일본 7대 연간 스타트업 이벤트

Japan’s startup ecosystem has gained serious momentum over the past few years, fueled by government support, corporate investment, and an expanding network of innovation-driven events. For global businesses, VCs, and founders, attending Japan’s top startup expos isn’t just about visibility—it’s about real opportunities to connect, collaborate, and grow in a rapidly evolving market.

From global pitch competitions and tech showcases to energy innovation summits and youth entrepreneurship forums, these annual events attract a vibrant mix of startups, investors, corporations, and public sector leaders. Whether you're looking to discover Japan’s next unicorn, explore partnership opportunities, or gain market insights, these seven events offer direct access to the heart of Japan’s innovation movement.

Annual Startup Events/Expos in Japan

1. SusHi Tech Tokyo
2. Startup JAPAN Expo
3. Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition
4. IVS (Innovation Venture Summit)
5. ILS (Innovation Leaders Summit)
6. GROWTH INDUSTRY CONFERENCE
7. Takeoff Tokyo

1. SusHi Tech Tokyo

Source: SusHi Tech Tokyo Homepage

Date: May 8–9, 2025 (Business Days), May 10, 2025 (Public Day)

Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, Ariake, Tokyo

SusHi Tech Tokyo is a flagship innovation event hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, aiming to shape the future of cities through cutting-edge technology and sustainable urban solutions. The name is a play on words, transforming “sushi” into “Sustainable High City Tech Tokyo,” and symbolizes Tokyo’s ambition to address global urban challenges through tech-driven innovation.

Key Features:

• SusHi Tech Challenge: A global pitch competition where startups compete to solve urban sustainability issues. The winner receives ¥10 million and corporate prizes.
• Booth Exhibitions: Over 500 startups, major corporations, and international cities showcase products and ideas that enable open innovation.
• Business Matching: A dedicated platform and enhanced app enable seamless networking between startups, VCs, corporations, and overseas partners.
• Special Content – “Focus on” Series: Highlights innovation in AI, quantum computing, food tech, and more through sessions, exhibits, and live demos.

SusHi Tech Tokyo offers international businesses a front-row seat to Japan’s urban tech revolution. It's an ideal entry point for companies targeting sustainability, smart cities, or open innovation in Japan.

2. Startup JAPAN Expo

Source: Startup JAPAN Expo Homepage

Date: May 8–9, 2025

Venue: Tokyo Big Sight (South Hall)

Startup JAPAN Expo is one of the largest startup-focused exhibitions in Japan, organized by Eight (Sansan Inc.). It gathers over 380 exhibiting startups and more than 10,000 attendees, offering a dynamic space for service discovery, product trials, and business development.

Key Features:

• Exhibitor Diversity: Covers sectors like SaaS, AI, Web3.0, biotech, smart cities, education, and HR tech.
• Dream Pitch Grand Prix: A competitive stage where six finalists pitch for top honors, judged by a panel of experts and the audience.
• AI-Powered Matching: A digital guidebook recommends startups based on visitors' business needs, helping streamline partner discovery.
• Theme-Based Booth Tours: Guided tours help attendees navigate startups by focus areas such as DX promotion, overseas expansion, and marketing support.

Startup JAPAN Expo is a go-to event for companies looking to collaborate with high-potential Japanese startups. With strong B2B elements, it's particularly valuable for businesses exploring new technologies or partners in Japan.

3. Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition

Source: Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition Homepage

Date: June 18–20, 2025

Venue: Tokyo Big Sight (East Hall 7)

Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition is a key event for companies involved in energy transition, cleantech, and sustainable innovation. Held shortly after the release of Japan’s updated Strategic Energy Plan, it acts as a launchpad for new policies, technologies, and international cooperation.

Key Features:

• Startup Zone: A dedicated space where energy tech startups showcase innovations in hydrogen, LNG, renewables, and climate tech.
• Leadership Panels: Features speakers from Japan’s government, global energy companies, and policymakers discussing energy transition strategies.
• International Collaboration: Connects global stakeholders, including startups and large corporations, to foster cross-border joint ventures.
• Tech Showcase: Highlights game-changing technologies aimed at decarbonization and energy security.

With its focus on energy and climate innovation, this summit is a crucial event for startups and businesses looking to tap into Japan’s clean energy ecosystem. It offers high-level access to decision-makers and a global stage for emerging tech.

4. IVS (Innovation Venture Summit)

Source: IVS (Innovation Venture Summit) Homepage

Date: July 2–4, 2025 (IVS Youth: July 5)

Venue: Miyako Messe & ROHM Theatre, Kyoto

IVS2025 is Japan’s largest startup conference, designed to accelerate meaningful connections between startups, investors, and corporations. Originally an invitation-only event, IVS has evolved into an open platform welcoming challengers from diverse fields to spark innovation through purposeful interactions.

