The winner will receive 10 million yen. This year as well, IVS2026 LAUNCHPAD—the gateway for next-generation entrepreneurs—and the Startup Kyoto International Award, which provides intensive support for startups through a collaboration between IVS and Kyoto Prefecture, will be presented.
Japan’s largest startup conference, “IVS2026,” will be held over three days from July 1 (Wed) to July 3 (Fri), 2026, with Miyakomesse and Hotel Okura Kyoto serving as the main venues. At “IVS2026 LAUNCHPAD,” one of the main contents of this event, we are pleased to announce that the “Startup Kyoto International Award,” supported by IVS and Kyoto Prefecture, will be presented again this year. IVS LAUNCHPAD also marks its 20th year this year.
IVS2026 LAUNCHPAD
About IVS2026 LAUNCHPAD
As its name suggests, IVS LAUNCHPAD is a pitch event launched with the desire to become a “launchpad that supports the leap of early-stage startups that have not yet entered the world.”
The first event was held in 2007, and 2026 marks its 20th year. The cumulative number of entries to date exceeds 5,000 companies. Of the companies that have presented in the past, more than 60 have achieved EXITs, and more than 100 have raised over 1 billion yen, achieving rapid growth. Many startups have taken off using IVS LAUNCHPAD as their launchpad. With one of the largest histories and scales among pitch events in Japan, IVS LAUNCHPAD is also called the “gateway for the next generation of entrepreneurs.”
Finalists selected through a rigorous screening process give presentations in front of judges chosen from investors, executives, and entrepreneurs, and compete for ranking. Speakers who have won selection from among hundreds of applicants present their company’s product and passionate commitment to it in a six-minute presentation.
At IVS2026 LAUNCHPAD, IVS and Kyoto Prefecture will collaborate to present the “Startup Kyoto International Award,” which provides intensive support to startups that can win in global competition. As a winner benefit, up to 10 million yen will be awarded.
Comment from Kyoto Governor Takatoshi Nishiwaki
The “Startup Kyoto International Award” at IVS LAUNCHPAD was established as a Kyoto Prefecture-original award to support entrepreneurs paving the way for the future, and this year marks its fourth edition.
Through this award, we have met many startup companies taking on social challenges with high technical capability, creativity, and passion, and we have provided broad support, including business collaboration, fundraising, and connecting them with specialized talent.
Going forward, we will continue to provide support for the further growth of award-winning companies by making full use of Kyoto’s proud technological strengths and the network formed by industry, academia, and government. We look forward to applications from all of you with original ideas and high aspirations, and sincerely look forward to the day we can meet in vibrant Kyoto.
Comment from IVS Representative Toshiaki Shimakawa
Over these 20 years, IVS LAUNCHPAD has become a “launchpad” from which many entrepreneurs have taken flight to the world. Results of over 5,000 cumulative applications, over 60 EXITs, and over 100 large-scale fundraisings can be said to represent the very history of Japan’s startup ecosystem.
The “Startup Kyoto International Award,” presented together with Kyoto Prefecture, is not merely a pitch competition victory; it is an award to support the next generation of entrepreneurs challenging the global market. From the historic city of Kyoto, we are seriously aiming to create the next global startup.
To create an era in which challenges from Japan once again impact the world. IVS will continue to fully support the entrepreneurial challenges that become the starting point.
IVS2026 LAUNCHPAD Now Accepting Applications
IVS2026 LAUNCHPAD is currently recruiting presenters. The application deadline is Tuesday, April 21. The participation requirement is only “startups that can provide a product demo.” Nationality and base of operations do not matter, and applications from overseas startups are also welcome. The winner is also scheduled to receive 10 million yen. We look forward to your applications.
■Schedule (planned)
Application deadline: Tue, April 21
First interview: Tue, April 28 to Fri, May 1
Final interview: Wed, May 20 to Thu, May 21
Pitch practice session / Filming: Wed, June 17
Final event: Fri, July 3, IVS2026 DAY3, ROHM Theatre Kyoto
▼How to apply
Overview of IVS2026
IVS2026
IVS is one of Japan’s largest startup conferences, launched in 2007. Startups, investors, major corporations, creators, and others from Japan and abroad gather in one place, and in 2026 it will be held in Kyoto under the theme “Japan is Back.”
This year, we will hold the event across two areas: the culmination version of the “IVS” area (Kyoto City Kangyokan “Miyakomesse” and “ROHM Theatre Kyoto”), evolved from IVS2023, IVS2024, and IVS2025 held in Kyoto; and the newly established Reiwa-era, fully invitation-only IVS “IVS CORE” area (Hotel Okura Kyoto).
IVS (“Miyakomesse” / “ROHM Theatre Kyoto”)
This area is open to everyone creating the next generation: startup stakeholders, operating companies, investors, aspiring entrepreneurs, supporters, government, research institutions, and students. It will feature stage sessions, the startup exhibition “Startup Market,” and IVS’s flagship pitch event “IVS LAUNCHPAD,” among others.
IVS CORE (Hotel Okura Kyoto) *Newly established, fully invitation-only
This is a fully invitation-only area where only decision-makers participate, including startup executives, institutional investors, senior corporate executives, and government/policy officials. It provides a venue where concrete decisions move forward, with all sessions off the record, power matching between decision-makers, M&A matching, and more.
An access pass is required to participate in IVS2026. There are two types: the “IVS PASS,” which allows participation in the IVS area, and the fully invitation-only “CORE PASS,” which allows participation in the IVS CORE area. IVS PASS adopts a “referral system” in which trusted people introduce trusted people, and chains of introductions spread starting from IVS staff and speakers. Until a certain number of passes are issued, registration is available at a referral price (free), and after the referral quota ends, sales shift to paid general sales. Those whose participation is confirmed through referral will be granted a new invitation slot. CORE PASS can only be purchased by invitees.
PASS registration: Scheduled to start in mid-April 2026
Name: IVS2026
Theme: Japan is Back
Dates: Wed, July 1 to Fri, July 3, 2026
Venues: Kyoto City Kangyokan “Miyakomesse,” ROHM Theatre Kyoto, Hotel Okura Kyoto, and others
Organizer: IVS KYOTO Executive Committee (Headline Japan / Kyoto Prefecture / Kyoto City)
Official website: https://www.ivs.events/
Official X: https://x.com/IVS_Official
About the IVS KYOTO Executive Committee
For IVS’s Kyoto hosting, Headline Japan Inc., Kyoto Prefecture, and Kyoto City jointly established the committee with the aim of further developing the startup ecosystem and further promoting regional industries. By promoting the fusion of startups with companies, universities/research institutions, and cultural resources concentrated in Kyoto, we will connect this to the creation of new industries and the emergence of startup companies that can compete globally.
<Member organizations>
Headline Japan Inc., Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City