TechCrunch is excited to announce its participation in SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026, the largest global innovation conference in Asia, which will take place from April 27 to April 29 at Tokyo Big Sight. Not only will TechCrunch cover the event, but our Startup Battlefield program manager, Isabelle Johannessen, will serve as a judge for the SusHi Tech Challenge, the conference's flagship global pitch competition.
Among the many opportunities presented at the conference, one exceptional team will receive the chance to advance to the TechCrunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield 200. This prestigious program serves as a launchpad for startups looking to gain visibility and recognition in the industry.
What is SusHi Tech Tokyo?
Now in its fourth year, SusHi Tech Tokyo, short for Sustainable High City Tech Tokyo, has rapidly evolved into the largest innovation conference in Asia. This year, it will feature 750 startup exhibitors from 60 countries, over 10,000 business meetings, and an anticipated 60,000 attendees. The conference aims to unite the world’s best innovators to collaborate on building sustainable cities for the future.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government organizes the event, and with 62 corporate partners, including major players like Sony, Google, and Microsoft, the conference aims to create a vibrant marketplace for deal-making and collaboration. The programming of the conference is designed to reflect this ambition.
Focus Areas of the Conference
SusHi Tech 2026 will concentrate on four key technology domains that are reshaping society: AI, Robotics, Resilience, and Entertainment. Attendees can expect live demonstrations of humanoid robots, discussions on the software revolution in autonomous driving, insights into cyber defense and climate tech, and engaging conversations about AI's impact on the global music and anime industries.
Esteemed speakers at the event include Howard Wright from Nvidia, Rob Chu from AWS, Eva Chen from Trend Micro, Qasar Younis from Applied Intuition, Christine Tsai from 500 Global, Kathy Matsui from MPower Partners, and Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, among many others. Notably, around 60% of the speakers will be from outside Japan, with approximately half being women.
Opportunities at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026
For those attending, TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will be a prime opportunity to meet potential investors and partners. This event, scheduled for October 13-15, 2026, in San Francisco, will bring together over 10,000 founders, investors, and tech leaders for three days of intensive networking, featuring over 250 tactical sessions and discussions focused on market-defining innovations.
The SusHi Tech Challenge
The SusHi Tech Challenge will showcase 20 semifinalists chosen from a pool of 820 applications from 60 countries. The semifinalists will present on stage on April 27, with seven teams advancing to the finals on April 28. In addition to competing for the ¥10,000,000 Grand Prix award, TechCrunch will select one semifinalist to move on to the prestigious Startup Battlefield 200 at Disrupt.
Beyond the Stage Activities
The conference experience extends beyond presentations and panels. City leaders from 49 cities worldwide will convene for the G-NETS Leaders Summit, focusing on climate resilience and urban sustainability commitments. Additionally, the expo floor will feature corporate partners actively seeking collaborations with startups through reverse pitches.
In true Tokyo fashion, the activities will continue after hours, with classical music performances, waterfront cruises along Tokyo Bay, and the Tokyo Innovation NIGHTs networking series, ensuring attendees have a rich experience both professionally and culturally.
Download the SusHi Tech Tokyo App
Attendees are encouraged to download the official SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 app, which serves as a comprehensive guide during the event. The app utilizes AI to recommend suitable startups, investors, and partners for networking opportunities and allows users to book meeting rooms in advance. On-site features include a GPS floor map, QR business card exchanges, and real-time notifications to help navigate the expansive Tokyo Big Sight venue.
Mark your calendars: SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 will run from April 27 to April 29, with business days on April 27 and 28 and a public day offering free admission on April 29.
Source: TechCrunch News