — a two-week entrepreneurial experience designed to spark creativity, cross-cultural collaboration, and global perspectives on sustainability.

This year’s theme centred on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Each team selected an SDG that resonated with them, explored the real-world problems within it, and developed a startup idea to address those challenges.

Throughout the program, students were immersed in how Australia approaches sustainability and innovation, visiting Western Sydney University’s cutting-edge facilities and meeting experts who are shaping the future.

At Factory of the Future they got introduced to what manufacturing will look like in the coming decades. The session also included a 3D printing workshop where students could bring their ideas to life — and a even got a chance to test out the flight simulator!

Students toured the Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility (AMRF) with learning how the emerging City of Bradfield is being designed with sustainability at its core.

Ahh Jungwoon (Alex) shared, “The most exciting thing for me was hiking at the Blue Mountains and seeing how energy efficient the AMRF building was.” These experiences not only showcased Australia’s natural beauty but also its commitment to environmental innovation.

A Trial Startup Course

At the heart of the program was a daily series of entrepreneurship workshops, led by Western Sydney University’s very own Carla Diaz-Wadewitz. These sessions guided students through the full innovation journey — from identifying a problem to designing and pitching a startup.

Guest facilitators and partners brought diverse perspectives to the classroom.

Matthew Lahoud demonstrated the power of AI through his work with SEED AI, helping students see how emerging technologies can accelerate sustainability.

Brad introduced students to Australia’s First Nations peoples and their deep connection to the land

The team also visited UTS Startups, gaining insights into Sydney’s thriving tech ecosystem and touring its collaborative co-working spaces.

Si Berg, Launch Pad’s Entrepreneur in Residence, helped the students craft compelling startup narratives in an inspiring storytelling session

Beyond the workshops, students attended a networking event with members of the Australian Japanese Society, allowing students to connect with Japanese expats and professionals living in Australia — a highlight for many. “The most memorable moment for me was the industry networking event with AJS,” shared Kou. “The guest speakers with Japanese backgrounds encouraged me by reminding me that it’s okay to start from scratch.”

Growing and Expanding Their Perspectives

For many students, this was their first time visiting Australia. They came from different academic backgrounds but shared a passion for learning English and entrepreneurship. To make their experience even more welcoming, several Western Sydney University students joined the sessions as cultural and conversational partners. Their presence helped bridge the language gap and created an atmosphere of collaboration and friendship.

Outside the classroom, students experienced Sydney’s vibrant cultural mix:

“I was impressed by Australia’s multicultural society. There were more foreigners and international restaurants than in Kobe. That was very impactful for me.”

Kanami

I learnt that meeting people and making connections is important if you want to start a business

Yuyu

“The program gave me the drive to move forward and gave me confidence. I hope to keep this mindset moving forward”

Alex

The Final Pitches

The program concluded with a startup showcase, where teams presented their ideas in front of mentors and peers. Their solutions were creative, socially conscious, and deeply tied to their chosen SDGs:

W.ummy (SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing): A breakthrough meal replacement gum that helps boost focus and energy for young people in Japan who often skip breakfast.

Airax (SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation): A smart water bottle that purifies water on the go, providing safe, reliable drinking water for children in Indonesia.

Vanu:Art (SDG 4 – Quality Education): A creative learning platform where children use art and tablets to learn, create, and see their designs turned into goods that support their education.

Looking Ahead

The program was an inspiring success — a life-changing experience for all involved. Soon, it will be time for the Australian cohort to travel to Japan for the next chapter of the Venture Makers Global Exchange, where they’ll immerse themselves in Japanese innovation and entrepreneurship.

“Before joining this program, my perception of entrepreneurship and innovation was narrow-minded. But this program helped me overcome this hurdle and I’ve learnt that anyone can start a business.”

Kou

Each year, the VMGEP continues to prove that innovation knows no borders. When students from different cultures come together to tackle global challenges, they don’t just learn how to start a business — they learn how to make a difference.