TechCrunch Takes on Tokyo: Startup Battlefield Edition

TechCrunch has announced its exciting partnership with SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026, the largest global innovation conference in Asia, set to take place from April 27 to 29 at Tokyo Big Sight. What sets this collaboration apart is that TechCrunch will not just be covering the event but actively participating. Isabelle Johannessen, TechCrunch’s very own Startup Battlefield program manager, will be attending as a judge for the SusHi Tech Challenge, the conference’s premier global pitch competition.

The stakes are high for the winner of the SusHi Tech Challenge Grand Prix. The recipient will secure an automatic spot in the prestigious TechCrunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield Top 200, offering them a chance to pitch on one of the most sought-after stages in the startup realm.

Understanding SusHi Tech Tokyo

SusHi Tech Tokyo, now in its fourth year, stands for Sustainable High City Tech Tokyo. It has evolved into the largest innovation conference in Asia, attracting startups, investors, corporate partners, and city leaders from across the globe. The 2026 edition promises to be the most extensive yet, with 750 startup exhibitors from 60 countries, over 10,000 facilitated business meetings, and an estimated 60,000 attendees over three days.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government organizes the conference with a clear objective: bringing together the world’s top innovators to shape the sustainable cities of tomorrow.

With 62 corporate partners like Sony, Google, Microsoft, and Mizuho participating on the expo floor, hosting reverse pitches, and actively seeking startup collaborations, the event serves as both a live dealmaking marketplace and a conference. The programming is designed to reflect this ambitious vision.

Exploring Four Cutting-Edge Domains

SusHi Tech 2026 focuses on four key technology domains driving societal transformation: AI, Robotics, Resilience, and Entertainment. Attendees can expect live demonstrations of humanoid robots, sessions on the software revolution in autonomous driving, in-depth discussions on cyber defense and climate tech, and engaging dialogues on AI’s impact on the global music and anime industries.

The lineup of speakers includes industry experts like 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 Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike, among others. Around 60% of the speakers come from outside Japan, with approximately half being women.

If you’re planning to be in Tokyo, this is an event not to be missed. Secure your tickets here.

Unveiling the SusHi Tech Challenge

The pitch competition attracted a total of 820 applications from 60 countries and regions, with 437 international entries and 383 from Japan. Twenty semifinalists will compete on April 27, leading to seven finalists advancing to the grand final on April 28. The Grand Prix winner will walk away with ¥10,000,000 and a guaranteed slot in the TechCrunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield Top 200.

Embracing Innovation Beyond the Conference

The conference’s impact extends far beyond the convention floor. City leaders representing 49 cities across five continents, from Los Angeles to Nairobi to Singapore, will gather for the G-NETS Leaders Summit to establish concrete commitments on climate resilience and urban sustainability. Meanwhile, on the expo floor, 62 corporate partners, including industry giants like Sony, Google, Microsoft, and Mizuho, will engage in reverse pitches and actively seek collaborations with startups.

In true Tokyo fashion, the experience doesn’t conclude at 6 p.m. Classical music performances by La Folle Journée, waterfront cruises along Tokyo Bay, and the Tokyo Innovation NIGHTs networking series round out the event’s program.

Prepare with the Official SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 App

The official SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 app serves as your essential tool on-site. Even before your arrival, AI-powered algorithms suggest the most suitable startups, investors, and partners for you to connect with, allowing you to book meeting rooms in advance. Once at the venue, a GPS floor map, QR code business card exchange, and real-time notifications keep you informed across the expansive Tokyo Big Sight location. Download the app on iOS or Android platforms.

SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 will run from April 27 to 29 at Tokyo Big Sight. Business days are scheduled for April 27-28, with a Public Day (free admission) on April 29.