NEWS
May 19, 2023
Updated NEXT CITY information
What's NEXT CITY?
It’s the place where those starting a startup can meet ambitious, like-minded individuals and tackle challenging social issues
At NEXT CITY, social issues congregate, eagerly anticipating the arrival of startups
Social issues are the raison d'être of startups and the source of their origin. NEXT CITY is a place where you can encounter recognized social issues and the technologies that solve them. We have created a space where you can see, hear, and immerse yourself in the forthcoming "real" disruptive innovations that will shape this century, including groundbreaking advancements in life sciences; energy, decarbonization, AI, biology, robotics, and more.
At NEXT CITY, people who are about to start a startup come together
This includes aspiring entrepreneurs who are considering starting their own businesses, leading engineers who want to challenge the development of socially meaningful products, open innovation enthusiasts who aspire to collaborate with startups, as well as those involved in new business development and administration. Join us at NEXT CITY, where you can connect with the right people you need to meet.
At NEXT CITY, leaders of society come together
CEOs who have built massive companies, CTOs who have created products used all over the world, and CFOs who create connections with global capital markets and prove the value of startups. Moreover, you'll encounter inspiring leaders advocating for women's empowerment, researchers tackling health and environmental challenges, and trailblazers spearheading the way forward. Join us and be empowered by the finest leaders who await you on your journey.
Get your Next Pass to enter NEXT CITY
$399
¥53,000 (incl. tax)
*The prices in Japanese yen are for reference only and the actual settlement amount is in U.S. dollars. The actual settlement amount is $399 (U.S. Dollar). Please note that the actual billing amount may differ from the above price depending on the exchange rate at the time of settlement.
For Students
Apply for student pass
You can enter NEXT CITY with all pass types
We are looking for the following individuals
ENTREPRENEURS considering starting a startup
LEAD ENGINEERS looking to challenge the 0→1 of product development and aim to become CTOs
RESEARCHERS carrying out cutting-edge research and aspiring to implement it in society
JOB SEEKERS who want to meet socially meaningful startups
INNOVATORS AND INTRAPRENEURS challenging new businesses in large companies
GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATIONS aiming to revitalize the region and the economy by utilizing the power of startups
SPECIAL CONTENTS
SOCIAL INNOVATION AREA
WHERE SOCIAL ISSUES AND TECHNOLOGY MEET
This is the area to see, hear, and experience social issues and research technologies. Explore the issues startups and researchers around the world are currently facing, and the research conducted on structure and solution technologies. It is the place where entrepreneurs, researchers, and engineers can discuss solutions to social issues and their progress into the near future.
You will surely find the Seeds of Entrepreneurship here.
INCUBATION AREA
THE MOST ACCESSIBLE PLACE TO START A BUSINESS IN JAPAN
In this area, incubators and venture capitalists representing regions from Hokkaido to Okinawa and all over Japan gather. You will acquire valuable information about entrepreneurship, including knowledge, systems, and processes. Additionally, you can find fellow adventurers at similar stages of their journey and explore opportunities for co-founding ventures.
IVS for Engineers
On IVS KYOTO DAY2 （June 29）, IVS for Engineers - a special event exclusively for engineers will be held. In addition to current CTOs and VPoEs of renowned startups, engineers-turned-investors and entrepreneurs will gather here. This is the place where startup engineers can connect, learn from each other, and discover new challenges.
IVS for Engineers
Reverse pitch
At NEXT CITY, it’s not only entrepreneurs pitching their ideas. Partners and managing directors of renowned domestic and international venture capital firms come to pitch about their funds.
There will also be research seed pitches by professors researching future new technologies, and open innovation pitches by CVCs and those promoting new businesses in large companies. This is an unprecedented opportunity to hear about the current state of various players in the VC world.
Reverse pitch
Acceleration
On IVS KYOTO DAY3 (June 30), 10 companies and more than 10 venture capitalists will come together to offer invaluable acceleration content, where you can talk about entrepreneurial ideas and fundraising. By attending this event, you will have the opportunity to meet capitalists and investors. This presents an exclusive opportunity for networking and potential collaborations.
Note: Participation in this program requires an application in advance. If the number of applicants exceeds the maximum capacity, applications will be reviewed by the organizer.
Acceleration
IVS Sandbox
Launch your service from 0 to 1 during IVS!
30 selected next-generation entrepreneurs will use a special space in the IVS Kyoto venue as a base to run around the NEXT CITY, a treasure trove of business ideas during the three-day event, to find business seeds and create business plans and prototypes during the enthusiastic sessions at Miyako Messe.
SPEAKERS
Susumu Fujita
CyberAgent, Inc.
CEO
Ayumi Aoki
Women In Tech
Founder & CEO
Anri Samata
ANRI
General Partner
& Co-Founder
Takahiro Anno
Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of Japan
Masaki Yamamoto
Chatwork Co.,LTD.
CEO
Yuki Matsumoto
LayerX Inc.
CEO
Hokuto Hoshi
Cookpad Inc.
CTO
Hock Chuan TAM
Vertex Growth
General Partner
Yosuke Shiraishi
MZ Web3 Fund
General Partner
Taka Nagao
Kyoto Fusioneering Ltd.
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Message from
Head of NEXT CITY
"What's Your New Adventure?"
NEXT CITY aims to increase the number of people involved in startups by inviting potential entrepreneurs, engineers, students, government officials, universities, and various other players to experience what it means to “be the catalyst for the next generation,” - the mission of IVS. The world is now entering a new era: the rise of GenAI has captured the public's attention, but there are other efforts worldwide rapidly driving humanity forward, such as the technological innovation of Deeptech, wellbeing lifestyles, and the promotion of investment and R&D in the environment. In Japan, a 5-year plan for startup development is underway, aiming to increase investment in startups tenfold (10 trillion yen) in the next five years, A rapid acceleration of evolution is taking place in Japan, and we are on the verge of a turning point. There have not been many turning points in the long history of the world. The majority are unaware of it and remain at the mercy of the times, while a few risk-taking leaders become the ones who will make their mark on history. NEXT CITY is an entry point for those who will be responsible for the turning point of our time. We look forward to meeting all of you who are excited about this environment.
Nobuhiro Maekawa
Get your Next Pass to enter NEXT CITY
$399
est. ¥53,000 (incl. tax)
*The prices in Japanese yen are for reference only and the actual settlement amount is in U.S. dollars. The actual settlement amount is $399 (U.S. Dollar). Please note that the actual billing amount may differ from the above price depending on the exchange rate at the time of settlement.
For Students
Apply for student pass
You can enter NEXT CITY with all pass types
CONTACT
ABOUT SPONSORSHIP
We are looking for corporate partners to create the future of the new startup ecosystem with IVS. We have a track record of communication with many participants and partners in the past. We have a variety of plans to meet your needs, so please feel free to contact us if you are interested.