2026/02/06
Ecosystem Events in February 2026
Startup ecosystem events in February 2026.
*All events are in Japanese and require pre-registration to participate
2025/01/09
Ecosystem Events in Early 2026
Selected startup ecosystem events in early 2026.
2025/10/28
Next Kitchen 2026
Applications for Next Kitchen 2026 program are now open!
Application deadline is 14th November 2025.
The Next Kitchen is a Japan market entry program for food tech startups wanting to enter the Japanese market. The program consists of mentoring, 1-to-1 matching with Japanese food businesses and a demo day pitching in Kobe. The program will take place in Kobe 3rd to 6th February 2026.
Apply from the homepage
https://www.nextkitchen-kobe.com/
2025/10/15
Kansai Events in Late 2025
A list of startup ecosystem related events in Kansai from October to December with relevance to global investors and startups.
Events are in Japanese and require pre-registration through respective event page.
2025/08/25
Ecosystem Spotlight: Kyoto
Kyoto is one of the more famous cities in Japan. As an old capital, Kyoto is well-known for culture, tradition and tourism, but also hosts multiple world class universities – such as the Kyoto University – which positions in global rankings next to Tokyo University and measures up to global giants such as Harvard and MIT, regularly ranking in the top 50 universities globally. Other than Kyoto University, our data knows 31 universities all with their own contribution to the ecosystem.
For example, Kyoto University drew a spotlight in 2012 when Dr. Shinya Yamanaka’s research on iPS stem cells was awarded the Nobel Prize. Regenerative medicine continues to be a strong point in the ecosystem with startups like HiLung and MICAN technologies, to name a couple. Support organizations like Kyoto University’s incubator Innovation Hub Kyoto and CiRA Foundation support the regenerative medicine ecosystem. Here at kansai.dealroom.co, we have details of some few hundreds of startups that call Kyoto their home; check out this query to get a feel for the ecosystem.
Use Support Organizations to Get In
Support organizations such as Keihanna Open Innovation Center, Kyoto Open Innovation Network (KOIN), and Social Innovation Laboratory Kyoto support wider scope of startups, like ones working in energy, food, and other societal issues. Kyoto Startup Ecosystem webpage introduces even more associations and incubators to find communities, at KOIN the Kyoto International Startup Center can help you get started and Kyoto City International Foundation can help you out with the day to day living.
These support organizations offer services for navigating in or into the ecosystem, and their regular events are a great way to build connections. To give you an opportunity right now at time of writing, if you are in foodtech, you should go and check out Wildcard incubator’s and Union Kitchen accelerator’s seminar in Kyoto 3rd September. Further, large annual exhibitions are a good way to get start networking one’s way to the ecosystem.
IVS (Infinity Ventures Summit) is the biggest event to hit Kyoto’s summer, and joint Kyoto Smart City Expo / Kyoto Foodtech Expo will be held in Autumn. Last year the latter one drew 10,000 visitors and had exhibits from 129 companies and associations.
| FOODTECH Seminar |
|---|
| Contents: | Seminar on new Japanese food in the US |
| Date: | Wednesday, 3rd September, 2025 |
| Time: | 10:00-12:00 |
| Location: | Kyoto Keizai Center Building 3rd floor (KOIN)
Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Kankobokocho, 78
[Google Maps Link] |
| Language: | Japanese/English |
| Participation: | Onsite |
| Registration: | Event Registration |
| Kyoto Smart City Expo / Kyoto Foodtech Expo |
|---|
| Contents: | Exhibitions & Seminar |
| Date: | Thursday 2nd & Friday 3rd October, 2025 |
| Time: | TBA |
| Location: | Keihanna Open Innovation Center
Kyoto, Soraku District, Seika, Seikadai, 7 Chome−5−1
[Google Maps Link] |
| Language: | Japanese |
| Participation: | In-person |
| Registration: | Event Registration |
Corporations and financers
Nintendo you have surely heard of; it's a Kyoto company! In advanced electronics, Kyocera, Murata, Horiba, Shimadzu are few who make Kyoto their home, and in the medical you have for example Nippon Shinyaku, DKS and Arkray. Kyoto has a strong base in key innovative fields with it's many global Japanese corporates, and their participation in the ecosystem.
