Tokyo is positioning itself as a global entry point to Japan’s innovation ecosystem as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government unveiled new details for SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026, a major international startup conference set for April 27–29 at Tokyo Big Sight.
Organisers said more than 700 startups are scheduled to exhibit, up from 607 at the previous edition, with about 10,000 business meetings planned and 60,000 attendees expected, including roughly 50,000 on-site.
The event runs two “business days” on April 27–28 and a public day on April 29, a national holiday.
At an official pre-event briefing on Monday dubbed “Gathering Day,” the city said the conference will centre on four themes – AI, robotics, resilience, and entertainment – reflecting Tokyo’s push to link urban challenges with commercial innovation.
In AI, organisers pointed to an AI-themed pitch contest and exhibition featuring university startups and research institutions across Japan, and partner programming tied to the Japan International AI Film Festival on April 26 at TIB.
Speakers listed for AI sessions include NVIDIA’s Howard Wright, NAVER CEO Sooyeon Choi and University of Tokyo professor Yutaka Matsuo.
Robotics demonstrations are expected to include humanoid and inspection systems from firms such as donut robotics, Tokyo Robotics and Onga Engineering, while autonomous driving company Tier IV will showcase vehicles and offer test rides outside the venue.
On resilience, exhibitors include Serendix, Synspective, and Kyoto Fusioneering, alongside infrastructure tours such as Tokyo’s underground regulating reservoirs designed to reduce flood risk.
The city also highlighted a larger international presence, with pavilions from over 20 countries, regions, and cities, and a concurrent “G-NETS Leaders Summit” to convene global city leaders.
More than 820 applications from 60 countries and regions were filed for the SusHi Tech Challenge 2026 pitch contest, from which 20 startups will be selected for semifinals and finals.
Beyond startups, the programme includes investors’ sessions and meetups with speakers such as MPower Partners’ Kathy Matsui and DNX Ventures’ Rickie Koo, and expanded corporate participation through initiatives like “TIB CATAPULT,” which organisers said involves roughly 200 companies across 12 clusters.
The conference is positioned as part of Tokyo’s longer-term “Tokyo 2050 Strategy,” including a pillar focused on helping startups expand globally.
Business News Asia
