TechGALA Japan 2026: BEYOND
Overview
The third edition of TechGALA, a technology and startup festival held across the city of Nagoya. The schedule moves from the traditional January-February window to December, making 2026 an exceptional year with two editions (January and December). Days 1-2 take place in the Sakae district (Chunichi Building, NADYA PARK, and more) and Day 3 in the Tsurumai district (STATION Ai and more). The theme is BEYOND, going beyond existing frameworks.
Foundation
- Founded
- 2025
- Founder
- Central Japan Startup Ecosystem Consortium
Born as a flagship event connecting the manufacturing-focused Chubu region's startup ecosystem to the world, propelled by the opening of STATION Ai
Transition
- 2025 First edition held in February, drawing over 5,000 visitors
- 2026 The 2nd edition in January drew 5,528 visitors from 39 countries. A 3rd edition, BEYOND, was added in December, shifting the schedule from winter to December
In the News
- TechGALA opens, sending emerging global knowledge out from Nagoya (in Japanese)
- TechGALA Japan 2026 opens: the road from passion to deep tech success (in Japanese)
- TechGALA Japan 2026 to be held January 27-29 in Nagoya, offering varied sessions, exhibits and business meeting opportunities (in Japanese)
Innovation Japan 2026 (University Trade Fair)
Japan's largest university-industry matching event, hosted by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). Patented technology seeds from universities nationwide are exhibited for matching with corporate R&D and new business teams. The 2025 edition drew about 14,000 visitors to 291 exhibited seeds. Less a startup conference and more a trade fair that seeds technology transfer and joint research.
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.