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Kyoto, July 2026 — IVS2026, one of Japan’s largest startup conferences, was held in Kyoto from July 1 to 3, 2026. Under the theme “Japan is Back,” the event brought together entrepreneurs, investors, corporate executives, government representatives, researchers, students, and other key players in the startup ecosystem.
The conference was organized as a multi-layered event combining open exhibition areas, invitation-only programs, pitch stages, and side events. According to official information, the open area at Miyakomesse served as a platform for people involved in startups and new business creation, while IVS CORE at Hotel Okura Kyoto was operated as a fully invitation-only area for decision-makers shaping the future of Japan’s startup industry. ROHM Theatre Kyoto also hosted a major pitch program for next-generation entrepreneurs.
Across the venue, the red-based visual identity, sponsor displays, exhibition booths, and stage production created a strong sense of energy. Visitors moved between booths, exchanged materials, watched demonstrations, and held business discussions throughout the day.
The exhibition area reflected the diversity of Japan’s startup and innovation ecosystem. Companies and organizations from fintech, SaaS, human resources, robotics, regional innovation, and local government-related initiatives presented their services and projects to attendees. Many booths served as active points of contact for product explanations, demonstrations, recruitment, partnerships, and investment conversations.
Corporate booths, including PAY.JP, ippo, Morning Pitch, deel, and others, engaged directly with visitors on the show floor. The exhibition was not only a branding opportunity, but also a practical setting for business development, hiring, investor relations, and ecosystem building.
Regional innovation was another visible theme at the venue. Local governments and regional ecosystem players presented support programs, local resources, and startup-related initiatives, positioning regional Japan as an important part of the country’s innovation landscape.
Stage programming was also a central part of IVS2026. According to the official site, the conference featured more than 80 sessions, covering topics such as AI, deep tech, investment, startup management, IPOs and M&A, and regional revitalization.
At KYOTO STAGE, discussions focused on startup support in Kyoto, collaboration with local companies and universities, and the role of regional ecosystems in new industry creation. Rather than treating startups as isolated growth companies, the program placed them within a broader network of industry, academia, government, and local communities.
IVS2026 functioned not only as a platform for startups to showcase products and business ideas, but also as a meeting ground for investors, corporations, government bodies, and support organizations. Across the venue, exhibitions, business meetings, stage sessions, and spontaneous encounters took place simultaneously.
With “Japan is Back” as its central message, IVS2026 presented Japan’s startup ecosystem as a renewed force in the global innovation landscape. As AI, deep tech, regional innovation, and global expansion become increasingly important themes, the Kyoto conference served as a key platform for connecting the people and organizations shaping Japan’s next generation of industry.
