Putting Moreton Bay on world map

City of Moreton Bay is one of only two cities worldwide - and the first in Australia - to partner with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) this year on a major innovation challenge.

Under the Tokyo-funded program, five Japanese startup finalists will travel to Australia in August and will be selected to work directly with the City of Moreton Bay for four months.

From October 2026 they will work to deliver a fully funded proof of concept addressing disaster resilience and response or asset management solution at a city scale.

Chosen alongside Rome, the selection places Moreton Bay on the global stage for innovation-led solutions to real-world challenges and strengthens international ties with Japan.

“Being chosen by one of the world’s largest and most sophisticated city governments is a strong global signal,” Mayor Peter Flannery said.

“This project brings cutting-edge thinking into our City, while helping us prepare for future disaster challenges through technology, collaboration and innovation, and managing growth and significant infrastructure roll out with technology enabled infrastructure management.”

The challenge is funded by Tokyo Metropolitan Government, with a population of more than 14 million people and a budget exceeding many nations.

Tokyo started its Global City Network for Sustainability (G-NETS) program in 2022, with more than 50 major cities to collaborate on sustainability, disaster preparedness and innovation.

“City of Moreton Bay demonstrated a clear vision for using technology and open innovation to address complex challenges related to disaster resilience and asset management,” the Tokyo Metropolitan Government said.

“Through this program, we aim to connect leading Japanese startups with forward-looking global cities and work closely with City of Moreton Bay to develop practical, scalable solutions that can contribute to safer, more resilient cities in Australia and internationally.”

Selection follows years of engagement with Japan through the G-NETS program, joining international summits, study tours and knowledge exchange on disaster management and resilience.

The City presented the challenge to the global startup community through a “reverse pitch” at SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026, Asia’s largest innovation and startup conference, for more than 60,000 participants.

City of Moreton Bay will work with a steering committee and key partners, including Unitywater, University of the Sunshine Coast and disaster service providers.

There is no obligation for Council to purchase the final solution, with any future procurement decisions to be considered separately following the completion of the proof of concept.