TechCrunch joins SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 for Startup Battle

TechCrunch is heading to Tokyo to participate in SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026, Asia’s premier global innovation conference, held from April 27–29 at Tokyo Big Sight. As part of this collaboration, Isabelle Johannessen, Startup Battlefield program manager, will serve as a judge for the SusHi Tech Challenge, the event’s primary pitch competition.

The SusHi Tech Challenge

The competition drew 820 applications from 60 countries, split between 437 international entries and 383 from Japan. The event structure includes:

• April 27: Twenty semifinalists take the stage.
• April 28: Seven finalists compete for the ¥10,000,000 Grand Prix.
• Strategic Perk: TechCrunch will handpick one semifinalist to secure a spot in the Startup Battlefield 200 at Disrupt.

What is SusHi Tech Tokyo?

Now in its fourth iteration, SusHi Tech Tokyo — an abbreviation for Sustainable High City Tech Tokyo — serves as a hub for investors, startups, and city officials. This year, organizers expect 60,000 attendees and have facilitated over 10,000 business meetings.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government hosts the event with a focus on urban sustainability. The expo floor features 62 corporate partners, including Google, Microsoft, Sony, and Mizuho, which are running reverse pitches to identify potential startup collaborators.

Technology Focus Areas

The 2026 conference prioritizes four specific sectors currently influencing global markets:

• AI: Discussions on how artificial intelligence is transforming anime and music.
• Robotics: Live demonstrations of humanoid technology.
• Resilience: Deep dives into climate tech and cyber defense.
• Entertainment: Software advancements in autonomous driving and digital media.

The speaker lineup features prominent industry figures such as Howard Wright (Nvidia), Rob Chu (AWS), Eva Chen (Trend Micro), Qasar Younis (Applied Intuition), Christine Tsai (500 Global), Kathy Matsui (MPower Partners), and Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike. Roughly half of the speakers are women, and 60% are joining from outside Japan.

International Collaboration and Networking

Beyond the expo floor, the G-NETS Leaders Summit will host city representatives from 55 locations worldwide, including Nairobi, Los Angeles, and Singapore, to discuss urban sustainability. The event also features evening programming, such as La Folle Journée classical performances, Tokyo Bay cruises, and the Tokyo Innovation NIGHTs networking series.

Logistics and Participation

Attendees are encouraged to use the SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 Official app for AI-powered matchmaking and meeting room reservations. The app also includes a GPS floor map and digital business card exchange features, available for iOS and Android.

Business days are April 27–28, while April 29 is designated as a free Public Day. Tickets for the event can be purchased here.