The largest startup conference in Japan, "IVS2026," will be held for three days from Wednesday, July 1 to Friday, July 3, 2026. The main venues will be Miyako Messe, ROHM Theatre Kyoto, and Hotel Okura Kyoto. We are pleased to announce the featured sessions to be held at IVS CORE (Hotel Okura Kyoto).
IVS CORE is an invitation-only conference. It gathers only the key decision-makers who can directly turn discussions into real-world actions on the critical agendas of Japan's startup industry. All sessions are strictly off the record, which is why honestly frank discussions are foster there.
With the theme "Japan is Back," IVS2026 is thoroughly designed to pursue "height" and prove the true value of Japanese startups to the world. In this release, we introduce the featured sessions at IVS CORE.
Wednesday, July 1
What is the Blueprint for a Country Where Capital Flows to Startups? ー Reconstructing Japan's Growth Capital Circulation
To realize a "strong economy," a "virtuous cycle of growth and distribution" is indispensable. The question now is how to redesign the flow of funds to startups. It is necessary to redesign Japan's capital supply structure, focusing on the expansion of unlisted investments, diversification of exits, and the role of institutional investors. To create startups that grow larger and solve economic and social issues, how should Japan's startup capital market be reconstructed? Outstanding voices from both public and private sectors will debate this thoroughly.
Moderator:
Mr. Hiroyasu Maekawa (IVS2026 Chief Contents Director / Representative Director of Funds Startups, Inc.)
Speakers:
Mr. Fumio Kishida (The 100th and 101st Prime Minister of Japan)
Mr. Seiji Kihara (Member of the House of Representatives, Secretary-General of the Liberal Democratic Party's Japan Growth Strategy Headquarters)
Mr. Fumiaki Kobayashi (Member of the House of Representatives, Director of the Liberal Democratic Party's Economy, Trade and Industry Division)
Ms. Hina Iwasaki (Member of the House of Representatives, Liberal Democratic Party)
(Tentative) The Frontline of Defense Innovation! How Will Startups Change the New Era of Security?
How can we leverage the speed and uniqueness of startups to meet the advanced technological developments required in the national defense sector? While considering challenges such as procurement systems and entry barriers, we will examine mechanisms to promote the transfer of private technology, public-private partnership, capital supply, and talent mobility, exploring directions toward achieving a new defense industry model in which technology, capital, and talent circulate.
Moderator:
Mr. Kohei Yamamoto (Author of "Technology and National Security")
Speakers:
Mr. Mitsunobu Okada (Founder & CEO of Astroscale Holdings Inc.)
Mr. Takao Ozawa (Representative Director of Boost Capital)
*Other speakers will be announced as soon as they are confirmed.
Silicon Valley, the Global Innovation Hub: Building the US-Japan Cross-Border Bridge
“Silicon Valley, the global innovation hub”: Discuss what makes it the strongest startup ecosystem, and how we can improve Japan’s local ecosystem.
Moderator:
Alex Bangash (Transpose, Founder and General Partner)
Speakers:
Mr. Hideya Sadanaga (President and Representative Director of Japan Post Asset Management Co., Ltd.)
Ilana Elbaz (Deel, VP sales)
Panagiotis Madamopoulos (Founder, Exoscaleton Labs | Senior Advisor, Stanford University)
Shoya Matsumori (CEO of Jinba)
William Salcedo (CEO of Partcl)
Thursday, July 2
Have Global Investors Missed Out on Japanese Startups? —How Should Present-Day Japan Change?
Japan's startup ecosystem has been changing rapidly over the past few years. However, from the perspective of global investors, has the Japanese market remained a "missed opportunity"? Beyond language barriers and information disclosure issues, is it due to growth strategies, exits, or gaps in expectations regarding risk-taking—what barriers remain? From the perspectives of capital, talent, regulation, and global expansion, top domestic and international investors discuss what we must change "now" to build an ecosystem capable of competing globally.
Moderator: Takashi Sano (Chief Investment Officer of MUFG Innovation Partners Co., Ltd.)
Speakers:
Archibald Ciganer (Director & Managing Partner of Artemis Ventures)
Ryutaro (Ryan) Nakata (Alumni Ventures ／ General Manager Representative Director of Japan)
Queenie Wong (EQT Asia Growth Fund Managing Director)
Is Governance a Growth Accelerator or a Dragnets for Startups?
Does "strengthening governance" support the growth of startups, or does it slow down the speed of taking challenges? Experts and key players who know the realities of IPO preparation, scandal response, and the appointment of outside directors gather here. They will debate honestly on the limits of nominal governance and what style of governance is required according to each growth phase.
Moderator:
Mr. Masashi Uematsu (Editorial Writer for Nikkei Inc. / Editor-in-Chief of Nikkei Risk Insight)
Speakers:
Mr. 選 Fujiwara (EY Ernst & Young ShinNihon LLC)
Mr. Tomohiro Noguchi (Board Advisors, Inc.)
Mr. Shuya Ogawa (TMI Associates)
Mr. Takayuki Kimura (Executive Officer, General Manager of Public Relations and General Affairs Division, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.)
