TechCrunch is set to make a significant appearance at SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026, Asia’s largest global innovation conference, scheduled for April 27–29 at Tokyo Big Sight. The event is not just a coverage opportunity; it will feature TechCrunch’s Startup Battlefield program manager, Isabelle Johannessen, serving as a judge for the SusHi Tech Challenge, the main global pitch competition at the conference.
The competition provides a unique opportunity for an exceptional team. A TechCrunch editor will identify a standout startup among the semifinalists to advance to the TechCrunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield 200, offering a chance to showcase their innovation on one of the industry’s most prestigious stages.
What is SusHi Tech Tokyo?
Now in its fourth year, SusHi Tech Tokyo, which stands for Sustainable High City Tech Tokyo, has evolved into the largest innovation conference in Asia. This year’s event promises to be the largest yet, featuring 750 startup exhibitors from 60 countries, over 10,000 facilitated business meetings, and an anticipated attendance of 60,000 individuals over three days.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government organizes the conference with a clear mission: to unite the world’s leading innovators in building the sustainable cities of the future. The expo floor will host 62 corporate partners, including major players like Sony, Google, Microsoft, and Mizuho, all actively seeking startup collaborators through reverse pitches, making it more of a live dealmaking marketplace than just a conference.
Four Domains at the Frontier
SusHi Tech 2026 will focus on four pivotal technology domains that are reshaping society: AI, Robotics, Resilience, and Entertainment. Attendees can expect live demonstrations of humanoid robots, discussions on the software revolution in autonomous driving, in-depth explorations of cybersecurity and climate technology, as well as engaging discussions on how AI is transforming the global music and anime landscapes.
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 Governor of Tokyo, Yuriko Koike, among others. Approximately 60% of the speakers will come from outside Japan, with nearly half being women.
Meet Your Next Investor at Disrupt
Your opportunity for networking and innovation awaits at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, where over 10,000 founders, investors, and tech leaders will gather for three days of insightful sessions and networking opportunities. Register now for a chance to save on passes.
If you plan to be in Tokyo, don’t miss the chance to secure your tickets for this transformative event.
The SusHi Tech Challenge
The SusHi Tech Challenge has drawn 820 applications from 60 countries, including 437 international entries and 383 from Japan. Twenty semifinalists will present their pitches on April 27, with seven teams moving on to the finals on April 28. In addition to the ¥10,000,000 Grand Prix award, TechCrunch will select one semifinalist to advance to the Startup Battlefield 200 at Disrupt.
Beyond the Stage
The conference experience extends beyond the expo floor. City leaders from 49 cities across five continents—ranging from Los Angeles to Nairobi to Singapore—will convene for the G-NETS Leaders Summit to establish concrete commitments toward climate resilience and urban sustainability. The expo floor will also feature 62 corporate partners hosting reverse pitches and actively pursuing startup collaborations.
As the sun sets in Tokyo, the conference offers a vibrant schedule of activities, including classical music performances from La Folle Journée, scenic waterfront cruises along Tokyo Bay, and the Tokyo Innovation NIGHTs networking series, ensuring that the experience continues long after the sessions end.
Download the Official App
Before attending, make sure to download the official SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 app, which will serve as your command center on the ground. The app utilizes AI-powered matching to recommend the right startups, investors, and partners for you to connect with, along with allowing you to book meeting rooms in advance. On-site features include a GPS floor map, QR business card exchange, and real-time notifications to help you navigate the expansive Tokyo Big Sight venue.
SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 will take place from April 27–29 at Tokyo Big Sight, with business days on April 27–28 and a Public Day offering free admission on April 29.
Source: TechCrunch News