A tech conference often conjures images of costly flights, endless panels, and networking exchanges that rarely lead to meaningful connections. SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026, however, aims to create a distinctly different experience.
Scheduled for April 27-29 at Tokyo Big Sight, the event anticipates an impressive turnout of 60,000 attendees, featuring 750 startup exhibitors, 151 sessions, and city representatives from 49 countries. Yet, perhaps the most telling statistic about the nature of this conference is the projection of 10,000 facilitated business meetings, which are organized, booked, and monitored even before many attendees arrive.
Innovative Deal-Making Infrastructure
The SusHi Tech app goes well beyond being a simple event guide; it functions as a matchmaking platform. Attendees can create profiles outlining their networking objectives before the conference begins. Utilizing AI technology, the app generates tailored recommendations, establishes direct messaging channels, and allows users to reserve one of the venue’s many expanded meeting spaces. Upon arrival, a QR code system for business card exchanges simplifies networking, eliminating the typical awkwardness associated with traditional card exchanges. This minor innovation reflects a broader philosophy: to minimize barriers between potential collaborators.
This focus on seamless deal-making is also evident in the startup pitch competition. TechCrunch’s Startup Battlefield program manager, Isabelle Johannessen, is tasked with selecting one exceptional startup from the semifinalists that demonstrates strong potential for the North American market. The chosen startup will have the opportunity to join the TechCrunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield 200, a launchpad recognized as one of the industry’s most prestigious platforms.
Reverse Pitch Strategy: Corporates Engaging Startups
One of the standout features at SusHi Tech is its reverse pitch format. Rather than startups vying to impress major corporations, the latter take the stage to present their challenges and invite startups to propose innovative solutions.
This year, cities like Moreton Bay and Rome will host reverse pitch sessions, effectively issuing public requests for proposals (RFPs) to a global audience of startups. Moreover, 62 corporate partners — including giants like Sony, Google, Microsoft, and Mizuho — will conduct dedicated Open Innovation exhibits and sessions, actively seeking collaborative partners. Twelve specialized clusters in sectors such as logistics, life sciences, railways, and climate technology will also be represented, all aiming to create partnerships rather than merely observe innovations.
A Diverse Showcase of Startups
Among the 750 exhibitors, 400 come from outside of Japan, showcasing a rich tapestry of the global startup ecosystem. City partners from 25 regions and countries will present their own cohorts with the specific goal of connecting startups with Japanese industry players and investment opportunities. Additionally, a new contingent of 45 “SusHi Tech Global Startups,” consisting of growth-stage Japanese companies supported by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, will make their global debut in a specialized pavilion.
For international founders and investors observing Japan from afar, SusHi Tech presents an unparalleled entry point into this dynamic market. The business cards exchanged on April 27 are far more likely to lead to substantive partnerships than those from traditional networking events.
Remote Participation Options
Even if you can’t attend SusHi Tech in person, you don’t have to miss out. Remote participants will receive more than just a livestream; on-site staff will represent attendees, using devices that display their faces to facilitate real-time interaction with exhibitors and other attendees. This innovative setup provides one of the closest experiences to being physically present.
Remote participation applications are available for those interested. For those unable to engage in this manner, ticket holders will still have the option to stream select sessions and access the full programming from any location.Explore the complete session list here.
Note: Availability of online streaming may vary for certain sessions.
SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 is set to take place from April 27-29 at Tokyo Big Sight. Business days will be on April 27 and 28, with a Public Day (free admission) on April 29. Register here.
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