IVS 2025
Overview
One of Japan's largest startup conferences. Under the theme "Reshape Japan with Global Minds," the 2025 edition drew a record 13,000 attendees (20% from overseas, 21% women) from over 70 countries, with 508 side events and 3,900 matchings, double the prior year. Notion co-founder Ivan Zhao was among the speakers, and Advance Composite won LAUNCHPAD. It also debuted the matching system "4S."
Speakers
- Ivan Zhao (Co-founder and CEO, Notion)
- Fumiaki Koizumi (Chairman, Mercari)
- Yutaka Matsuo (Professor, The University of Tokyo)
- Takatoshi Nishiwaki (Governor of Kyoto Prefecture)
Foundation
- Founded
- 2007
- Founder
- Started as NILS in 2004, reorganized as IVS in 2007
Born as an invitation-only conference bringing together leaders of Japan's internet industry
Transition
- 2007 First IVS held in Miyazaki, renamed from NILS
- 2020 First online edition during the COVID-19 pandemic
- 2023 Moved to Kyoto. Dropped the invitation-only format and opened up. About 10,000 attendees
- 2024 Held at Kyoto Pulse Plaza. 12,000 attendees
- 2025 Record 13,000 attendees, over 20% from overseas across 70 countries. 508 side events, matchings double the prior year. Advance Composite won LAUNCHPAD
In the News
IVS 2026
One of Japan's largest startup conferences. Entrepreneurs, investors, and corporations gather in Kyoto for the pitch contest LAUNCHPAD, sessions, and networking. The 2026 edition ran July 1-3 at Miyakomesse with around 13,000 attendees and 340 exhibitors, as LAUNCHPAD marked its 20th anniversary.
IVS 2024
One of Japan's largest startup conferences. The 2024 edition moved to Kyoto Pulse Plaza and drew 12,000 attendees from 67 countries, with 198 sessions and 307 side events widening its international reach. Female participation hit a then-record 24%. The LAUNCHPAD pitch contest was won by RENATUS ROBOTICS with its automated warehouse system.
IVS 2023
One of Japan's largest startup conferences. The 2023 edition was a turning point, moving to Kyoto for the first time and dropping its invitation-only format for open registration. Around 10,000 people attended, with over 20% from overseas. The LAUNCHPAD pitch contest drew a record 400 applicants, with care-tech startup aba taking the win. IVS Crypto ran alongside, underscoring the Web3 presence.
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