International Startup Conference 'IVS2026' to Feature 'KYOTO ZONE' – A Practical Hub for Business Talks, Co-creation, and Prototyping

Kyoto Prefecture will launch the 'KYOTO ZONE' at 'IVS2026' held in July, where visitors can experience Kyoto's startup ecosystem.

This zone aims to increase awareness of 'Kyoto = Deep Tech Hub' among domestic and international entrepreneurs and investors, while accelerating business negotiations and co-creation.

*Deep Tech: Scientific discoveries and innovative technologies that solve social issues and have a significant impact on our lives and society.

1. Overview

- An area where leading companies, universities, and financial institutions from Kyoto gather to promote Kyoto as a deep tech hub. - Booth exhibitions by participating companies and stage programs are planned. *Details will be posted on the 'IVS2026' website as they are confirmed. (URL: https://www.ivs.events/)

2. Purpose

(1) Attracting Deep Tech Entrepreneurs - Disseminate information about the research infrastructure and support track record centered on Kyoto University to attract entrepreneurs and management talent from Japan and abroad.

(2) Promoting Collaboration between Large Companies and Startups - Create business matching opportunities between large companies concentrated in Kyoto and domestic and international startups.

(3) Prototyping and Manufacturing Collaboration with SMEs - Promote collaboration between SMEs with advanced prototyping capabilities in Kyoto and deep tech startups, supporting productization and mass production.

3. Stage Program Outline (Tentative)

Understanding the Source of Deep Tech - The Appeal of Deep Tech Startups: Management Strategies for Massive Funding and Global Expansion - 'Shibuya vs. Kyoto': A Thorough Discussion of East-West Ecosystems - 'Kyoto, the Venture Capital': Reverse Pitches by Large Companies

Witnessing the Challenge of Creating Next-Generation Industries - 'Having Technology' is Not Enough: Research, Capital, Business Development, and Global Strategy - Pitch Contest for Content Industries (Film, Anime, Games) x Advanced Technologies like AI

Shaping Research Seeds into Reality - Crossing the 'Valley of Death' with 'Kyoto's Fastest Prototyping': A Manufacturing Collaboration Model for Deep Tech Startups

4. Participating Companies and Organizations

Kyoto Bank, Kyoto Capital Partners, Community Bank Kyoshin, Kyoshin Social Capital, Kyoto Central Shinkin Bank, Chushin Venture Capital, Kyoto Qualia Forum (Kyocera, Sanyo Chemical Industries, Shimadzu Corporation, SCREEN Holdings, NISSHA, Horiba, Murata Machinery, Murata Manufacturing, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto Prefectural University, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ritsumeikan University), Kyoto Prototyping Network, Kyoto University Innovation Capital, Shimadzu Corporation, SCREEN Holdings, Strike, TMI Associates, Nichicon, Nomura Securities, Kyoto University, Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, etc.

Reference: 'IVS2026' (URL: https://www.ivs.events/)

Overview: A startup conference that brings together domestic and international entrepreneurs and investors to facilitate direct negotiations for investment, collaboration partners, talent acquisition, and new business creation. Held in Kyoto for the 4th consecutive year.

Dates: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 – Friday, July 3, 2026

Venue: Kyoto International Exhibition Hall 'Miyako Messe' (9-1 Okazaki Seishoji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City) and other locations