The country's largest startup conference, "IVS2026", will be held in Kyoto for 3 days from July 1st (Wed) to 3rd (Fri), 2026, under the theme "Japan is Back". In addition to the main venue Miyako Messe, this year we will establish "IVS CORE", a completely invitation-only executive area at the Hotel Okura Kyoto. Committed to putting entrepreneurs first, we will create three days that prove the true value of startups to the world.
PASS registration is scheduled to begin in mid-April.
The country's largest startup conference "IVS2026"
● Theme of IVS2026: "Japan is Back"
"Why does Japan need startups?"
How many people can answer this question with confidence right now? Amidst drastic changes in the macro environment and structural shifts in startup growth conditions, the environment surrounding startups is not as optimistic as it once was.
However, even now, the spirits of challenging founders continue to burn. Rather, through a great process of renewal, a next generation of startups based on the strengths of the "new Japanese way" is being born.
In every era, startups have been expected to respond to economic challenges and societal demands as structural reformers. There certainly are people who challenge issues that cannot be solved by market principles and who are trying to prove Japan's value to the world.
Now is the time to prove Japan's value to the world.
IVS2026 will prove the true value of Japanese startups to the world.
● Why "Now"
Now, the global landscape is changing. The full-scale decoupling of the US and China, international industrial competition centered on AI, and rising military risks. We have entered an era where the private sector, not just politics and diplomacy, is required to play a role in enhancing national presence.
At the same time, changes are also occurring in Japan's economic environment. The departure from deflation and transition to a "world with interest rates". The acceleration of exports and inbound tourism fueled by the weak yen. Capital market reforms, including the restructuring of market segments at the Tokyo Stock Exchange, and the movement of funds for business succession.
It is said that household cash and deposits exceed 1,000 trillion yen, and corporate internal reserves exceed 600 trillion yen. Huge resources that have not yet begun to move lie dormant in the Japanese economy.
This structure overlaps with the post-war era when many companies from Japan, such as Toyota, Sony, and Matsushita Electric, spread their wings to the world. The next "Global XX" should surely be born from this very environment.
Japanese startups are, so to speak, the "new business division of Japan Inc." They are also the engine that accelerates economic renewal. Once, during the IT revolution, Japanese startups implemented software into the social infrastructure. And now, the next social implementation is about to begin in national strategic fields such as AI, space, robotics, food, and energy.
IVS2026 is the place to accelerate that potential.
● What IVS2026 Pursues
IVS2026 will thoroughly pursue "height".
The value of startups. The meaning of challenge. The appeal of being a founder. By showing that high peak, we will encourage new players who admire it to enter the arena.
Utilizing the "width" built up by running a 10,000-person class IVS for the past three years, this year we are scaling up to "height".
IVS2026 is designed not just as a place to listen, but as a place to think, speak, and make decisions.
By the end of the three days, something inside you will have changed. Your actions starting tomorrow will have changed. Aiming for such a place, IVS2026 has been structured into two areas: "IVS", which is open to everyone, and "IVS CORE" for decision-makers.
● "IVS" and "IVS CORE"
IVS2026 will consist of two areas.
IVS (Kyoto International Exhibition Hall "Miyako Messe" and others)
"A 10,000-person class area designed to be a catalyst for everyone starting a new challenge"
Startup stakeholders, business corporations, investors, aspiring entrepreneurs, supporters, government, research institutions, and students. This area is open to everyone who creates the next generation. Opportunities for investment, partnerships, and hiring happen in real-time, and "serendipitous encounters" that cross conventional boundaries will create the future of business.
Challengers tackling issues and the next generation engage in discussions, where overwhelming enthusiasm and talent intersect. It is the place to spark everyone embarking on a new challenge.
Reflective "questions" are received during sessions, "catalysts" are encountered in each area, and that excitement translated into concrete "results". From input to encounter, introspection, and then action. This flow itself is the design philosophy of IVS.
● Summary in one sentenceIt will be the culmination and evolution of IVS2023, IVS2024, and IVS2025 that have been held in Kyoto.
IVS CORE (Hotel Okura Kyoto)
IVS CORE will be held for two days from July 1st (Wed) to 2nd (Thu), 2026
"A completely invitation-only area where key figures who decide the next steps for Japanese startups gather"
A space where top-tier entrepreneurs and investors from the frontlines of the industry gather to discuss crucial agendas for the Japanese startup industry.
The important thing is "what will be decided". Our goal is for the conclusions reached here to become industry standards, guide policy, and serve as signposts for the next generation of challengers. It is also a highly practical venue where active negotiations and decisions on fundraising and business-to-business transactions take place, creating tangible benefits. It creates opportunities to bring about concrete social change.
We anticipate participants to be startup entrepreneurs, financial institutions, institutional investors, asset owners, high-level corporate executives and business leaders, government, local municipality and policy officials, researchers, and academia who can drive the future of the industry with their decision-making.