Dedicated investors for startups, such as Monozukuri Ventures whom specialize in hardware startups, and early startup funders like Future Venture Capital and Miyako Capital, keep the ecosystem finances running together with CVCs and banks. See list of investors in the kansai.dealroom database for more.
2025/08/18
September Events in Osaka Ecosystem
September will be a hectic month for the Osaka ecosystem!
The major events Global Startup Expo and Tech Osaka Summit are coming and with them a host of more focused events across September; see list below and check out links for further details!
Most events are in Japanese and require a pre-registration through their respective event page.
2025/08/01
Global Startup Expo & Tech Osaka Summit Registration
Osaka’s main startup events of the year are coming up in September, and their visitor registration is now open. Book your participation from links further below.
Global Startup Expo gathers startups to solve global challenges in technology, sustainability and health. The event has exhibits from 150 companies from Japan and abroad, and presentations and discussions from top industry leaders and experts. At the same week, at North-Central Osaka, Tech Osaka Summit hosts exhibits for 150 startups, a pitch contest, talk events and more opportunities for networking.
Please note that participation to Global Startup Expo requires a ticket to the EXPO2025 Osaka.
| Global Startup Expo |
|---|
| Contents: | Startup Exhibition and Conference |
| Date: | Wednesday 17th & Thursday, 18th September, 2025 |
| Time: | 10:30－18:00 |
| Location: | EXPO2025 Osaka WASSE, Yumeshima, Osaka
[Google Maps Link] |
| Language: | Japanese & English |
| Participation: | In-person |
| Registration: | Event Registration |
| Tech Osaka Summit |
|---|
| Contents: | Startup Exhibition and Conference |
| Date: | Tuesday 16th & Wednesday 17th July, 2025 |
| Time: | 10:30－18:00 |
| Location: | Osaka, Umeda, Knowledge Capital Congres Convention Center
[English Directions] |
| Language: | Japanese |
| Participation: | Online |
| Registration: | Event Registration |
Osaka Prefecture hosts side events during the same week. You will find a list of events here (Japanese).
2025/07/15
Africa x Japan Business Events
JETRO is co-hosting Africa-related business events online before the upcoming Africa month in Kobe, and TICAD Expo at Yokohama. Please check out the following events to stay on track on business and investment trends between Africa and Japan.
| J-Twende (Japan-Africa Collaboration Hub) |
|---|
| Contents: | Introduction of JETRO's new Africa platform, reverse pitches by African corporates |
| Date: | Wednesday, 23rd July, 2025 |
| Time: | 17:00－18:00 |
| Location: | Online (Zoom) |
| Language: | Japanese |
| Participation: | Online |
| Registration: | Event Registration |
| Webinar: Africa NOW! Latest trends among the local youth |
|---|
| Contents: | Presentations and a panel discussion on consumer trends in Africa |
| Date: | Wednesday, 30th July, 2025 |
| Time: | 16:00－17:30 |
| Location: | Online (Zoom) |
| Language: | Japanese |
| Participation: | Online |
| Registration: | Event Registration |
Please note that event pre-registration ends a week before the respective event.
See below event pages for more info.
J-Twende event page
Africa NOW! event page
The events are held in conjunction with Africa-themed TICAD Business Expo & Conference in Yokohama.
2025/07/08
Africa Business Forum 2025
AFRIKA meets KANSAI2025, an Africa-themed month in Kobe, will be held through August and September. On 26th August, Africa Business Forum will gather speakers and companies to discuss and present their ideas and current business projects for and in the continent. Out of 230+ global applicants, 14 finalist were selected to pitch their business ideas in the event!
| Africa Business Forum 2025 |
|---|
| Contents: | Presentations & Pitches for Business in Africa |
| Date: | Tuesday, 26th August, 2025 |
| Time: | 13:00－17:10 |
| Location: | Stage Felissimo Hall, 7-1 Shinko-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe
[Google Maps Link] |
| Language: | Japanese, partially in English |
| Participation: | On-Site or Online |
| Registration: | Event Registration |
Participation requires a pre-registration.
