Announcement of Selected Speakers for Global Startup EXPO 2026 (GSE2026)

Global Startup EXPO 2026 (GSE2026), a world-leading international event in the deep tech sector, will be held over three days from Monday, October 5, to Wednesday, October 7, in Osaka Prefecture (Umekita/Nakanoshima Qross).

We are pleased to announce that some of the session speakers have been confirmed.

In addition, applications are currently open for startups wishing to participate as exhibitors and in the pitch contest. We are also accepting registrations as official side events to be hosted by public and private organizations before or after the GSE.

1. Information on selected speakers (in Japanese alphabetical order)

1. Ms. Caroline Winnett (Accelerator) <Executive Director, Berkeley SkyDeck>
2. Ms. Christine Tsai (Venture capital) <Chief Executive Officer & Founding Partner, 500Global>
3. Mr. Sakaguchi Shimon (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine) <Distinguished Honorary Professor, Osaka University>
4. Mr. Sawa Yoshiki (Regenerative medicine) <Emeritus Professor, Osaka University>
5. Mr. Tanaka Kunihiro (AI/Semiconductors) <Founder & CEO, President, SAKURA internet Inc.>
6. Mr. Fujii Teruo (Academia) <President, The University of Tokyo>
7. Ms. Yamazaki Naoko (Space) <General Manager, Vast Japan GK>
8. Mr. Yoshino Akira (Nobel Prize in Chemistry) <Honorary Fellow, Asahi Kasei Corp.>

In addition, leading investment firms, including Andreessen Horowitz (U.S.), New Enterprise Associates (U.S.), and Atomico (UK), have confirmed their participation. Prominent speakers from both Japan and overseas will be announced on an ongoing basis on the official Global Startup EXPO 2026 website.

2. Application information

Applications for each category are now being accepted on the official Global Startup EXPO 2026 website.

(1) Booth exhibition

Eligibility:

Deep tech startups seeking overseas expansion that possess exhibitable services or products, primarily in the following six fields (Bio/Healthcare, AI/Advanced Robotics, Fusion Energy, Quantum, Semiconductors/Communications, and Space).

Application deadline:

Friday, July 17, 2026

(2) Pitch contest

Eligibility:

Seed to mid-stage deep tech startups pursuing global expansion that possess products or services, with a primary focus on the six fields above

Application deadline:

Friday, July 17, 2026

Following a preliminary screening, approximately 15 companies will be selected to participate in the final round at the event.

(3) Side events

Eligibility:

Events that align with the objectives of GSE, contribute to the creation and growth support of startups, and are conducted for GSE promotion and follow-up, including those hosted by local governments, support organizations, universities, or corporations in the Keihanshin region, within one week before or after the GSE, aiming for pre-promotion and post-follow-up.

Application deadline:

Friday, September 25, 2026

3. Pre-registration for attendees

Pre-registration is now open on the official Global Startup EXPO 2026 website. Registered attendees will receive the latest updates, including speakers and event details via email.

4. Global Startup EXPO Event Outline

(1) Dates

Monday, October 5, 2026 – Wednesday, October 7, 2026

(2) Venues

The main venue will be in the Umekita area of Osaka City, with Nakanoshima Qross as an additional venue. In addition, side events will be held across Kyoto and Hyogo.

(3) Organizer

Global Startup EXPO 2026 Executive Committee

(Organizing members: Osaka Prefectural Government, Osaka City Government, Kyoto Prefectural Government, Kyoto City Government, Hyogo Prefectural Government, Kobe City Government, Kansai Economic Federation, Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kansai Association of Corporate Executives, Osaka Business Development Agency, Kansai Innovation Initiative (Urban Innovation Institute))

(4) Co-hosted by

METI, METI Kansai, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO)

(5) Focus area

Deep tech fields, with primary focus on Bio/Healthcare, AI/Advanced Robotics, Fusion Energy, Quantum, Semiconductors/Communications, and Space

(6) Participants

Domestic and overseas startups, companies, investors, financial institutions, local governments, universities and research institutions, support organizations, and aspiring entrepreneurs.

(7) Content

The event will feature panel sessions with world-class investors and entrepreneurs, pitch contests, exhibitions, and business matchmaking.

Related Links

• Global Startup EXPO to Take Place in Osaka in the fourth quarter of 2026
• Global Startup EXPO 2026 Special Website

Division in Charge

Startup Promotion Office, Innovation and Startup Promotion Division, Innovation and Environment Policy Bureau