Startup JAPAN EXPO 2026
Overview
Japan's largest startup exhibition operated by Sansan Inc. Over 450 companies exhibit, providing a platform for startups to connect with corporations, investors, and local governments. Efficient networking through the Eight business card app is a key feature. Co-located exhibitions covering manufacturing, logistics, and franchises are also held.
Foundation
- Founded
- 2024
- Founder
- Sansan, Inc.
A startup-focused exhibition created by Sansan, leveraging its Eight business card platform's event capabilities
Transition
- 2024 Startup JAPAN EXPO初開催
- 2025 東京・大阪の2拠点開催に拡大
- 2026 出展社450社超、来場者13,000人規模に成長
Voices
Integration with the Eight app made exchanging contacts efficient. Post-exhibition follow-ups were also smooth.
With startups and large corporations in the same space, collaboration discussions often start on the spot.
An exhibitor talked with acquirers and mapped two startup profiles that attract funding and M&A (from Jin Kawano's report, in Japanese)
A second-year visitor concluded that differentiation now hinges on industry insight and design philosophy over raw tech (from tsuruchan's report, in Japanese)
Qualiteg's demo of an AI agent wired into core business systems drew strong reactions from executives; visitors shared real concerns like shadow AI, and inquiries and consulting bookings rose after the show (from Qualiteg's report, in Japanese)
OriginalSelf's vending-machine-sized office mini-gym drew better-than-expected reactions, and networking events of up to 300 people yielded contacts in new business and corporate planning roles (from Shota Suzuki's report, in Japanese)
AI Agent Day 2026 Summer
One of Japan's largest AI agent conferences, hosted by the AICX Association. Under the theme of "complete case-study dissection," two days of sessions unpack real enterprise deployments and the common walls of AI agent adoption, such as stalled rollouts, over-reliance on individuals, and unmanaged "rogue agents." The past three editions drew over 12,000 cumulative viewer registrations.
ICC Summit (Industry Co-Creation Summit)
A conference built on 'learning together, creating industry together.' The signature event is 'Catapult,' a 7-minute pitch contest. Held twice yearly (Fukuoka/Kyoto). Over 80% of attendees rate it 'the best.'
TECHNIUM Global Conference 2026
Japan's largest deep tech conference. By invitation only, it brings together researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and corporations from the deep tech ecosystem worldwide. Discussions cover the societal implementation of advanced technologies including bio, materials, energy, and space.