Global startups, investors, and tech leaders gather in Tokyo for AI, robotics, and future city solutions

The highly anticipated SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 has officially kicked off, transforming the city into a global hub for startups, innovation, and investment opportunities. Held at Tokyo Big Sight, the three-day event (April 27–29) is widely recognized as Asia’s largest startup convention, drawing an estimated 60,000 attendees and featuring 770 exhibitions.

For the first two days, the event is exclusively open to business professionals, before welcoming the general public on the final day. This structure allows startups and corporations to focus on high-value networking, partnerships, and deal-making.

A Vision for Sustainable High-Tech Cities

At the opening ceremony, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike emphasized the meaning behind “SusHi”, Sustainable High City Tech Tokyo, highlighting the event’s mission to shape future-ready urban environments.

She noted that in a world facing climate challenges, energy disruptions, and rapid AI advancements, platforms like SusHi Tech are essential for driving collaboration and innovation.

Where Startups Meet Opportunity

The real strength of SusHi Tech Tokyo lies in its ability to connect startups with major industry players, investors, and venture capitalists. Instead of focusing only on short-term deals, the event promotes long-term partnerships that can accelerate startup growth.

In 2025, the convention facilitated around 6,000 business negotiations, with nearly 45% leading to funding or collaboration. This year, organizers are aiming even higher, targeting 10,000 business meetings.

To support this goal, a new AI-powered business matching app has been introduced. The platform allows participants to:

  • Connect instantly with potential partners
  • Receive smart recommendations based on interests
  • Schedule meetings efficiently during the event

A Truly Global Tech Platform

SusHi Tech Tokyo is not just a local event, it’s a global innovation stage. This year features participation from 21 international cities, each showcasing their own startup ecosystems and investment opportunities.

The event also includes interactive experience zones, where visitors can explore cutting-edge innovations such as:

  • Drone soccer demonstrations
  • Advanced humanoid machinery for high-altitude work
  • Emerging solutions in AI and robotics

Key Themes Shaping the Future

The 2026 edition is built around four major themes:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Robotics
  • Resilience
  • Entertainment Tech

Across 158 panel sessions, global experts are discussing how these sectors will shape the future. One standout session explored how Tokyo can position itself as the “Hollywood of the animation industry.”

Adding to the event’s significance, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi joined the मंच to highlight the critical role startups play in driving economic transformation and national growth.

The Bigger Picture

Now in its fourth year, SusHi Tech Tokyo continues to evolve into a powerful platform for innovation, collaboration, and global connectivity. By bringing together startups, corporations, and investors, the event is helping shape a future where technology solves real-world challenges and drives sustainable growth.

As the world navigates rapid technological change, events like this prove that the future belongs to those who can connect ideas with opportunity.