SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026: Redefining Tech Conferences with 60,000 Attendees
Traditional tech conferences often involve attendees traveling to expensive venues, sitting through numerous panels, collecting business cards that may never be used, and then returning home. SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026, scheduled for April 27–29 at Tokyo Big Sight, is intentionally designed to break this mold.
With an expected attendance of 60,000 individuals, the event boasts impressive figures: 750 startup exhibitors, 151 sessions, and city leaders from 49 countries. However, the most telling statistic is the facilitation of 10,000 business meetings, all brokered, booked, and tracked before most participants even arrive.
Facilitating Meaningful Connections
The official SusHi Tech app serves as more than just an event guide; it acts as a matchmaking tool. Attendees create profiles and specify their interests prior to the conference. The app’s AI then provides tailored recommendations, opens direct messaging channels, and allows for the pre-booking of meeting spaces. On-site, QR code business card exchanges streamline interactions, eliminating traditional networking hurdles.
This emphasis on efficient networking extends to the startup pitch competition. Isabelle Johannessen, TechCrunch’s Startup Battlefield program manager, will select a standout startup from the semifinalists to advance to the TechCrunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield 200, offering them a chance to present on one of the industry’s most esteemed platforms.
Reverse Pitching: A New Paradigm
A distinctive feature of SusHi Tech is its reverse pitch format. Instead of startups vying for the attention of large corporations, it’s the corporates and city governments that present their unresolved challenges, inviting startups to propose innovative solutions.
This year, cities like Moreton Bay and Rome are conducting reverse pitch sessions, effectively issuing public requests for proposals to a global startup audience. On the corporate front, 62 partner companies—including industry giants like Sony, Google, Microsoft, and Mizuho—are hosting dedicated Open Innovation exhibits and sessions, actively seeking collaborative opportunities. Additionally, twelve domain-specific clusters spanning sectors such as logistics, life sciences, railways, and climate tech are exhibiting for the first time, aiming to co-create with startups rather than merely observe.
A Global Startup Showcase
Among the 750 exhibitors, 400 hail from outside Japan, representing a diverse cross-section of the global startup ecosystem. City partners from 25 countries and regions are bringing their own cohorts with a clear mandate: to connect startups with Japanese partners and capital. Furthermore, a new group of 45 “SusHi Tech Global Startups”—growth-stage Japanese companies supported by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government—are making their global debut in a dedicated pavilion.
For international founders and investors who have been observing Japan from afar, SusHi Tech offers an unprecedented entry point into the market. The connections made during the event are designed to be meaningful and actionable, ensuring that the business cards exchanged don’t end up forgotten.
Remote Participation: Bridging the Distance
Understanding that not everyone can attend in person, SusHi Tech Tokyo offers robust remote participation options. Remote attendees receive more than just a livestream; on-site staff will navigate the floor on their behalf, carrying a device that displays the remote participant’s face, enabling real-time, face-to-face interactions with attendees and exhibitors. This innovative approach brings remote participants as close as possible to the in-person experience.
For those unable to engage in real-time, ticket holders can stream sessions online and access the programming from anywhere. While some sessions may not be available for online streaming, the majority of the content is accessible, ensuring that participants can stay informed and engaged regardless of their location.
Event Details
SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 runs from April 27–29 at Tokyo Big Sight. Business days are scheduled for April 27–28, with a Public Day offering free admission on April 29. Interested individuals can register to attend or participate remotely.