Contact Innovation Dojo Japan (japan@innovationdojo.com.au) if you wish to arrange a meeting with the any of the pitching startups.
Schedule
- 13:00 Opening Remarks
- 13:15 Keynote Speech "Made With Japan: Exploring Africa Business Opportunities through Value Co‑Creation"
- 14:00 Business Idea Contest to Solve Social Challenges in Africa
- 16:10 Case Studies: "Japanese Companies Expanding into Africa"
- 16:50 Awards Ceremony & Closing
More information:
List of companies who will present their ideas.
Afrika Meets Kansai Homepage
Afrika Meets Kansai Months Event Schedule
2025/06/26
Global Pitch Showdown
Medtech Actuator will host the Global Pitch Showdown event in Osaka later in September this year. The event is open for both global and local startups from medtech, healthtech, biotech, and digital health sectors, and the winner takes home ¥5,000,000 (~US$35,000) prize. Global participants will be selected from a pre-screened online semi-final event on 28th July, for which the application deadline is 22nd July 2025. See further information and apply from the official page.
| Medtech Actuator: Global Pitch Showdown |
|---|
| Contents: | Global Pitch Contest |
| Date: | Tuesday, 16th September, 2025 |
| Location: | Osaka, Japan, venue TBA |
| Language: | English |
| Application Deadline: | Tuesday, 22nd July, 2025 |
Registration: | Event Page |
Information session for global applicants is 1st July 2025.
2025/06/23
Healthcare Venture Conference Kyoto
Next week a major event for healthcare startups, Healthcare Venture Conference (HVC 2025), will be hosted in Kyoto. The event will have 22 finalist startups participating of which 15 will make their pitches. You’ll find the event schedules below.
| Healthcare Venture Conference (HVC 2025) |
|---|
| Contents: |
Health Industry Pitch Contest, Seminar |
| Date: |
Tuesday 1st, July, 2025 |
| Time: |
10:00－18:30 |
| Location: |
Buzz Hall, B1F, KRP Bldg. No. 4, 93 Chudoji Awata-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
[Google Maps Link]
|
| Language: |
English |
| Participation: |
In-Person |
| Registration: |
Event Registration Page |
Schedule
- 10:00 Opening Speeches
- 10:30 Biotech Finalists Pitches
- 12:50 Lunch Break
- 13:50 BIE Selection Pitches
- 14:15 Medtech Finalists Pitches
- 16:20 Biotech Finalist Pitches
- 16:50 Presentations & Panel Discussion
- 17:40 Awards, Closing Remarks & Networking
- 18:30 Event Close
HVC requires (free) pre-registration, so make sure you register beforehand!
You will find a full list of pitching companies and detailed event schedule at the registration page. On registration page you can also register to review an event recording, which will be available a month later.
2025/06/23
IVS Kyoto 2025
One of country’s largest startup events, Infinity Ventures Summit (IVS2025), will be hosted next week in Kyoto. Some 12,000 visitors are expected to gather to the Rohm Theater and Miyako Messe venues during the three day event.
| IVS2025 |
|---|
| Contents: |
Startup Exhibition |
| Date: |
Wed 2nd to Fri 4th, July, 2025 |
| Time: |
11:00 – 18:00
*Friday Close 17:00
|
| Location: |
Miyako Messe & Rohm Theather, Okazakiseishoujichou, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
[Google Maps Link]
|
| Language: |
English & Japanese |
| Participation: |
In-Person |
| Registration: |
Purchase Tickets |
Previously the event had been arranged on exclusive invitation basis, but since 2023 the event has been opened to wider audience.
2025/06/20
Tech Osaka Summit 2025 – Exhibitor Applications Open
Tech Osaka Summit, arranged simultaneously with the World Expo’s Global Startup Expo, is now open for exhibitor applications.
