IVS2026 Launches 'IVS CORE': An Exclusive, Off-the-Record Area for 1,000 Decision Makers at Hotel Okura Kyoto
IVS2026, Japan's largest startup conference scheduled for July 1-3, 2026, will introduce 'IVS CORE,' a new invitation-only area for decision-makers at Hotel Okura Kyoto. Limited to 1,000 attendees, it features 90-minute off-the-record sessions designed for candid discussions. Passes are screening-based, priced at ¥199,800 for executives and ¥79,800 for founders.
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Japan's largest startup conference, 'IVS2026', will be held for three days from Wednesday, July 1 to Friday, July 3, 2026, with main venues including Miyako Messe, ROHM Theatre Kyoto, and Hotel Okura Kyoto. For this edition, a new invitation-only area for decision-makers, 'IVS CORE', will be established at Hotel Okura Kyoto and held over two days on Wednesday, July 1 and Thursday, July 2.
IVS CORE is a two-day event exclusively gathering approximately 1,000 decision-makers. As a general rule, recording, audio taping, and social media posting are strictly prohibited in all sessions, allowing for 90 minutes of candid discussions free of formalities (some non-off-the-record discussions are also planned).
The prices are CORE PASS (¥199,800/tax included) and CORE PASS Startup (¥79,800/tax included). Both are subject to screening and will be offered to those who are invited or possess the prescribed participation qualifications. The CORE PASS maximizes the practical benefits for decision-makers over the two days.
A Place Where Only 1,000 Out of 13,000 Gather
Over the years, IVS has expanded to a scale exceeding 13,000 participants. In terms of broadening the base of the startup industry, this was a period characterized by 'centrifugal force'.
On the other hand, there were voices from decision-makers seeking 'a place for more intensive discussions'. IVS CORE is an area of 'centripetal force', designed to answer those voices. You can experience both the enthusiasm of 13,000 people and the density of 1,000 people.
IVS CORE is not a place for merely observing. It is a place for those who can move the future of the industry with their own decisions.
Discussions That Only Emerge Because It's Closed
Basically, all sessions are off-the-record. Recording, audio taping, social media posting, and photography are prohibited (some non-off-the-record discussions are also planned).
Whether business executives or policymakers, there are things that can be said publicly and things that cannot. To facilitate serious discussions at IVS CORE, we have made all sessions off-the-record as a basic policy. Each session is 90 minutes long, a longer format than the main IVS sessions. The time design is not for 'speaking briefly on key points', but for 'sitting down and discussing thoroughly'.
Information on speakers will be announced shortly. Please look forward to it.
CORE PASS Maximizes Your Practical Benefits Over Two Days
The CORE PASS includes primary value to maximize the IVS CORE experience, plus additional perks to elevate it.
Primary Value
- CORE LOUNGE: Lunch networking on Day 2 will be held at the lounge in Hotel Okura Kyoto.
- SPEAKER LOUNGE (Special Access): A space open only to speakers (Speaker Lounge of the main IVS / inside ROHM Theatre Kyoto) is accessible all day to IVS CORE participants.
- GUEST CONNECTOR: During the event, exclusive connectors will be stationed at the venue to connect decision-makers with each other based on their attributes and areas of interest.
- OFF-THE-RECORD: 90 minutes of candid discussion. Recording, audio taping, and social media posting are entirely prohibited.
Additional Perks
- STARTUP MARKET TOUR: Guided tour by VCs of the Startup Market featuring over 300 domestic exhibiting companies.
- PARTICIPANT LIST: Sharing of the IVS CORE participant list prior to the event.
- MEETING BOOTHS: Exclusive booths available by prior reservation for business negotiations, meetings, and interviews.
- VIP VEHICLE: Exclusive bus and rickshaw transfers for IVS CORE participants from major hotels in Kyoto city to the IVS CORE venue.
- DUAL ACCESS: Full-day access to both venues, IVS CORE + IVS.
Two Types of Passes. Both Subject to Screening
CORE PASS (¥199,800 / tax included) — For Decision Makers
A pass for corporate management/decision-makers, VC/CVC, financial institutions, institutional investors, and policymakers.
