The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) will host the Global Startup EXPO 2026 in Osaka, Japan, from October 5 to 7. Designed as an entry point for overseas venture capital firms, the event aims to integrate foreign investors into Japan's growing startup ecosystem.
Under the theme 'Deeptech – from breakthrough to industry,' GSE2026 seeks to link overseas venture capitalists with Japanese startups, corporate venture capital funds, institutional investors, and government-backed investment entities. The goal is to transform these connections into tangible opportunities for investment and industrial growth.
GSE2026 extends beyond a typical exhibition by focusing on the social implementation and industrialization of innovation, particularly within the realm of deep tech. While funding is vital, the event stresses the importance of bringing technologies and products to market to generate sustainable economic value and industries.
The expo offers several opportunities for venture capitalists to engage with Japan's investment network and promising startups. Notably, participants will include companies from METI's J-Startup program and winners of the National Startup Award. This provides a platform for investors looking at Japan as a sourcing or syndication market or as a long-term strategic location.
The program is structured around three stages: Discover, Engage, and Build. Investors can identify global trends and emerging technologies, network with startups and other ecosystem participants, and work toward concrete business actions through investor matchmaking and partnerships.
Prominent global investors, such as Andreessen Horowitz from the U.S., New Enterprise Associates from the U.S., and Atomico from the U.K., have confirmed their participation. Additional speakers and participants will be announced in the coming weeks.
Additional details on speakers, schedule updates, and registration can be found on the official GSE2026 website.
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