Startup Ecosystem Summit 2025

Startup Ecosystem Summit 2025

2025.11.25 Tue 11:00

Tokyo Innovation Base

ABOUT

Connect, deepen, and expand.
To the forefront of global innovation.

In November 2022, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced its startup strategy, “Global Innovation with STARTUPS.”

At Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB) — founded as a global node for innovation — the Startup Ecosystem Summit 2025 will once again bring together leaders shaping the future of our ecosystem.

Now in its fourth year, the Summit serves as an annual gathering for a diverse range of players — startups, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, accelerators, corporations, and public institutions — all united under one mission: to create global scale innovations.

This event is more than just an exchange of information. It is a strategic platform designed to help each participant gain new insights, build stronger networks, and co-create the future together.

Join us as we expand connections, foster collaborations, and accelerate the creation of innovations that will shape the world.

Scenes from a past session Scenes from the EmpowerHER session Networking at the venue

CONTENTS

View Timetable
  • Special Session

    STAGE 2F
    Special Session: The Future of Japan as a Technology Nation

    Special Session

    This special session explores the challenges of scaling deeptech startups in Japan — a nation rich in Nobel Prize–level scientific researches, yet still struggling to turn its technological excellence into business success.
    Is Japan truly a “Technology Nation”? If so, how can that strength be transformed into innovation that competes globally?
    With leading deep tech founders, investors, and experts, this session will discuss how science-driven businesses can scale beyond the lab. We will examine Japan’s deeptech ecosystem through multiple lenses — from R&D and financing to partnerships, intellectual property, and market creation — to uncover what it really takes to turn technology into transformative innovation.

  • Triangle Session

    Where different perspectives meet, new forms of support emerge.

    Triangle Session

    The Triangle Session brings together three key ecosystem players within each theme — from HR, acceleration program, legal, IP, and community building — to explore their unique strengths, expertise, and approaches to startup support. By comparing real-world practices from each organization, participants can discover what kind of partner or program best fits their growth journey.

  • Global Ecosystem Round Table

    Ecosystem builders from around the world gather to share challenges, success stories, and growth strategies from their respective countries and regions.

    Global Ecosystem Round Table

    This session explores diverse approaches to ecosystem development — from government-led policy frameworks to private-sector community initiatives, fundraising models, talent development, international collaboration, and regulatory environments. Through open discussion and case studies, we aim to uncover global best practices for sustainable startup ecosystems.

  • Global Ecosystem Pitch

    In this session, embassies, chambers of commerce, and trade organizations based in Japan introduce their startup support programs directly to Japanese entrepreneurs.

    Global Ecosystem Pitch

    From market-entry support, international R&D collaboration, trade show participation, visa programs, regulatory guidance, and grants — each country presents its practical resources for startups expanding to their countries.
    For startups looking to go global, this is the perfect first step to connect with international partners.

  • Government Pitch Session

    Ministries and government agencies that support startup growth will come together to present the latest public programs and policies.

    Government Pitch Session

    This includes grants, subsidies, low-interest loans, tax incentives, IP assistance, proof-of-concept opportunities, overseas expansion programs, and talent development initiatives.
    Speakers will share real examples and practical tips on how startups can leverage public resources effectively — helping each company identify the support best suited to their stage of growth.

  • EmpowerHER Session

    Focusing on women entrepreneurs and ecosystem leaders, the EmpowerHER Session addresses the challenges, success stories, and actionable solutions for building a more inclusive startup environment.

    EmpowerHER Session

    The discussion will cover funding barriers, leadership and gender gaps, work–life balance, and the importance of mentorship. The session also highlights VC funds, accelerators, and communities dedicated to empowering women in entrepreneurship. Through dialogue and networking, participants will build stronger connections and foster a community of mutual support that drives greater diversity and innovation.

SPEAKERS

  • Kazuma Abe

    Japan Science and Technology Agency. Chief

  • Akiho Adachi

    Venture Café Tokyo Program Manager

  • Masako Ando

    National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Director, Entrepreneur Promotion Office, ICT Deployment and Industry Promotion Department

  • Shiro Ataka

    IPTech Patent Professional Corporation, Representative Patent Attorney / Certified Public Accountant

  • Yuumi Atobe

    Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Associate Professor

  • Fumiha Branscombe

    Fleurinary, Inc., CEO

  • Adrien Calatayud

    French Embassy - Business France, Invest Activity Director

  • Yacine Chikhar

    Algeria Venture, Director of Operations

  • Diane Deschamps

    Hello Tomorrow Japan, Ecosystem Lead

  • Ayumi Fujimoto

    Startup Ecosystem Association Japan, President

  • Tomomi Hamaguchi

    Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Technology Policy Division, Global Strategy Bureau, Deputy Director