Participation Qualifications (Examples):
- Corporate management/decision-makers (including executive class of large enterprises)
- Partners and fund GPs of VC/CVC (Venture Capital / Corporate Venture Capital)
- Heads of M&A, new business, and strategic investment
- Financial institutions, institutional investors, asset owners
- Policymakers in government and municipalities
CORE PASS Startup (¥79,800 / tax included) — For Founders
A pass for founders of startups founded within 7 years that have procured equity financing.
IVS CORE is a two-day event exclusively gathering approximately 1,000 decision-makers. As a general rule, recording, audio taping, and social media posting are strictly prohibited in all sessions, allowing for 90 minutes of candid discussions free of formalities (some non-off-the-record discussions are also planned).
The prices are CORE PASS (¥199,800/tax included) and CORE PASS Startup (¥79,800/tax included). Both are subject to screening and will be offered to those who are invited or possess the prescribed participation qualifications. The CORE PASS maximizes the practical benefits for decision-makers over the two days.
A Place Where Only 1,000 Out of 13,000 Gather
Over the years, IVS has expanded to a scale exceeding 13,000 participants. In terms of broadening the base of the startup industry, this was a period characterized by 'centrifugal force'.
On the other hand, there were voices from decision-makers seeking 'a place for more intensive discussions'. IVS CORE is an area of 'centripetal force', designed to answer those voices. You can experience both the enthusiasm of 13,000 people and the density of 1,000 people.
IVS CORE is not a place for merely observing. It is a place for those who can move the future of the industry with their own decisions.
Discussions That Only Emerge Because It's Closed
Basically, all sessions are off-the-record. Recording, audio taping, social media posting, and photography are prohibited (some non-off-the-record discussions are also planned).
Whether business executives or policymakers, there are things that can be said publicly and things that cannot. To facilitate serious discussions at IVS CORE, we have made all sessions off-the-record as a basic policy. Each session is 90 minutes long, a longer format than the main IVS sessions. The time design is not for 'speaking briefly on key points', but for 'sitting down and discussing thoroughly'.
Information on speakers will be announced shortly. Please look forward to it.
CORE PASS Maximizes Your Practical Benefits Over Two Days
The CORE PASS includes primary value to maximize the IVS CORE experience, plus additional perks to elevate it.
Primary Value
- CORE LOUNGE: Lunch networking on Day 2 will be held at the lounge in Hotel Okura Kyoto.
- SPEAKER LOUNGE (Special Access): A space open only to speakers (Speaker Lounge of the main IVS / inside ROHM Theatre Kyoto) is accessible all day to IVS CORE participants.
- GUEST CONNECTOR: During the event, exclusive connectors will be stationed at the venue to connect decision-makers with each other based on their attributes and areas of interest.
- OFF-THE-RECORD: 90 minutes of candid discussion. Recording, audio taping, and social media posting are entirely prohibited.
Additional Perks
- STARTUP MARKET TOUR: Guided tour by VCs of the Startup Market featuring over 300 domestic exhibiting companies.
- PARTICIPANT LIST: Sharing of the IVS CORE participant list prior to the event.
- MEETING BOOTHS: Exclusive booths available by prior reservation for business negotiations, meetings, and interviews.
- VIP VEHICLE: Exclusive bus and rickshaw transfers for IVS CORE participants from major hotels in Kyoto city to the IVS CORE venue.
- DUAL ACCESS: Full-day access to both venues, IVS CORE + IVS.
Two Types of Passes. Both Subject to Screening
CORE PASS (¥199,800 / tax included) — For Decision Makers
A pass for corporate management/decision-makers, VC/CVC, financial institutions, institutional investors, and policymakers.
Participation Qualifications (Examples):
- Corporate management/decision-makers (including executive class of large enterprises)
- Partners and fund GPs of VC/CVC (Venture Capital / Corporate Venture Capital)
- Heads of M&A, new business, and strategic investment
- Financial institutions, institutional investors, asset owners
- Policymakers in government and municipalities
CORE PASS Startup (¥79,800 / tax included) — For Founders
A pass for founders of startups founded within 7 years that have procured equity financing.
FAQ
When is IVS CORE held?
It will be held for two days on Wednesday, July 1 and Thursday, July 2, 2026.
Where does IVS CORE take place?
The main venue is Hotel Okura Kyoto in Kyoto Prefecture.
What are the conditions for participating in IVS CORE?
Participation is by screening, targeting decision-makers such as executives, VCs, financial institutions, and policymakers.