From Kyoto's Traditional Cuisine to Cutting-Edge Food Tech: IVS2026 Food Area Details Revealed

The IVS KYOTO Executive Committee (Headline Japan Inc., Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City) announces details of the food area at "IVS2026," Japan's largest startup conference, to be held from July 1 (Wed) to 3 (Fri), 2026, primarily at Kyoto City Fair Hall "Miyako Messe" and ROHM Theatre Kyoto.

Why IVS Focuses on Food

The IVS food area has drawn large crowds every year. In 2026, the highlight will be "renowned Kyoto chefs and local ingredients," offering a new culinary experience that fuses traditional Kyoto food culture with cutting-edge innovation. The lineup will also showcase the potential of food technology for building a sustainable society and allow visitors to experience next-generation food culture.

Featured Vendors at the Main Venue (Miyako Messe 1F)

A total of 12 booths (14 brands) from Kyoto's most iconic restaurants and trending culinary genres will gather at the food booths on the first floor of Miyako Messe.

Booth No.

Vendor Name

K-1

Horumon Akayashiro / Gyoza Ryocho

K-2

Kokoro Kogare

K-3

Oufu-Tei

K-4

Wakayama Manpukutei / Awaji Island Yosoku Club

K-5

Sakarishosou Kokoro / Coco Kitchen

K-6

Shichijuni-kou

K-7

re social

K-8

Chuka Shuba Jackie Hanten

K-9

India Gate

K-10

Jukusei Sushi Man

K-11

Higashiyama Tsukasa

K-12

THANKs BREAD and DONUTS

K-12

CantaCanta

Promising Food Tech and D2C Brands Unite! Free Light Meals & Drink Bar

At "ABURU" and "Modan Terrace" within the venue, a light meal and drink bar will feature sought-after food tech and D2C brands. (Available exclusively for IVS CORE attendees and speakers.)

[Featured Brands and Products]

vitom Inc.: Onimochi

Using advanced retort technology to turn onigiri into an energy bar! Designed as "Sukimagohan," it allows rice to be enjoyed anytime, anywhere. A rising D2C brand born from university research, expanding domestically and into the U.S. Official website: https://vitom.co.jp/cart/lp/onimochi

Oryzae Inc.: Rice Koji Granola

A startup aiming to ferment the world through rice koji-derived sweetener "Oryzae." The unique sweetness from Japan's renowned food tech—fermentation—has made Oryzae Granola the top-ranked product on Rakuten. A limited-edition strawberry flavor will be available at the event. Official website: https://oryzae.shop

Maison CHATONS: Baked Goods (Cat-shaped Financier Pie)

A gluten-free, plant-based sweets brand from Hokkaido delivering the message of "a world where no one is left behind" through desserts. At IVS, they will offer a coconut-flavored cat-shaped financier pie perfect for Kyoto summers. Inspired by the lucky maneki-neko, it's a traditional good-luck treat symbolizing business success. Official website: https://maisonchatons.jp/

YOUR MEAL: YOUR BREAD

Meals aren't just about time efficiency—they're about mental satisfaction too. Nutritious food must also be delicious to be sustainable! YOUR MEAL, known for its D2C meal delivery service Muscle Deli, has developed a high-protein, great-tasting bread with a long shelf life at room temperature. Just be careful not to eat it during presentations! Official website: https://yourbread.jp/

LacuS Inc.

"Me SOUP," a complete nutrition soup, launches in April as the second product from Me TIME FOODS, a food tech brand for seniors. The first product, Me ICE, has surpassed 70,000 cumulative sales and is available through e-commerce and pharmacies nationwide. With the mission "Small bites that change the future," the company plans to expand its product lineup and distribution channels. Official website: https://metimefoods.jp/

LITLIT: Energy Drink

LITLIT (Rittoritt), a next-generation energy drink born from a small-to-mid-sized enterprise with 58 years of technical expertise. Its flavor profile centers on ginger, balanced with six fruits, seven spices, and three natural sugars, delivering rich umami and a refreshing, spicy throat feel. A "sustainable energy" drink that gently yet powerfully enhances the body's energy cycle.

Cycle.me: Protein-Enriched Water (Peach Flavor)

Low-calorie design makes daily hydration effortless. A new hydration habit that delivers protein with every sip. Official website: Cycle.me – Delicious nutrition, chosen by time.

We encourage attendees to experience these offerings for refreshment between sessions.

Comments from Stakeholders

Ms. Yoshida, Director, New Business and Food Industry Division, Cabinet Office, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Startup technologies and innovative ideas are essential for advancing Japan's food culture and building a sustainable food system. At this year's IVS2026 food area, Kyoto's proud traditional cuisine seamlessly integrates with cutting-edge food tech and the utilization of underused local resources—such as game meat and food waste reduction. We strongly anticipate that this event will spark new innovations and collaborations that will shape the future of Japanese food.

Overview of IVS2026

IVS is Japan's largest startup conference, launched in 2007. Bringing together startups, investors, major corporations, and creators from Japan and abroad, IVS2026 will be held in Kyoto under the theme "Japan is Back."

This year introduces two distinct zones: the evolved flagship "IVS" area (Kyoto City Fair Hall "Miyako Messe" and ROHM Theatre Kyoto), building on IVS2023, IVS2024, and IVS2025 held in Kyoto; and the new, invitation-only "IVS CORE" area (Hotel Okura Kyoto), a modern reinterpretation of the original IVS.

Name: IVS2026

Theme: Japan is Back

Dates: July 1 (Wed) – 3 (Fri), 2026

Venues: Kyoto City Fair Hall "Miyako Messe," ROHM Theatre Kyoto, Hotel Okura Kyoto, and others

Organizer: IVS KYOTO Executive Committee (Headline Japan / Kyoto Prefecture / Kyoto City)

Official website: https://www.ivs.events/

Official X: https://x.com/IVS_Official

About the IVS KYOTO Executive Committee

Established jointly by Headline Japan Inc., Kyoto Prefecture, and Kyoto City to further develop the startup ecosystem and boost regional industries through IVS's Kyoto hosting. The committee promotes integration between startups and Kyoto's concentrated enterprises, universities, research institutions, and cultural assets, aiming to create new industries and nurture globally competitive startups.

Members: Headline Japan Inc., Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City