  • Ryoji Haraguchi

    Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Project Director

  • Koji Hasegawa

    Learning Cycle Inc, CEO

  • Takaharu Hasegawa

    ONE CAREER Inc., Senior Manager

  • Ikuo Hayashi

    LINK-J, General Manager

  • Naoto Hoshi

    Impact Startup Association, Representative Director

  • Seiya Imoto

    Innovation and Startup Promotion Division, METI, Section Chief

  • Naoki Inoue

    Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Deputy Director

  • Kazuhiko Ishida

    01Booster Inc., General Manager

  • Sayoko Ishihara

    YOUTRUST, Inc., Senior Executive Officer / Head of Human Resources

  • Ayano Iwama

    Mori, Hamada & Matsumoto, Attorney at Law

  • Akiko Iwamoto

    01Booster Inc., Leader

  • Hajime Iwata

    Kiraboshi Bank, Ltd., Partner

  • Ayano Kagami

    CIC Japan G.K., Director, CIC Institute

  • Naoto Kakizaki

    Disaster Management Plan Division, Disaster Management Bureau, Cabinet Office of Japan, Policy Researcher

  • Masato Kaneda

    Mizuho Bank, Ltd., Operating Officer, Deputy Head of Retail & Business Banking Division, Innovative Startups Coordination

  • Yuki Kannari

    Japan Patent Office (JPO), Officer

  • Yasushi Kawano

    Nagoya University, Academic Research & Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration, Professor

  • Atsushi Kitagawa

    Sony Ventures Corp., Managing Director Japan

  • Hiroki Kiyoto

    Startup Class Co., Ltd., Executive Officer

  • Maiko Kojima

    Crafter Inc., CEO

  • Hammarström Lars

    Embassy of Sweden, Science and Innovation Counsellor

  • Toshi Maeda

    Startup Island TAIWAN, Tokyo Hub, Co-Representative

  • Ryoko Manabe

    Alchemist Japan LLC, Managing Director

  • Kiyoko Mashio

    Institute of Science Tokyo, Specially Appointed Professor

  • Chika Minami

    ZeLo, Attorney at Law

  • Tomoyuki Mizuno

    Creww Inc., Director & COO

  • Victor Mulas

    CIC, Chief Innovation Officer

  • Yoshie Nagatomo

    Startup Association of Japan, Director

  • Masaru Nagura

    Startup Ecosystem Association Japan, Vice President

  • Ryo Naiki

    Plug and Play Japan, Executive Officer, COO

  • Ayuko Nakamura

    eiicon co., ltd., CEO / Founder

  • Keisuke Nakano

    EDiX Professional Group, Partner

  • Suzuka Nakazaki

    NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization), Officer

  • Alex Odajima

    EDGEof Innovation, LLC, CEO

  • Olivia Hervy

    VivaTech, Chief Ecosystem Officer

  • Rumi Onodera

    ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA Tokyo, Head of Innovation and Technology

  • Marko Radovic

    Consulate of Switzerland in Osaka / Swissnex in Japan, Startup Lead & Innovation Officer

  • Marcel Rasinger

    Global Incubator Network Austria (GIN), GO AUSTRIA Ambassador in Japan

  • Shinichiro Sakamoto

    One IP Patent Attorney Corporation, IP & Alliance Strategy Architect

  • Kumi Sakurai

    Premo Partners, CEO

  • Masahiro Samejima

    Uchida & Samejima Law Firm, Founding Partner, Attorney at Law

  • Yoshinori Sasaki

    Startup Studio Union, Co-Representative Director

  • Yoshitaka Sasaki

    Kanazawa University, Associate Professor

  • Kohei Satake

    Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Staff

  • Hinata Sato

    AZX Professionals Group, Associate

  • Masashi Sato

    SPACETIDE Foundation, Director & CSO

  • Saeko Seno

    Shibuya City Office, Chief, Global City Promotion Section

  • Yutaka Shibata

    JR East Start Up Co., Ltd., President & CEO

  • Kumiko Shiga

    SOCIALX Inc., Director

  • Miho Shimizu

    for Startups, Inc., Principal

  • Yuki Shimizu

    Incubate Fund, PR & Communication Director

  • Aki Sho

    Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Marketing Assistant

  • Daylon Soh

    CuriousCore, Founder & General Manager

  • Tetsuro Sonoda

    Japan Finance Corporation, Head, New and Start-up Business Support Office, SME Unit

  • Shiho Takai

    QXLV, Associate / Women AI Initiative Japan, Director

  • Mizuho Takeda

    Medical Venture Partners, Inc., CEO

  • Takayuki Tezuka

    Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Joint General Manager, Growth Business Development Dept.

