Cross-sectoral Events

Tokyo

SusHi Tech Tokyo

Asia’s largest and Japan’s only global innovation convention that seeks to create “new encounters” with domestic and international startup ecosystems to tackle common global urban issues.

SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 (Sustainable High City Tech Tokyo) is a major global innovation and startup event hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, taking place April 27–29, 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight. Bringing together startups, cities, corporations, and the public, it aims to showcase cutting-edge technologies and sustainable solutions for urban challenges. The event features exhibitions, networking opportunities, a global pitch contest with a ¥10 million grand prize, and a public day for broader engagement. With around 600 startups and 50,000 attendees expected, SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 highlights Tokyo’s ambition to be a world leader in sustainability-driven innovation.

For more information visit: SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026

Takeoff Tokyo

A two-day event for startup founders from all around the world. Startup entrepreneurs get the opportunity to share their experiences on panel discussions, meet with potential investors and go head to head in the startup pitch contest.

For more information visit: Takeoff Tokyo (takeoff-tokyo.com)

Innovation Leaders Summit (ILS)

Backed by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Innovation Leaders Summit was launched almost ten years ago with the aim of matching large, established companies with startups to foster innovative new businesses. The ILS business matching program might be a powerful tool for startups to broaden their network and negotiate possible collaborations, as over the course of four days almost 3000 meetings were held between over a hundred major companies, 625 startups, government agencies and other organizations.

For more information visit: Innovation Leaders Summit (ils.tokyo)

Osaka

World Expo

From April to October 2025, the World Expo will be held in Osaka. The Expo provides a major impulse to the Japanese economy, leading to increased interest in international collaboration. Both on the Road 2 Osaka and during the Expo itself, the Netherlands facilitates Common Ground – the theme of the Netherlands pavilion – where Dutch and Japanese innovators can contribute to shape our shared future.

For more information visit: Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan Official Website

The events

🌏 Osaka’s Innovation & Startup Ecosystem 2026

Osaka continues to strengthen its role as a leading innovation hub in Japan, with a growing number of global programs, accelerators, and startup events. Here’s an overview of the key players and initiatives shaping Osaka’s startup scene in 2026.

⚡ Tech Osaka Summit 2026

Date: Expected September 2026
Location: Grand Front Osaka

Formerly known as Hack Osaka, the Tech Osaka Summit is one of Kansai’s largest startup and innovation festivals. The 2026 edition is expected to continue building momentum from 2025, focusing on Osaka’s strengths in biotech, green technology, and digital innovation.

Highlights include:

Startup pitch contests and keynote talks
Exhibition areas for startups and corporations
Business matching and networking sessions
Collaboration with Global Startup EXPO 2025 legacy initiatives

🔗 Learn more

💡 Global Innovation Forum (GIF) Osaka

Organizer: Osaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (OCCI)

Since 2019, GIF Osaka has supported open innovation between Japanese companies and global startups. The program continues into 2026 with signature events such as:

GIF Challenge – Supports Japanese startups in expanding overseas, including opportunities to exhibit at CES and other major expos.
GIF Meetup – A business matching and pitching event connecting Japanese corporates with international startups.

🔗 Visit GIF Osaka

🚀 Osaka Innovation Hub (OIH)

Backed by: Osaka City Government

OIH remains at the center of Osaka’s startup ecosystem, hosting over 200 events annually, including 50+ pitch events. It acts as the English-speaking gateway for entrepreneurs, engineers, investors, and global startups entering Japan.

OIH offers:

Event hosting and co-creation opportunities
Startup introductions and investor connections
Updates on Osaka’s innovation scene via social media

🔗 Discover OIH

🌆 Startupbootcamp Scale Osaka

Program Type: 3-month, equity-free accelerator

Startupbootcamp Scale Osaka supports mature, high-growth startups expanding into Japan. While 2026 details are yet to be confirmed, the program is expected to continue its focus on:

Urban innovation and smart cities
Mobility, health & wellbeing
Sustainability and circular economy

Each cohort includes up to 10 startups, offering tailored support, mentorship, and opportunities to pilot projects with corporate partners.

🔗 Learn more

🌐 Plug and Play Japan – Osaka

Location: Grand Front Osaka

Plug and Play Japan connects Osaka’s regional strengths with its global innovation network. The Osaka office remains active as a co-creation hub, focusing on:

Smart cities & construction
Clean tech & sustainability
Travel, hospitality, and health tech

In 2026, the platform is expected to deepen partnerships with local governments, universities, and corporations across the Keihanshin (Kyoto–Osaka–Kobe) region.

🔗 Visit Plug and Play Japan

🏙️ Emerging Hubs and Co-Creation Spaces

New and growing innovation spaces are further enriching Osaka’s ecosystem:

JAM BASE (Grand Green Osaka) – A dynamic co-creation hub connecting 300+ organizations and 1,000+ innovators.
Osaka Springboard – A support program offering mentoring, legal advice, and go-to-market assistance for early-stage startups.

🔗 Explore Osaka Springboard

Bringing the world’s biggest innovations from a small country.

We give Dutch Tech entrepreneurs a fast track to Japan, fueled by an unparalleled network, a platform, programs and funding. And by doing so, introducing the best solutions to the biggest global challenges.

Events to keep an eye on

Jul 1-3, 2026

Infinity Ventures Summit

Jul 15, 2026

HerRise #2 – “The Revenue Roadmap: Practical Sales & Strategic Pricing”

Oct 5-7, 2026

Global Startup EXPO

Oct 15-18, 2026

CEATEC