Please note that IVS CORE will be held for two days on July 1st (Wed) and 2nd (Thu), 2026. On the final day, please enjoy "IVS" held at Miyako Messe.
As IVS CORE is premium and completely invitation-only, only those invited by the organizer can attend. Pricing and purchase pages will be viewable only to invitees. If you have not been invited but wish to participate, please register on the waiting list. However, please note that this does not guarantee entry.
● Summary in one sentenceIt is a format close to the completely invitation-only system implemented in IVS before it scaled to 10,000 participants. It represents the Reiwa version of the fully-invited IVS.
IVS2026 PASS Structure
PASS registration is scheduled to open in mid-April.
PASS | Price | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|
IVS PASS | TBD | Everyone involved in startups (No entry to IVS CORE) |
CORE PASS | TBD | Executives, Investors, Decision-makers |
CORE PASS -Startup- | TBD | ・Companies within 7 years of establishment that have raised or plan to raise equity funding. ・R&D-oriented and university-launched deep tech startups (no restrictions on years established). |
About the IVS PASS
For the IVS PASS, registrations will be free from the start of registration in mid-April until a certain number of issued passes is reached.
This utilizes the newly introduced "Referral Ticket" system by 4S Co., Ltd., a mechanism in which participants spread through a chain of introductions starting with IVS STAFF and speakers providing content at IVS2026.
Those who receive an introduction can participate for free, and those whose participation is confirmed via an introduction will be granted additional invitation slots. Through the natural expansion of a network rooted in trusted connections, we aim to gather individuals with high contributions to the startup ecosystem.
How the "Referral Ticket" System Works
This system operates on an invitation basis, expanding participants through a chain where "trusted people introduce trusted people."
Price | Until a certain number of issues is reached, you can register at the "Referral Price (Free)". After the referral slots close, it will transition to general ticket sales for a fee. |
|---|---|
Invitation Rights | Those whose participation is confirmed via an introduction will be granted new invitation slots. |
Origin | The initial invitation rights will be distributed mainly to IVS operations staff, speakers, and content providers. |
Why "Referral Tickets"?
We want to deliver IVS to more people. However, simply opening the gates wider might dilute the things that IVS has always cherished.
The answer we arrived at to reconcile these two aspects was a "chain of introductions from trusted people."
First, we lower the barrier to entry. By revising the traditional fixed price and allowing free participation within the referral slots, we ensure that the IVS experience can reach those who hesitated to join due to costs.
At the same time, we will protect and further elevate the "overwhelming energy of the participants," which is the greatest characteristic of IVS. By making it an invitation system, people who truly want to make the most of this space will naturally gather. Furthermore, we will favor early registrants who actively engage in community events and networking prior to the event as valued contributors to the startup ecosystem.
Instead of opening up to an unspecified large crowd, it is a community that expands through trusted connections. Every participant becomes a co-creator of the IVS venue through their own introductions. That is what the "Referral Ticket" aims for.
About the CORE PASS
As CORE is completely invitation-only, only those invited by the organizer can attend. Pricing and purchase pages will be viewable only to invitees. If you have not been invited but wish to participate, please register on the waiting list. However, please note that this does not guarantee purchase or entry.
Click here to register for the Waiting List
IVS2026 LAUNCHPAD Applications Now Open
IVS2026 LAUNCHPAD, scheduled to take place on July 3rd (Fri), is currently seeking presenters. The application deadline is April 21st (Tue). The only participation requirement is to be a "startup capable of demonstrating a product demo." We look forward to receiving your applications.
■ Schedule (Tentative)
Application Deadline: April 21st (Tue)
Main Event: July 3rd (Fri)
For Those Interested in Sponsorship
For those interested in sponsorship, please contact us via the link below.
Overview of IVS2026
IVS began in 2007 and is the largest startup conference in Japan, bringing together domestic and international startups, investors, major enterprises, and creators.
In 2026, holding high the banner "Japan is Back", we will achieve "discovery" and "tangible benefits" with a two-area structure, proving the true value of Japanese startups to the world.
Official Name: IVS2026
Dates: July 1st (Wed) to 3rd (Fri), 2026
Location: Kyoto International Exhibition Hall "Miyako Messe", Hotel Okura Kyoto, etc.
Organizer: IVS KYOTO Executive Committee (Headline Japan / Kyoto Prefecture / Kyoto City)
Official Website: https://www.ivs.events/
Official SNS: https://x.com/IVS_Official
■ About the IVS KYOTO Executive Committee
On the occasion of holding IVS in Kyoto, Headline Japan, Kyoto Prefecture, and Kyoto City jointly established the committee with the aim of promoting the further development of the startup ecosystem and regional industries. By facilitating the integration of startups with companies, universities, research institutions, and cultural resources accumulated in Kyoto, we aim to drive the creation of new industries and help build startups capable of competing globally.
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Headline Japan Co., Ltd., Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City