  • Takamitsu Toi

    Mediagene Inc., Business Development

  • Hotaru Tokunaga

    British Embassy Tokyo, Inward Investment Advisor for Technology & Life Sciences

  • Jin Tomioka

    Telexistence Inc., Co-Founder & CEO

  • Shinsuke Tsukahara

    Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc., Managing Director, Head of Startup Acceleration Strategy Division

  • Yukina Ueno

    Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), Deputy Director

  • Fumiko Uraki

    Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Senior Director, Frontier & Open Innovation Division

  • Atsushi Usami

    UTEC, Partner and Board Director

  • Hiroyuki Wani

    Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, Cabinet Office, Unit Chief

  • Hiroko Yasuga

    LINK-J, Producer

ECOSYSTEM PLAYERS

  • 一般社団法人スタートアップエコシステム協会

  • 株式会社スタートアップクラス

  • 一般社団法人インパクトスタートアップ協会

  • 株式会社きらぼし銀行

  • 株式会社みずほ銀行

  • Creww株式会社

  • JR東日本スタートアップ株式会社

  • 株式会社eiicon

  • 株式会社ゼロワンブースター

  • Women's AI Initiative Japan

  • 逆プロポ

  • 一般社団法人ベンチャー・カフェ東京

  • One ip弁理士法人

  • IPTech弁理士法人

  • 株式会社MVP

  • University Startup Leaders Fund

  • Premo Partners

  • Fleurinary株式会社

  • 株式会社YOUTRUST

  • 企業情報

  • 株式会社メディアジーン

  • AZX総合法律事務所

  • 森・濱田松本法律事務所

  • 法律事務所ZeLo

  • 東京大学エッジキャピタルパートナーズ

  • Plug and Play Japan株式会社

  • 株式会社日本政策金融公庫

  • ソニーベンチャーズ株式会社

  • スタートアップスタジオ

  • GTIE

  • フォースタートアップス株式会社

  • 一般社団法人スタートアップ協会

  • EDiX Professional Group

  • Hello Tomorrow Japan

  • 国立研究開発法人情報通信研究機構

  • Algeria Venture

  • 株式会社三菱UFJ銀行

  • CIC Japan合同会社

  • NEDO(国立研究開発法人新エネルギー・産業技術総合開発機構)

  • 株式会社クラフター

  • swissnex Japan

  • 特許庁

  • 三菱商事株式会社

  • 北陸テックスタートアップ

  • アルケミストジャパン合同会社

  • 渋谷区スタートアップ支援事業

  • 総務省

  • 東京農工大学

  • Curious Core

  • Startup Island TAIWAN 東京ハブ

  • LINK-J

  • 株式会社三井住友銀行

  • ビジネスフランス(フランス大使館)

  • 厚生労働省

  • SPACETIDE

  • 日本貿易振興機構(ジェトロ)

  • 香港貿易発展局

  • 国立研究開発法人科学技術振興機構

  • AdvantageAustria(オーストリア大使館商務部)

  • 文部科学省

  • 株式会社ワンキャリア

  • グローバルインキュベーターネットワークオーストリア

  • インキュベイトファンド株式会社

  • 株式会社Tx

  • 英国大使館

  • 国立研究開発法人日本医療研究開発機構

  • 内閣府

  • 株式会社ラーニングサイクル

  • スウェーデン大使館

  • 経済産業省

  • Makaira World

  • 日本民間公益活動連携機構(JANPIA)

OVERVIEW

Date
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
11:00 AM–5:30 PM (tentative)
Venue
Tokyo Innovation Base
3-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005
Located in front of Yurakucho Station
On-site event only (no online participation)
Access
・1 minute walk from JR Yurakucho Station (Kyobashi Exit, Yamanote / Keihin-Tohoku Line)
・Directly connected to Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Station (Exit D9)
・3 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza-itchome Station (Exit 1, Yurakucho Line)
Fee
Free
Organizer
Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Startup Ecosystem Association Japan
Support
Cabinet Office of Japan
Secretariat
Startup Ecosystem Association Japan
Contact
Startup Ecosystem Summit 2025 Organizing Secretariat
info@startupecosystem.org

ORGANIZER

Tokyo Metropolitan Government

Tokyo Metropolitan Government

In line with its "Global Innovation with STARTUPS" strategy launched in November 2022, Tokyo Metropolitan Government is committed to fostering a thriving startup ecosystem through collaborative efforts. This event, co-hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and startup support organizations, aims to connect individuals interested in startup careers with innovative companies. It will feature sessions highlighting the unique advantages of working at startups and pitches from startups actively recruiting talent.

Startup Ecosystem Association Japan

Startup Ecosystem Association Japan

Founded in March 2022 by key players in Japan's startup ecosystem, including CIC Tokyo and Plug and Play Japan, the Startup Ecosystem Association of Japan aims to foster an environment where startups can thrive and drive economic growth. By serving as a gateway to Japan for global startups, the association seeks to globalize Japan's startup ecosystem through initiatives such as promoting the Japanese startup ecosystem and supporting startups' overseas expansion.