Global Startup EXPO 2026 to Give Overseas VCs Front-door Access to Japan's Startup and Investment Ecosystem, October 5-7, 2026

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (hereinafter: "METI") will host the Global Startup EXPO 2026 (hereinafter: "GSE2026") from Monday, October 5 to Wednesday, October 7 in Osaka, Japan. As Japan's startup ecosystem expands, GSE2026 is designed as an entry point for overseas venture capital firms seeking access to emerging opportunities in Japan. Under the concept "Deeptech - from breakthrough to industry," GSE2026 connects overseas venture capital firms with Japanese startups, corporate venture capital (CVC) funds, institutional investors, and government-backed investment entities -- turning valuable connections into actionable opportunities for investment, partnership, and industrial growth.

The event goes beyond a traditional exhibition, connecting overseas investors with Japanese startups, corporate venture capital (CVC) funds, institutional investors, government-backed investment entities, and other key ecosystem participants.

Expo image 1: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M109206/202609085515/_prw_PI1fl_5k8Re581.jpg

From Investment to Industrialization

A central focus of GSE2026 is the social implementation and industrialization of innovation, particularly in deep tech. Capital is critical, but lasting impact requires technologies and products to reach markets, generate economic value, and grow into sustainable industries. This ambition is embodied in the concept: "Deeptech - from breakthrough to industry."

Why This Matters for Global Investors

Expo image 2: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M109206/202609085515/_prw_PI2fl_GL9wtWGu.jpg

GSE2026 offers overseas venture capital firms opportunities to engage with Japan's investment network and promising startups, including companies from METI's flagship J-Startup program and National Startup Award (NSA) awardees. For investors evaluating Japan as a sourcing market, syndication market, or long-term strategic geography, the event provides opportunities to identify potential investments, co-investment partners, and industrial collaborations.

Discover / Engage / Build

The program is structured around three stages: Discover global trends and emerging technologies; Engage with startups, investors, corporations, policymakers, and other ecosystem participants; and Build toward concrete action through business discussions, investor matchmaking, partnerships, and real-world implementation.

Featured Participants

Profiles of the Speakers:

https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M109206/202609085515/_prw_PI3fl_lPNSel20.png

Leading global investors, including Andreessen Horowitz (U.S.), New Enterprise Associates (U.S.), and Atomico (U.K.), have confirmed their participation, with additional prominent speakers and participants from Japan and around the world to be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information, the latest speaker and participant announcements, schedule updates, and registration details, please visit the official GSE2026 website: https://global-startup-expo.com/en/?utm_source=prwire&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=20260914&utm_content=en_url＿