Tokyo – September 16, 2026 -- Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will stage the Global Startup EXPO 2026 in Osaka from October 5 to 7, opening a direct channel for overseas venture capital firms into the country's startup and investment ecosystem.
METI targets deep tech commercialization as the event's central theme
Organized under the concept "Deeptech - from breakthrough to industry," GSE2026 is structured to move beyond exhibition format toward measurable industrial outcomes. The ministry frames the event as addressing a gap between capital deployment and market implementation, arguing that lasting impact requires technologies to reach commercial scale and generate sustainable economic value.
Andreessen Horowitz, NEA and Atomico confirm participation
Three global venture firms -- Andreessen Horowitz and New Enterprise Associates from the United States, and Atomico from the United Kingdom -- have confirmed attendance. METI states additional speakers and participants from Japan and internationally will be announced in the coming weeks.
J-Startup and National Startup Award companies form the deal pipeline
The expo will connect foreign investors with startups from METI's flagship J-Startup program and National Startup Award recipients, alongside Japanese corporate venture capital funds, institutional investors, and government-backed investment entities. For overseas VCs assessing Japan as a sourcing market, syndication partner base, or long-term strategic geography, the event is positioned to surface co-investment opportunities and industrial collaboration prospects.
Program follows a three-stage Discover, Engage, Build structure
Attendees will first review global technology trends, then engage directly with startups, investors, corporations and policymakers, before moving into business discussions, investor matchmaking, and partnership negotiations aimed at real-world deployment.