The Tech Osaka Summit is a startup exhibition for bioscience, life science, healthcare, green tech and digital startups, and is expected to draw some 3,000 visitors.
Apply for an exhibit booth here and read the exhibitor guidelines* here
| Osaka Tech Summit |
|---|
| Contents: |
Tech Startup Exhibition |
| Date: |
Tue 16th to Wed 17th, September, 2025 |
| Time: |
Opening hours TBA |
| Location: |
Grand Front Osaka, North Building, 3-1 Ofukacho, Kita-ku, Osaka City
Knowledge Capital Congrès Convention Center (B2F)
[Google Maps Link]
|
| Language: |
Japanese & English |
| Participation: |
On-site |
| Registration: |
Exhibitor Application* |
*The English application guidelines include an incorrect translation stating that exhibitors need to have been in business for 10 years. The guidelines should say that the exhibitor company need to have been in business for less than 10 years.
*The event will require a registration to attend, but registration for visitors will open at later date.
2025/06/16
Japan Health Exhibition and the Global Healthcare Challenge
Next week in Osaka, there are two events that healthcare industry professionals should check out!
Japan Health 2025 Exhibition gathers more than 400 healthcare companies to display their innovations and to network in the field, and Global Healthcare Challenge has 20 global startups participating in a pitching contest. Both events feature seminars where industry leaders from all over the world share their insights into the healthcare field’s present and its future.
| Japan Health |
|---|
| Contents: |
Health Industry Exhibition, Seminar |
| Date: |
Wed 25th to Fri 27th, June, 2025 |
| Time: |
10:00－17:00 |
| Location: |
Intex Osaka 1-5-102, Nanko-Kita, Suminoe-Ku, Osaka
[Google Maps Link]
|
| Language: |
English & Japanese |
| Participation: |
In-Person |
| Registration: |
Event Home Page |
| Global Healthcare Challenge |
|---|
| Contents: |
Startup Pitching Contest & Seminar |
| Date: |
Wed 25th & Thu 26th, June, 2025 |
| Time: |
Wed 25th 13:30－19:15
Thu 26th 08:30－18:20
|
| Location: |
Grand Prince Hotel Osaka Bay, 1-13-11 Nanko-Kita, Suminoe-Ku, Osaka
[Google Maps Link]
|
| Language: |
English |
| Participation: |
Online (In-person participation is fully booked) |
| Registration: |
Registration for Online Participation |
Both events require a pre-registration so be sure to register before attending!
2025/06/13
Medtech Actuator Demo Day
10 Finalist Companies from Medtech Actuator Program are making their pitches at Medtech Actuator Demo Day later in June at Osaka! The event will also be broadcasted live (Sign up for more info!).
| The MedTech Actuator J-StarX HealthTech Gateway Demo Day |
|---|
| Contents: |
Startup Pitches and Medtech Actuator Program Introduction, Networking |
| Date: |
Tuesday, June 24th, 2025 |
| Time: |
15:00－18:00 |
| Location: |
Nakanoshima Qross 2F CrossoverLounge, Osaka, Nakanoshima 4-3-51
[Google Maps Link]
|
| Language: |
English & Japanese |
| Participation: |
Online or in-person |
| Registration: |
Event Registration |
Medtech Actuator Program is an Australia-based global growth accelerator program that speeds up high potential startups to grow globally and leverages the knowledge and support of Australian ecosystem. Finalists from JETRO’s J-StarX HealthTech Gateway are now completing their 9-month sprint for global expansion in the Medtech Actuator Program and will hold their final pitches for a powerful audience of investors, corporates, and ecosystem leaders from around the world.
