IVS2026, the nation's largest startup conference, will be held over 3 days from July 1st (Wednesday) to July 3rd (Friday), 2026, with Miyako Messe, Hotel Okura Kyoto, and others as the main venues. We are pleased to announce that the "Startup Kyoto International Award," a support award jointly presented by IVS and Kyoto Prefecture, will be awarded again this year at the pitch event "IVS2026 LAUNCHPAD," which is one of the main contents of this event. In addition, IVS LAUNCHPAD marks its 20th year this year.

IVS2026 LAUNCHPAD

About IVS2026 LAUNCHPAD

As the name implies, IVS LAUNCHPAD is a pitch event launched with the aspiration of "becoming a launchpad to support the leap of early-stage startups that have not yet emerged into the world."

First held in 2007, it will mark its 20th year in 2026. The cumulative number of entries so far has surpassed 5,000 companies. Among the companies that have taken the stage in the past, over 60 have achieved an EXIT, and over 100 have raised funds of 1 billion yen or more, experiencing rapid growth. Many startups have flown high, using IVS LAUNCHPAD as their launchpad. Having become one of Japan's largest pitch events in terms of history and scale, IVS LAUNCHPAD is also referred to as the "gateway to success for the next generation of entrepreneurs."

Finalists selected through a rigorous screening process will present before a panel of judges chosen from investors, business executives, and entrepreneurs to compete for the rankings. Speakers who have won through the selection process from hundreds of applicants will present their products and their passionate devotion to them in a 6-minute presentation.

At IVS2026 LAUNCHPAD, in collaboration with Kyoto Prefecture, IVS will present the "Startup Kyoto International Award," which intensively supports startups striving to compete globally. As a benefit of the award, the winner will receive up to 10 million yen.

Comment from Takatoshi Nishiwaki, Governor of Kyoto Prefecture

The "Startup Kyoto International Award" at IVS LAUNCHPAD was established as Kyoto Prefecture's unique award to encourage future-shaping entrepreneurs, and it marks its fourth year this year.

Through this award, we have met many startup companies tackling social issues with high technical capabilities, creativity, and enthusiasm, and have provided extensive support, such as business alliances, raising funds, and bridging with specialized human resources.

We will continue to utilize to the fullest Kyoto's proud technical capabilities and the network united by industry, academia, and government, and provide support for the further growth of the award-winning companies. Thus, we look forward to applications from all of you who possess creative ideas and high ambitions, while sincerely looking forward to the day we can meet you in Kyoto, a place filled with enthusiasm.

Comment from Toshiaki Shimakawa, Representative of IVS

Over the past 20 years, IVS LAUNCHPAD has served as a "launchpad" for many entrepreneurs to spread their wings to the world. Achievements such as over 5,000 cumulative applications, over 60 EXITs, and over 100 large-scale fundings can be described as the history of Japan's startup ecosystem itself.

The "Startup Kyoto International Award" presented jointly with Kyoto Prefecture is not merely a prize for winning the pitch, but an award to support the next generation of entrepreneurs challenging the global market. We seriously aim to birth the next global startup from the historic city of Kyoto.

To create an era where challenges originating in Japan once again impact the world. IVS will continue to fully support the challenges of entrepreneurs who will be the starting point for this.

IVS2026 LAUNCHPAD Applications Now Open

IVS2026 LAUNCHPAD is currently recruiting presenters. The application deadline is April 21st (Tuesday). The only participation requirement is "startups capable of demonstrating a product." Nationality and location do not matter, and we also look forward to applications from international startups. The winner is scheduled to receive 10 million yen. We look forward to receiving your applications.

■ Schedule (Tentative)

Application Deadline: April 21st (Tuesday)

First Interview: April 28th (Tuesday) – May 1st (Friday)

Final Interview: May 20th (Wednesday) – May 21st (Thursday)

Pitch Practice / Shooting: June 17th (Wednesday)

General Event: July 3rd (Friday) IVS2026 DAY 3 ROHM Theatre Kyoto

▼ How to Apply

Overview of IVS2026

IVS2026

IVS is Japan's largest startup conference, which began in 2007. Domestic and international startups, investors, major corporations, and creators will gather under one roof, and in 2026, it will be held in Kyoto under the theme "Japan is Back."

This year, we will establish and host in two areas: the "IVS" area (Kyoto International Exhibition Hall "Miyako Messe" and "ROHM Theatre Kyoto"), which is a fully evolved compilation of IVS2023, IVS2024, and IVS2025 hosted in Kyoto, and a Reiwa-era, invitation-only "IVS CORE" area (Hotel Okura Kyoto).

IVS ("Miyako Messe," "ROHM Theatre Kyoto")

Startup affiliates, operating companies, investors, aspiring entrepreneurs, supporters, government administrations, research institutions, and students. This is an area open to everyone who will create the next generation. It features stage sessions, the startup exhibition "Startup Market," and IVS's flagship pitch event "IVS LAUNCHPAD."

IVS CORE (Hotel Okura Kyoto) *Newly established, fully invitation-only

This is a fully invitation-only area where only decision-makers, such as startup executives, institutional investors, executives of major corporations, and government/policy officials, participate. It will provide a place where actual decision-making takes place, featuring entirely off-the-record sessions, power matching among decision-makers, and M&A matching.

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. The IVS PASS employs a "Referral System" where trusted individuals introduce other trusted individuals, spreading a chain of introductions initiated by IVS staff and presenters. Registration will be available at a referral price (free) until the number of issued passes reaches a certain figure, after which it will shift to paid general sales upon the end of the referral slots. Those whose participation is confirmed through introduction will be granted new invitation slots. The CORE PASS can only be purchased by those invited.

PASS Registration: Scheduled to begin in mid-April 2026

Name: IVS2026

Theme: Japan is Back

Event Period: July 1st (Wednesday) to July 3rd (Friday), 2026

Location: Kyoto International Exhibition Hall "Miyako Messe," 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

On the occasion of hosting IVS in Kyoto, Headline Japan, Inc., Kyoto Prefecture, and Kyoto City jointly established the committee with the aim of further developing the startup ecosystem and encouraging industrial regional promotion. We will facilitate the integration of startups with companies, universities/research institutions, and cultural resources amassed in Kyoto, leading to the creation of new industries and nurturing startup companies capable of competing globally.

<Member Organizations>
Headline Japan, Inc., Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City