Imagine a tech event that breaks away from the traditional formula of expensive travel, lengthy panels, and unproductive networking. SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 is set to redefine this experience, gathering 60,000 participants at Tokyo Big Sight from April 27 to 29.
The event boasts impressive figures: 750 startups showcasing their innovations, 151 engaging sessions, and city leaders from 49 nations. However, the standout statistic is the arrangement of 10,000 pre-scheduled business meetings, facilitating meaningful connections even before attendees arrive.
The Deal-Making Ecosystem
The official SusHi Tech app serves as more than just an event guide; it acts as a matchmaking platform. Attendees create profiles outlining their interests, allowing the app's AI to suggest potential connections. This innovative approach streamlines communication and enhances networking opportunities, replacing traditional business card exchanges with QR code interactions.
The ethos of deal-making permeates the event, especially in the startup pitch competition. Isabelle Johannessen, program manager for TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield, will select a standout startup poised for success in the North American market to advance to the prestigious TechCrunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield 200.
Corporates Seeking Solutions
In a unique twist, SusHi Tech features a reverse pitch format where corporations and city governments present their challenges, inviting startups to propose innovative solutions. This year, cities like Moreton Bay and Rome will host these sessions, effectively issuing public requests for proposals to a global audience. Major companies, including Sony, Google, and Microsoft, will engage with startups through dedicated Open Innovation exhibits, aiming to foster collaboration across various sectors.
A Global Showcase of Innovation
Among the 750 exhibitors, 400 are international startups, creating a vibrant tapestry of the global entrepreneurial landscape. City partners from 25 regions will facilitate connections between startups and Japanese investors. Additionally, 45 growth-stage Japanese companies, supported by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, will debut in a dedicated pavilion, showcasing their potential to a worldwide audience.
For those unable to attend in person, SusHi Tech offers remote participation options, allowing virtual attendees to engage in real-time interactions via on-site staff equipped with devices displaying their images. Ticket holders can also stream sessions online, ensuring that the insights and connections from the event are accessible to all.
As SusHi Tech Tokyo approaches, it symbolizes a transformative shift in how tech conferences can operate, emphasizing collaboration and innovation. This event not only promises to reshape the landscape of networking but also sets a precedent for future gatherings in the tech industry.
