TechCrunch is aligning with SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026, the largest global innovation conference in Asia, set for April 27–29 at Tokyo Big Sight. The partnership goes beyond mere coverage: Isabelle Johannessen, Startup Battlefield program manager, will serve as a judge for the SusHi Tech Challenge, the event’s flagship pitch competition. Victory here carries immense weight—the Grand Prix winner secures automatic entry into the TechCrunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield Top 200, earning a shot at one of the most prestigious startup stages worldwide.
Now in its fourth year, SusHi Tech Tokyo—short for Sustainable High City Tech Tokyo—has evolved into Asia’s premier innovation hub, attracting startups, investors, corporate entities, and municipal leaders globally. This edition marks its largest yet, featuring 750 startup exhibitors from 60 countries, over 10,000 facilitated business meetings, and an anticipated 60,000 attendees across three days. Organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the conference aims to unite top innovators to forge sustainable urban futures.
The expo floor transforms into a dynamic dealmaking arena, with 62 corporate partners—including Sony, Google, Microsoft, and Mizuho—hosting reverse pitches and actively scouting startup collaborations. This blend of exhibition and negotiation underscores the event’s role as a live marketplace for innovation.
SusHi Tech 2026 focuses on four pivotal technology domains reshaping society: AI, Robotics, Resilience, and Entertainment. Attendees can expect live demos of humanoid robots, discussions on autonomous driving software, deep dives into cyber defense and climate tech, and frank talks on AI’s impact on global music and anime industries. 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. Notably, about 60% of speakers hail from outside Japan, and roughly half are women.
The SusHi Tech Challenge drew 820 applications from 60 countries and regions—437 international and 383 Japanese. Twenty semifinalists compete on April 27, seven finalists advance on April 28, and one Grand Prix winner receives ¥10,000,000 plus automatic entry into the TechCrunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield Top 200.
Beyond the main stage, the conference extends its reach. City leaders from 49 cities across five continents—from Los Angeles to Nairobi to Singapore—convene for the G-NETS Leaders Summit to establish concrete commitments on climate resilience and urban sustainability. Evening activities reflect Tokyo’s vibrant culture, with classical music performances by La Folle Journée, waterfront cruises on Tokyo Bay, and the Tokyo Innovation NIGHTs networking series.
For on-the-ground efficiency, the official SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 app serves as a command center. AI-powered matching pre-arrives recommends relevant startups, investors, and partners, while features like GPS floor maps, QR business card exchange, and real-time push notifications streamline navigation at Tokyo Big Sight. The app is available for iOS and Android.
SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 runs April 27–29 at Tokyo Big Sight, with business days on April 27–28 and a Public Day offering free admission on April 29.
