JA Network Welcomes MOU Between Queensland Government and JASHIE Organisers to Advance Japan-Australia Sport and Health Innovation Collaboration
JA Network today welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Queensland Government and the organisers of the Japan Australia Sports & Health Innovation Exchange (JASHIE), marking the official commencement of long-term collaboration in sport, health and technology innovation in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.
The MOU formalises cooperation between the State of Queensland, acting through the Department of Sport, Racing and the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, and the JASHIE organisers: Mizuno Corporation, Organization of Future Medicine (Nakanoshima Qross), and JA Network.
The agreement establishes a structured framework to deliver the JASHIE program in Queensland in March 2026, with a reciprocal delegation to Japan planned for later in the year. Together, the parties will focus on building an integrated innovation bridge between Japan and Queensland across sport, health and related technologies.
Strategic Areas of Collaboration
The partnership will prioritise:
- Strengthening Queensland–Japan cooperation in sport and health innovation
- Supporting startup development, mentoring, incubation and investment matching
- Facilitating technology transfer and commercialisation pathways
- Building enduring relationships across business, sporting organisations, academia and government
- Showcasing Queensland as a global destination for sportstech and health innovation
Sector focus areas under the MOU include:
- Athlete high performance and training systems
- Health, wellness and active lifestyle innovation
- The business of sport and major event delivery
This collaboration directly supports Queensland’s Brisbane 2032 legacy objectives and aims to generate measurable economic, research and social outcomes through sustained bilateral engagement.
As part of the 2026 program, the Queensland Government joins JASHIE as Principal Partner, with NTT DATA supporting the initiative as Official Technology Partner.
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the MOU aligns with the legacy being created through hosting the Games in 2032.
“The Queensland Government is delivering a Games to benefit all Queenslanders,” Minister Mander said.
“Through initiatives like JASHIE, Queensland is building global partnerships with Japan that drive innovation, strengthen our sport and health industries, and deliver benefits for generations to come.”
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the agreement will further enhance relationships between Queensland and Japan.
“Queensland is open for business, and initiatives such as JASHIE demonstrate this,” Minister Bates said.
“We continue to strengthen our bilateral ties with Japan, ensuring we each benefit from the innovation, investment and opportunities on offer.”
Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell said the agreement will be enormously positive for Queensland start-ups.
“Queensland’s science and innovation ecosystem is driving solutions with global impact,” Minister Powell said.
“Through JASHIE, we are connecting our innovators with Japanese partners to accelerate collaboration, commercialisation, and long-term growth.”
JA Network Founder and CEO Cristina Merino Ishizuka said the MOU creates an exciting future for all signatories.
“JASHIE was established to create a practical bridge between Australia and Japan in sport and health innovation,” Ms Ishizuka said.
“This MOU formalises a shared commitment to building long-term, outcomes-driven collaboration.
“By combining Queensland’s thriving innovation ecosystem with Japan’s deep technological expertise and industry networks, we are creating new pathways for startups, researchers and corporates to scale internationally.”
“We are proud to work alongside the Queensland Government, Mizuno and Nakanoshima Qross to deliver a program that contributes meaningfully to the Brisbane 2032 legacy goals.”
Mizuno Corporation Global President Akito Mizuno said combining expertise will create an extraordinary future.
“We are delighted to announce the conclusion of this agreement towards building a Japan - Australia innovation ecosystem,” Mr Mizuno said.
“Mizuno will celebrate its 120th anniversary this April. Over the years, we have worked to promote sport and address social challenges.
“Through this collaboration, we are confident that by combining Japan’s technological capabilities with the outstanding sporting culture fostered in Queensland, we can jointly create the next generation of the sports and healthcare industries.
“Looking ahead to the Brisbane 2032 Games and beyond, we hope to generate innovations through this partnership that will contribute to the health and well-being of people around the world.”
Nakanoshima Qross, the Organization of Future Medicine, Director Dr Yoshiki Sawa said the collaboration will reap benefits for healthcare in both countries.
“This MOU provides an important opportunity to deepen the strategic partnership between Japan and Queensland and accelerate innovation at the intersection of sport and health,” Dr Sawa said.
“As a global innovation hub advancing future medicine, Nakanoshima Qross will play a key role in connecting ecosystems in both regions through startup support, research collaboration, and the implementation of medical and healthcare technologies.
“We expect this partnership to generate new research and industry opportunities and contribute to addressing global health challenges.”
ENDS
Media Enquiries:
Cristina Merino
Founder & CEO, JA Network
0482 720 674
About JASHIE
The Japan Australia Sports & Health Innovation Exchange (JASHIE) is a bilateral initiative established to connect Japanese and Australian companies, startups, universities and government stakeholders across sport, health, technology and major events. Co-founded by Mizuno Corporation, the Organization of Future Medicine (Nakanoshima Qross) and JA Network, JASHIE provides a structured platform for innovation exchange, investment facilitation, research collaboration and international market entry. With a strategic focus on long-term partnership and legacy outcomes toward Brisbane 2032 and beyond, JASHIE aims to strengthen the Japan–Australia innovation corridor and generate measurable economic, social and high-performance sport impacts.