Headline Japan, Kyoto Prefecture, and Kyoto City Hold Joint Press Conference for IVS2026 Launch

The IVS KYOTO Executive Committee (Headline Japan, Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City) will host IVS2026, Japan’s largest startup conference, from Wednesday, July 1 to Friday, July 3, 2026, with Miyako Messe and ROHM Theatre Kyoto as the main venues.

Ahead of the event, Headline Japan, Kyoto Prefecture, and Kyoto City—members of the IVS KYOTO Executive Committee—held a joint press conference on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the Kyoto Prefectural Government Office (Yanaginonai-cho, Shimotakoyama-dori Shinmachi Nishiri, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto).

From left: Kyoto Governor Nishiwaki, Headline Japan’s Shimokawa, and Kyoto Mayor Matsui

The press conference featured Shimokawa Toshiaki, Chairman of the IVS KYOTO Executive Committee and Representative Director of Headline Japan; Kyoto Governor Nishiwaki Takatoshi; and Kyoto Mayor Matsui Takaharu, who presented an overview of IVS2026, key highlights, and strengthened collaboration with Kyoto Prefecture and Kyoto City.

◾️ Headline Japan – Shimokawa Toshiaki Statement

IVS2026 Theme: 'Japan is Back' – Proving the True Value of Japanese Startups to the World

Shimokawa, Chairman of the IVS KYOTO Executive Committee and Representative Director of Headline Japan, began by providing detailed explanations on the theme of IVS2026, past event records, and the background leading to this year’s conference.

Shimokawa noted that IVS is celebrating its 20th anniversary since its first launch and will be held for the 33rd time overall. This marks the 11th time IVS is being hosted in Kyoto, continuing its fourth consecutive year in the city since 2023. He announced that IVS2026 will be held across two zones: the evolved 'IVS' zone, building on the 2023–2025 Kyoto editions, and the invitation-only 'IVS CORE' zone.

For this year’s event, the goal is to attract 10,000 attendees to the IVS zone, 1,000 to the IVS CORE zone, with 25% international participation and representation from over 70 countries and regions. The committee aims to achieve these ambitious targets while creating a venue where all participants can experience both 'discovery' and 'practical value.'

The theme for IVS2026 was announced as 'Japan is Back.' Under this theme, the event will leverage networking opportunities, the pitch competition 'IVS LAUNCHPAD,' the 'IVS Startup Market' featuring over 300 exhibiting startups, various sessions, and diverse side events to integrate global trends and demonstrate the true value of Japanese startups to the world.

The 'Referral Ticket' System – Connecting Through Introductions

Shimokawa also introduced the newly implemented referral ticket system, explaining that it creates a chain of connections: receive an introduction → attend → introduce someone else. He added that the 'IVS Family Tree' visualization tool will allow participants to see the full network of connections.

Invitation-Only Decision-Maker Zone: IVS CORE

Shimokawa described the newly established 'IVS CORE' as a closed, invitation-only space designed for decision-makers to engage in deeper, more intensive discussions. In the IVS CORE zone, recording, audio recording, and social media posting are strictly prohibited during all sessions. Each session is designed to last 90 minutes, encouraging participants to 'sit down and engage in serious discussion.'

IVS CORE Highlighted Sessions Announcement:

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000223.000059319.html

Side Events

Shimokawa then discussed the side events organized by IVS participants during and around the IVS2026 event period. He explained that these independently designed events allow for themes and interactions that cannot be fully accommodated within the main IVS program. To ensure quality and synergy with IVS, the committee will now certify official side events that meet operational standards, awarding them the 'IVS Official Badge' and listing them on the ticket platform '4S (Force).' Additionally, attendees are generally required to hold an IVS ticket to participate in official side events, creating a seamless experience that encourages engagement with both IVS and its side events.

15 Finalists Announced for Japan’s Largest Pitch Event: IVS2026 LAUNCHPAD

During the press conference, the 15 finalists for IVS2026 LAUNCHPAD—one of IVS2026’s flagship programs and Japan’s largest pitch competition—were officially announced. Selected from over 500 applications (approximately 20% from overseas), these 15 finalists will deliver intense pitches at the Main Hall of ROHM Theatre Kyoto on Friday, July 3, 2026.

'It is a pitch competition where finalists, having passed a rigorous selection process, present their products and passionate visions in a condensed 6-minute presentation before a panel of judges composed of investors, executives, and entrepreneurs, competing for the top prize,' was the introduction.

This year’s total number of applicants exceeded 500, with 15 companies advancing through preliminary screening to become finalists.

The winner of IVS2026 LAUNCHPAD will receive the 'Startup Kyoto International Award' along with a prize of 10 million yen in business support funding. This funding can be widely used for business expansion and other necessary expenses.

Shimokawa further explained that this year’s finalists represent a diverse range of fields, extending beyond IT to include deep tech and globally oriented startups. The number of overseas participating companies is the highest in IVS history, highlighting how LAUNCHPAD is evolving into a platform not only for Japanese startups but also for global startups aiming to enter the Japanese market. He expressed high expectations for the diversity and cutting-edge nature of this year’s finalists.

IVS2026 LAUNCHPAD Finalists

*Names listed without honorifics, in alphabetical order by company name

Akari Hoshou Inc. – Shimizu Yuki

inprog Inc. – Munese Naoto

UMIAILE Inc. – Itai Ryo Suke

Elith Inc. – Inoue Koki

Satelyx – Clement Chen

zooba Inc. – Nawa Ayane

Space Quarters Inc. – Takahashi Munenori

ZetaX Inc. – Sato You, Yanagisawa Kyosaku

TAIAN Inc. – Murata Mariko

tamateco Inc. – Matsui Kazuhiro

Tofuchan – Genya Smagin

HiStranger – Cammie KIM

MUSE Inc. – Kasugi Yasutaka

Ryp Labs – Moody Soliman

RoboTrack Inc. – Hagga Yusuke

IVS2026 LAUNCHPAD Finalists Announcement Release:

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000224.000059319.html

◾️ Kyoto Prefecture