Schedule
- 15:00-15:30: Arrival and networking
- 15:30-15:40: MoU Announcement-Nakanoshima Qross & Medtech Actuator
- 15:40-15:50: Welcome from MedTech Actuator & Guests
- 15:50-16:05: Introduction of the program & Fireside chat
- 16:05-16:45: Startup pitches and event proceedings
Check out the pitching companies profiles and pitch decks here and their Dealroom profiles here
Pitching Companies
Physiologas Technologies
Joconne
Hedgehog MedTech
INOPASE
SONoALS
IMMUNOSENS
Tactoria
LIFESCAPES
CNS Drug Innovation
Gifts
2025/06/10
Upcoming Kyoto Startup Events
Kyoto Open Innovation Network (KOIN) has announced two new startup events 1st and 3rd of July.The events will be held at Kyoto Keizai Center’s 3rd floor.
Participation is free of charge and exclusively for startup ecosystem players. The events require pre-registration through respective event pages.
India & Africa Startup Day – Bridging Innovation with Japan
2025.07.01 16:00～19:00
Event Page (Japanese)
Schedule
- 16：00 Opening Remarks (Japanese)
- 16：10 Presentation on Indian Market (Japanese)
- 16：20 Presentation on African Markets (Japanese)
- 16：30 India Startup Pitch (3 Companies)
- 17：00 Panel Discussion: Understanding India & Africa’s Startup Landscape
- 17：30 Africa Startup Pitch (3 Companies)
- 18：00 Closing Remarks & Networking
- 19：30 Close
Miyako Startup Meetup vol.3 in IVS2025 “DeepTech Pitch!!”
2025.07.03. 18:30～21:00
Event Page (Japanese)
This event is wholly in Japanese.
Schedule
- 18：30 Opening Remarks
- 18：35 Startup Pitching (10 companies, 2 minutes each)
- 19：05 Toast, Networking
- 20：30 Close
Pitching Companies (Tentative)
Click here for Dealroom profiles
Immunosens Co., Ltd.
EX-Fusion
EneCoat Technologies Co., Ltd.
Synplogen Co., Ltd.
Space Power Technologies Inc.
Toregem Biopharma Co., Ltd.
Hutzper Inc.
mui Lab, Inc.
Metro Weather Co., Ltd.
Regional Fish Institute, Ltd.
Kyoto Open Innovation Network(KOIN)
Kyoto Keizai Center 3rd Floor
〒600-8491 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Kankobokocho 78
Contact
Kyoto Chiemori
TEL: 075-353-7122
E-mail: startup@chiemori.jp
2025/06/09
Support for Government and Non-Government Organizations Planning Events during Osaka World Expo
Government entities and industry associations in Osaka have banded together to support their counterparts to arrange events and programs in Osaka during the World Exhibition.
Osaka One-Stop Business Service Desk offers free support service to embassies and consulates, state and municipal governments, as well as business organizations such as chambers of commerce and industry. The service desk will help to locate event venues, connecting with partners and can provide information on local companies that foreign organizations are planning cooperation with.
Contact Details
Phone: +81 6 4705 8607
E-mail: Osaka_Business_Onestop@jetro.go.jp
Hours: 09:00~17:00 JST
More information
2025/06/02
Theme Week Panel Discussions at Osaka World Expo
Osaka World Expo 2025 organizes panel discussions and events during themed weeks. Here are few featured panel discussion events with industry experts weighing in on global issues and our future.
All events are broadcasted online for free and have simultaneous translation. Events are hosted in Osaka World Expo’s Theme Week Studio. On-site participating requires a reservation made prior to the reservation deadline through Osaka World Expo reservation system. All times are Japan Standard Time (UTC +9).
Necessities of Life: Food, Clothing and Shelter Week
What do we need to do to realize a future where everyone has access to food, clothing and shelter?
Panel Discussion Monday June 16th. On-site reservation deadline is June 7th.
Health and Well-being Week
How do we realize a society where the well-being of each person resonates?
Panel Discussion Friday June 28th On-site reservation deadline is June 20th.
Learning and Playing Week
What should humans learn in the era of the AI?
Panel Discussion Monday July 28th On-site reservation deadline is July 20th.
Peace, Human Security and Dignity Week
What do we do to realize a world where discrimination is eliminated and people respect each other?
Panel Discussion Tuesday August 12th On-site reservation deadline is August 4th.
The Future of Earth and Biodiversity Week
What do we need to do to preserve the earth for future generations with abundant and diverse life?
