SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026: Pioneering the Future of Technology
Every major tech conference has themes. Most are vague enough to mean everything and nothing at the same time. SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 offers something different: four narrowly defined technology areas, each supported by live demonstrations, dedicated exhibition floors and sessions featuring the people actually building and funding these technologies on a global scale.
TechCrunch is joining forces with SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 as an official media partner, and our Startup Battlefield team will be on the ground to select a standout SusHi Tech Challenge semi-finalist to advance to the TechCrunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield 200 – one of the most prestigious launch pads in tech. Here’s what’s on the ground.
AI: Beyond the Hype, Into the Infrastructure
Artificial Intelligence has long been a buzzword in the tech industry. However, at SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026, the focus is on practical applications and real-world deployment. Sessions featuring industry leaders like Howard Wright from Nvidia, Rob Chu of AWS, and Eric Benhamou from Benhamou Global Ventures will delve into where AI is genuinely being utilized at scale and the risks involved. Complementing these discussions, AI-themed university startups will showcase innovations alongside global tech giants. Additionally, the AI Film Festival Japan, an associated event at the Tokyo Innovation Base in Yurakucho, will explore AI’s transformative impact on culture.
Robotics: Physical AI Has Arrived
The robotics segment at SusHi Tech is designed to be interactive and engaging, with robots on display and accessible to attendees. Key discussions will be led by representatives from Nissan, Isuzu, and Applied Intuition’s Qasar Younis on how software-defined vehicles are revolutionizing transportation. This isn’t just a glimpse into the future; it’s happening now in Tokyo on April 27.
Resilience: Cities That Survive What’s to Come
Urban resilience is a critical theme at the conference, with experts like NEC’s Eva Chen from Trend Micro and Noboru Nakatani addressing cyber defense. Moreover, venture capital leaders from Breakthrough Energy and Cleantech Group will analyze global investment trends in climate tech. The stakes of these discussions are made tangible through a virtual reality disaster simulator and guided tours of Tokyo’s underground flood control systems.
Entertainment: Japan’s Cultural Powerhouse Meets AI
Japan’s entertainment industry is at the forefront of integrating AI into creative processes. Sessions featuring CEOs from leading studios like Production IG, MAPPA, and CoMix Wave Films will discuss how Tokyo can position itself as the “Hollywood of animation.” Startups will demonstrate AI-driven innovations, such as global manga translation, music generation from text prompts, and bringing Japanese intellectual property to life in anime format for global audiences.
Can’t Come to Tokyo? You Can Always Be There
For those unable to attend SusHi Tech Tokyo in person, the conference offers a unique remote participation experience. On-site staff will interact on your behalf, equipped with devices displaying your face, allowing for real-time, face-to-face interactions with attendees and exhibitors. This innovative approach ensures a dynamic and immersive experience from anywhere in the world.
Techcrunch event
San Francisco, California
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October 13-15, 2026
Note: Please note that some sessions may not be available for viewing.
Request remote participation with on-site staff assistance here.
You can’t swing that either? Ticket holders can stream sessions online and access programming from anywhere. Browse the full list of sessions here.
Alongside the startup event, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is also hosting a meeting of leaders from 55 cities across five continents. They will discuss the theme “A new urban future built on climate and disaster resilience”. The city leaders’ summit is part of G-NETS (Global City Network for Sustainability), organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government since 2022 as a multi-city forum to discuss how to solve common challenges with a new focus on urban climate disaster resilience and citizen well-being. The summit can be watched by the general public on YouTube in real time and after the event.
G-NETS official website
G-NETS YouTube Channel
SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 will take place from April 27 to 29 at Tokyo Big Sight. Business days are April 27-28; The public day (free entry) is April 29. Register here.
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