Can Japan "Act" in this Once-in-a-Century Era of Transformation? - Decision Making for the World, Industries, and Infrastructure
The rapid evolution of AI is fundamentally reshuffling the competitive landscape and businesses themselves. On the other hand, the macroeconomic environment surrounding corporate management is experiencing unprecedented uncertainty, including geopolitical risks, changes in inflation and interest rates, and structural shifts in the labor market. Today, business leaders are forced to make harder decisions than ever between the powerful driver of AI and an unpredictable economic landscape. Welcoming leading business figures of Japan, discussions will take place reflecting different perspectives across generations, business phases, and industrial structures. Leaders who have driven corporate transformation from the dawning of the Internet to the present day, along with those driving growth on the prerequisite of AI and data, will gather under one roof to shed light on "what changes and what does not change in corporate decision-making."
Moderator:
Mr. Hideki Makihara
Speakers:
Mr. Kentaro Kawabe (Representative Director and Chairperson of the Board of LY Corporation)
Mr. Junichi Akagawa (Mirrativ, Inc.)
Mr. Mitsuru Izumo (Euglena Co., Ltd.)
Mr. Rei Matsukura (Director and CEO of AVILEN, Inc.)
Congratulatory Message
Mr. Ryosei Akazawa, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry
I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations on the grand opening of "IVS 2026."
I understand that IVS2026 brings together diverse individuals up for challenges including entrepreneurs from Japan and overseas, which will serve as a catalyst for creating the next generation of industries through new encounters and cooperation. I believe this year's theme, "Japan is Back," represents an earnest determination for startups from Japan to demonstrate their true value to the world.
Startups are essential entities driving the growth of the Japanese economy and the resolution of social challenges. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will also strongly support the social implementation of innovative technologies and products. This includes signaling demand creation through government procurement in sectors such as defense, urging investments in startups in areas like AI, quantum, and space, and creating new frameworks to connect the drastic enhancement of the SBIR system directly to major procurements.
Through this conference, I highly expect that Japanese startups will reach even greater heights and contribute to the growth of the Japanese economy, and consequently, to solving global issues. In closing, I sincerely pray for the great success of IVS2026 and the further prosperity of all who have gathered today.
Other Sessions
In addition to these, numerous sessions are scheduled over the two days. Details of each session and speakers will be announced sequentially as they are confirmed.
*Speakers and session content listed are subject to change without notice due to various circumstances. Thank you for your understanding.
IVS CORE Event Outline
Name: IVS CORE
Dates: Wednesday, July 1 – Thursday, July 2, 2026 (2 days)
Venue: Hotel Okura Kyoto (Kawaramachi-Oike, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto)
Scale: Around 1,000 attendees (By invitation only)
Time: 10:00 - 18:00 (Reception starts at 9:00) / 90 minutes per session
Pricing: CORE PASS ¥199,800 (tax incl.) / CORE PASS Startup ¥79,800 (tax incl.)
Official Website: https://www.ivs.events/ivs-core
Overview of IVS2026
IVS is Japan's largest startup conference that started in 2007. Bringing together startups, investors, major enterprises, and creators from home and abroad, it will be held in Kyoto in 2026 under the theme "Japan is Back."
This year, evolving from IVS2023, IVS2024, and IVS2025 held in Kyoto, we are introducing the culmination version "IVS" area (Kyoto International Exhibition Hall "Miyako Messe" / "ROHM Theatre Kyoto") juxtaposed with the newly established Reiwa-version invitation-only "IVS CORE" area (Hotel Okura Kyoto). The event will be held across these two areas.
【IVS ("Miyako Messe" / "ROHM Theatre Kyoto")】
This area is open to anyone creating the next generation, including startup affiliates, enterprises, investors, aspiring entrepreneurs, supporters, government officials, research institutions, and students. It features stage sessions, the startup exhibition "Startup Market," and IVS's signature pitch event, "IVS LAUNCHPAD."
【IVS CORE (Hotel Okura Kyoto)】*Newly established, invitation-only
This is a completely invitation-only area where only decision-makers participate, including startup founders, institutional investors, executives of major companies, and government/policy officials. Offering off-the-record sessions, power matching among executives, and M&A matchmaking, it serves as a venue where concrete business decisions occur.
An access pass is required to participate in IVS2026. There are two types: "IVS PASS" to access the IVS area, and the completely invitation-only "CORE PASS" to access the IVS CORE area. CORE PASS is subject to a screening process and is only available for purchase of invitees.
Name: IVS2026
Theme: Japan is Back
Dates: Wednesday, July 1 – Friday, July 3, 2026
Venue: Kyoto International Exhibition Hall "Miyako Messe", ROHM Theatre Kyoto, Hotel Okura Kyoto, etc.
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 IVS KYOTO Executive Committee
Jointly established by Headline Japan Inc., Kyoto Prefecture, and Kyoto City, for holding IVS in Kyoto with the aim of further developing the startup ecosystem and promoting regional industries. By accelerating the integration of startups with corporations, universities, research institutions, and cultural assets amassed in Kyoto, it aims to create new industries and yield startups competitive on the global stage.
Member Organizations: Headline Japan Inc., Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City