Innovation Leaders Summit 2026 (ILS)
Overview
One of Asia's largest open innovation matchmaking events, run by Project Nippon. At its core is an invitation-based matching program where over 110 major corporations meet more than 700 VC-recommended startups and university labs from 26 countries, generating over 2,000 business meetings. Strong deep tech focus across semiconductors, decarbonization, materials, robotics, and bio. Different in nature from general-admission conferences where anyone can buy a ticket. The 2024 edition set a record with 24,239 combined visitors and viewers. The 2026 edition runs November 30 to December 3 at Toranomon Hills Mori Tower.
Program
- Core program is Power Matching: one-on-one meetings between 700+ VC-recommended startups and university labs and 100+ large companies, plus two weeks of online meetings around the in-person days
- Booth exhibition by 200+ deep-tech companies
- Startup pitches from Japan and overseas, plus corporate pitches and matching booths
- Keynotes and seminars, and themed networking sessions two to three times a day
- VC MATCHING program connecting VCs and startups
- Held over four days
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