Global Startup EXPO 2026
Overview
An international deep tech startup event first held at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. As an Expo legacy project, the 2026 edition continues in central Osaka, in the Nakanoshima area (Day 1) and the Umekita area (Days 2-3). Focus areas span bio, AI and robotics, fusion energy, quantum, semiconductors, and space, connecting overseas startups with Japanese corporations, investors, and research institutions. The 2025 edition drew over 9,500 visitors with 145 booths from 21 countries and regions.
Program
- Day 1 Opening & Life Science Day in Nakanoshima; Days 2-3 Expo Days in the Umekita area
- 4 parallel stages on Days 2-3, 51 sessions in total; keynote by Ben Horowitz (Andreessen Horowitz) with Kathy Matsui (MPower Partners)
- Pitch contest Deeptech Frontier Challenge 2026 on Day 2 (9 researchers and 15 startups, JPY 10M grand prize)
- Startup booth showcase across 6 focus fields and overseas pavilions
- Pre-booked one-on-one meetings and themed matching via EventHub, plus side events around the expo
Foundation
- Founded
- 2025
- Founder
- Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City, and others
Born as an in-venue event of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, and continued in central Osaka as an Expo legacy project focused on social implementation
Transition
- 2025 First edition held in September inside the Expo site, drawing 9,560 visitors against a projected 4,000, with 145 booths from 21 countries and regions
- 2026 Continues after moving from the Expo site to the Nakanoshima and Umekita areas, with side events across Kyoto and Hyogo in the week before and after
In the News
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