Key Features:

• Action-Oriented Networking: Pre-booked meetings, Funding Lounge consultations, and themed zones designed to foster concrete business outcomes.
• Global Vision: The 2025 theme, “Reshape Japan with Global Minds,” reflects IVS’s commitment to international collaboration.
• Youth Engagement: IVS Youth, a dedicated program for the next generation of entrepreneurs, follows the main event.
• High-Impact Participation: With 12,000 expected attendees (40% startups, 15% investors), IVS2025 is poised to be a catalyst for Japan’s startup ecosystem.
• IVS2025 is not just about gathering people—it’s about connecting the right people for real results.

5. ILS (Innovation Leaders Summit)

Source: ILS (Innovation Leaders Summit) Homepage

Date: TBA (Last held: December 2–5, 2024)

Venue: TBA

Innovation Leaders Summit (ILS) is Asia’s largest open innovation event, backed by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The summit connects over 100 major corporations with hundreds of promising startups to accelerate collaboration and the creation of cutting-edge technologies.

Key Features:

• Power Matching Program: High-precision business matchmaking with a one-in-three success rate for follow-up negotiations.
• Global Tech Focus: Startups in AI, robotics, and decarbonization from 20+ countries.
• Startup Pitches & Networking: Live pitch sessions and open networking help forge innovation partnerships.
• Institutional Support: Strong backing from Japanese government agencies like NEDO and JETRO facilitates the entry of foreign startups into Japan.

With thousands of meetings and a growing international presence, ILS is a gateway to Japan’s corporate innovation ecosystem.

6. GROWTH INDUSTRY CONFERENCE

Source: GROWTH INDUSTRY CONFERENCE Homepage

Date: November 11–13, 2025

Venue: Online (EventHub) + Offline (Shibuya Hikarie Hall, Tokyo)

GRIC2025 is Japan’s largest hybrid conference dedicated to growth industries, bringing together top-tier innovators and ecosystem builders from Japan and around the world. The conference serves as both a platform for global insights and a community space for challengers shaping the future.

Key Features:

• Hybrid Format: Online sessions for global reach, offline meetings for hands-on networking.
• Bilingual Access: All sessions delivered in Japanese and English.
• Global Dialogue: Participants from 49 countries and top ecosystem leaders discuss innovation and scaling.
• 전략적 파트너십: GRIC는 Takeoff Tokyo와 같은 이벤트와 협력하여 스타트업 지원 프레임워크를 확장합니다.

GRIC는 단순한 컨퍼런스가 아니라 일본의 혁신 생태계를 글로벌 표준으로 발전시키는 커뮤니티입니다.

7.테이크오프 도쿄

출처: 테이크오프 도쿄 홈페이지

날짜: 2025년 3월 25~26일

장소: 도쿄 빅사이트 (이스트 6홀)

테이크오프 도쿄는 빠르게 성장하고 있는 국제 스타트업 컨퍼런스로, 일본 창업자들을 전 세계에 알리는 데 초점을 맞추고 있습니다.야망, 인재, 자금을 육성한다는 사명을 가진 이곳은 도약할 준비가 된 스타트업을 위한 일본의 “국제 터미널” 역할을 합니다.

주요 특징:

• 스타트업 피치 및 패널: 글로벌 창업자 및 VC가 참여하는 활기찬 피치 콘테스트 및 패널
• 스타트업을 위한 스피드 데이트: 투자자와 기업가 간의 큐레이티드 매칭.
• 믹서 라운지: 더 깊은 참여를 위한 비공식 네트워킹 공간.
• 국제적 활동: 아시아와 유럽의 대표단이 일본 스타트업 업계에 글로벌 관점을 제시합니다.

테이크오프 도쿄는 세계적인 야망과 일본의 혁신이 만나는 곳으로, 차세대 세계적 수준의 기업을 위한 출발점을 제공합니다.

결론

일본의 스타트업 이벤트는 전시회를 훨씬 뛰어 넘습니다. 협업, 투자 및 새로운 벤처를 활성화하기 위해 세심하게 큐레이팅된 생태계입니다.스마트 시티를 홍보하는 SushI Tech Tokyo, 해외 파트너십을 가속화하는 IVS, 글로벌 혁신 표준을 추진하는 GRIC와 같은 플랫폼을 통해 각 이벤트는 새로운 관문을 제공합니다. 일본 비즈니스 미래.

일본에서 관심을 끌고자 하는 국제 기업을 위해 다음과 같이 참여합니다. 엑스포 단순한 시장 진입 전략이 아니라 아시아에서 가장 유망한 혁신 허브 중 하나에 자리 잡기 위한 전략적 움직임입니다.달력에 표시하고 프레젠테이션 덱을 챙기고 일본의 스타트업 급증을 활용할 준비를 하세요.

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