JA Network and ASPN Sports Tech Accelerator Launch Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Australia–Japan Sports Innovation
JA Network is delighted to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the APEC Sports Policy Network (ASPN) Sports Tech Accelerator, establishing a strategic partnership to strengthen sports technology innovation and startup collaboration across the Asia-Pacific region.
The partnership connects two complementary international initiatives—the Japan Australia Sports and Health Innovation Exchange (JASHIE) and the ASPN Sports Tech Accelerator—creating new opportunities for Australian and Japanese startups to accelerate their international growth and expand into new markets.
The ASPN Sports Tech Accelerator, operated by the Industry Accelerator and Patent Strategy (IAPS) Center at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and supported by the Ministry of Sports Taiwan, has become one of the Asia-Pacific region's leading sports technology accelerator programs. Since its inception, the program has supported more than 130 startups from over 25 countries, facilitated more than USD 38 million in investment and business outcomes, and built an international ecosystem connecting startups, investors, corporations and mentors across the region.
Introducing the ASPN Award at JASHIE 2026
As part of the partnership, JA Network will establish the ASPN Award during the JASHIE 2026 Japan Delegation Program.
The award will recognise two outstanding startups participating in the JASHIE delegation that demonstrate exceptional innovation, international growth potential and relevance to the sports and health sector.
The recipients will receive:
- Direct entry into the ASPN Sports Tech Accelerator Batch 4 Kickoff Bootcamp in 2027
- Access to ASPN's international network of mentors, investors and corporate partners
- Opportunities to engage with the ASPN startup ecosystem across the Asia-Pacific region
- Pathways to future accelerator activities, business matching and regional market expansion.
Introducing the JASHIE Award
In return, ASPN will establish the JASHIE Award within the ASPN Sports Tech Accelerator.
The selected startup—either from Japan or Australia—will receive a direct opportunity to participate in the Japan Australia Sports and Health Innovation Exchange (JASHIE) delegation program to Japan in November 2026, providing access to Australian and Japanese corporates, sporting organisations, universities, investors and government stakeholders.
The reciprocal awards create an exchange of high-potential startups between two internationally recognised innovation ecosystems.
Building an Asia-Pacific Innovation Network
Beyond startup exchange, JA Network and ASPN have agreed to collaborate on broader initiatives that strengthen sports technology innovation throughout the region.
The organisations will actively explore opportunities to:
- Participate in international sports technology conferences and exhibitions;
- Co-host innovation programs and business matching activities;
- Promote startup commercialisation and international market expansion;
- Support cross-border collaboration between startups, researchers, investors and sporting organisations; and
- Strengthen the Asia-Pacific sports innovation ecosystem through ongoing knowledge exchange.
The partnership reflects both organisations' shared commitment to fostering international collaboration, accelerating sports innovation and creating meaningful commercial opportunities for startups throughout the region.
JA Network looks forward to working closely with ASPN and welcoming outstanding startups into both programs.