Panel Discussion Friday September 19th On-site reservation deadline is September 11th.
SDGs+Beyond Future Society for Life Final Week
Can we achieve the SDGs? What do we do beyond the goals?
Panel Discussion Friday October 10th On-site reservation deadline is October 4th.
2025/05/13
Global Healthcare Challenge (GHeC)
Japan External Trade Organization & Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) will hold the Global Healthcare Challenge event at Grand Prince Hotel Osaka Bay on June 25th-26th 2025. METI has been organizing the healthcare challenge since 2016 domestically for Japanese startups; this year the event will be a global event and hosted as part of the Osaka World Expo's Health and Well-being theme week.
Split between the two days, the event features a pitch contest with pitches from 20 healthcare startups from around the world, and a conference with prominent speakers from the healthcare industry who will share their insights on the future of healthcare.
The event will require a pre-registration.
More info:
GHeC Event Page
2025/05/01
Featured Startup - GramEye Inc.
Overcoming Antimicrobial Resistance with AI
GramEye Inc. from Osaka University is developing a fully automated solution for bacterial analysis.
In patient treatment, wide use of antibiotics has led to emergence of antimicrobial resistant bacteria which is one the global top global health threats facing humanity as stated by WHO, health ministries and other organizations worldwide. Emergence of resistant bacteria can be suppressed by administering precise antibiotics depending on the patient’s sickness. However, the process to correctly analyze and classify bacteria takes from half a day to two days, which is often too long of a wait before starting treatment and results in cases where ineffective or broad-spectrum antibiotics are administered by mistake - driving an increase in drug-resistant species of bacteria. The GramEye inc.’s solution shortens the analysis time to 10 minutes and will allow precise antibiotics to be administered on the spot.
The Current Process
While identifying bacterial strains is a crucial step to deciding effective treatment, the analysis requires microbiology laboratory technicians of which there is a severe shortage of. When examining a bacteria sample, the first test that a laboratory technician performs to determine its species is the Gram stain, in which bacteria are stained and observed under a microscope to classify them into four types based on color and morphology.
Microbiology laboratory technicians usually handle a substantial number of these examinations manually. The need to determine the color and morphology of numerous species under a microscope, combined with insufficient human resources, means that in Japan it currently takes anywhere from half a day to two days in the slowest cases for results to be reported.
First-ever Fully Automated AI Gram-staining-to-species-determination Solution
Despite the risks of resistant bacteria, antimicrobials are an indispensable part of modern medicine. One of the most impactful approaches to addressing the problem of resistant bacteria is to identify pathogens as quickly, easily, and inexpensively as possible so that physicians can prescribe more appropriate antimicrobials to their patients.
This is what GramEye, achieves with the use of AI and robotics.
GramEye has developed a microbial and cell-staining analyzer that fully automates all processes from Gram staining to classification and identification of bacterial species using AI. While automated Gram-staining technology already exists, GramEye’s analyzer will be the world's first fully automated device capable of handling every step from staining to bacterial species classification and identification. With the device, the whole analysis can be completed automatically within 10 minutes, simply by inserting a glass slide coated with a specimen.
Potential to serve as a Gram-staining digital image platform through global expansion
GramEye’s analyzer will collect standardized image data. As Gram staining is currently a manual process, on a global scale the digital standardization of test images taken from Gram staining has yet to be achieved. The image data collection capability of GramEye’s device is likely to become a major advantage in the global market. Within the next few years, the company plans to expand its business to Europe and the United States, where laboratory automation is advancing, and it believes that the device has the potential to serve as a platform for collecting and standardizing Gram-stained image data from around the world.
While working towards the global dissemination of its product, GramEye is also considering horizontal development to enable identification of tuberculosis and other acid-fast bacteria, which are a concern for hospital-acquired infections. With a mission of creating a world where antimicrobials are prescribed appropriately, the university-launched startup and their attempts to help solve the global problem of drug-resistant bacteria have recently drawn attention both within Japan and abroad.
Company Website