TechCrunch and SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026: Launchpad for Startups

TechCrunch Joins SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026

TechCrunch, the renowned technology media outlet, is partnering with SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026, a leading event in the field of innovation in Asia. Scheduled to take place from April 27 to 29 at Tokyo Big Sight, this event will not only be covered by TechCrunch. Isabelle Johannessen, head of the Startup Battlefield program, will be present as a judge during the SusHi Tech Challenge, the conference's flagship pitch competition.

For the winner, the stakes are high: winning the Grand Prize of the SusHi Tech Challenge means direct entry into the Top 200 of TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield, providing an opportunity to showcase their project on one of the most coveted stages in the startup world.

SusHi Tech Tokyo: A Must-Attend Event

SusHi Tech Tokyo, which stands for Sustainable High City Tech Tokyo, is in its fourth edition and has established itself as the largest innovation conference in Asia. This year, the event reaches unprecedented scale with 750 startup exhibitors from 60 countries, over 10,000 scheduled business meetings, and a total of 60,000 participants expected over three days.

Organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the conference aims to bring together the most innovative minds to build the sustainable cities of tomorrow. At the exhibition site, 62 corporate partners, including giants like Sony, Google, Microsoft, and Mizuho, are hosting reverse pitches and actively seeking to collaborate with startups, transforming the event into a true live negotiation marketplace.

The Four Pillars of Innovation

SusHi Tech 2026 highlights four key technological areas: Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Resilience, and Entertainment. Participants can expect demonstrations of humanoid robots, discussions on autonomous driving, analyses of cybersecurity and climate technologies, as well as debates on the impact of AI in the music and anime industries on a global scale.

Notable speakers include Howard Wright from Nvidia, Rob Chu from AWS, Eva Chen from Trend Micro, Qasar Younis from Applied Intuition, Christine Tsai from 500 Global, Kathy Matsui from MPower Partners, and Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike. Approximately 60% of the speakers are from abroad, and nearly half are women, highlighting the diversity and inclusivity of the event.

The SusHi Tech Challenge: A Fierce Competition

The pitch competition attracted 820 applications from 60 countries and regions, with 437 international proposals and 383 Japanese ones. On April 27, twenty semi-finalists will compete, and seven finalists will be selected for the final on April 28. The Grand Prize winner will receive ¥10,000,000 and automatic entry into the Top 200 of TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield.

A Conference That Transcends Borders

Beyond presentations and exhibitions, the conference hosts the G-NETS Leaders Summit, bringing together leaders from 49 cities across five continents, from Los Angeles to Nairobi to Singapore. These meetings aim to establish concrete commitments on climate resilience and urban sustainability.

The event doesn't stop at nightfall: musical performances from La Folle Journée, cruises on Tokyo Bay, and the Tokyo Innovation NIGHTs networking series extend the experience.

The Essential App for Navigating the Event

The official SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 app is an essential tool for participants. Even before arriving, it offers an AI-powered matchmaking system that recommends relevant startups, investors, and partners, and allows for advance booking of meeting rooms. On-site, it provides a GPS map, QR business card exchange, and real-time notifications, making it easier to navigate the vast Tokyo Big Sight venue. Available on iOS and Android, it is indispensable for making the most of the event.

SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 will take place from April 27 to 29 at Tokyo Big Sight. Professional days are scheduled for April 27 and 28, while the Public Day, with free entry, will be on April 29.