TechCrunch is heading to Tokyo — and bringing the Startup Battlefield with it

TechCrunch is set to make waves at SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026, the largest global innovation conference in Asia, scheduled for April 27–29 at the iconic Tokyo Big Sight. This year, the event promises not only to showcase cutting-edge advancements but also to feature TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield program manager, Isabelle Johannessen, who will serve as a judge for the prestigious SusHi Tech Challenge. The stakes for the competition are incredibly high. The winner of the SusHi Tech Challenge Grand Prix will gain automatic entry into the TechCrunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield Top 200, unlocking an opportunity to pitch on one of the most sought-after stages in the startup ecosystem. Now in its fourth year, SusHi Tech Tokyo—short for Sustainable High City Tech Tokyo—has rapidly evolved into a hub for startups, investors, and city leaders from across the globe. This year's edition is poised to be the largest yet, featuring 750 startup exhibitors from 60 countries, over 10,000 facilitated business meetings, and an expected turnout of 60,000 attendees. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government organizes the conference with a mission to unite the world's top innovators to create sustainable urban environments for the future. The expo floor will be buzzing with activity, as 62 corporate partners, including giants like Sony, Google, Microsoft, and Mizuho, conduct reverse pitches and look for startup collaborations. The event's programming is ambitious, focusing on four transformative technology domains: AI, Robotics, Resilience, and Entertainment. Attendees can look forward to live demonstrations of humanoid robots, discussions on the software revolution in autonomous driving, and in-depth sessions on cyber defense and climate technology, alongside frank conversations about AI's impact on the global music and anime sectors. Prominent speakers slated to take the stage include Howard Wright from Nvidia, Rob Chu of AWS, Eva Chen from Trend Micro, and Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike, among others. Notably, around 60% of the speakers will hail from outside Japan, with an impressive representation of women in leadership roles. For those in Tokyo, this is an event not to be missed. The pitch competition has attracted 820 applications from 60 regions, with 437 international entries and 383 from Japan. The competition will see 20 semifinalists battle it out on April 27, with seven finalists moving on to the final round on April 28, where one Grand Prix winner will take home ¥10,000,000 and secure a spot in the TechCrunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield Top 200. Beyond the conference, city leaders from 49 cities worldwide will gather for the G-NETS Leaders Summit, aiming to establish meaningful commitments for climate resilience and urban sustainability. The excitement continues after hours with classical music performances, waterfront cruises on Tokyo Bay, and the Tokyo Innovation NIGHTs networking series. The official SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 app will enhance the experience, featuring AI-powered matchmaking to connect startups with investors and partners, along with tools for booking meeting rooms. Once on-site, users can navigate the expansive venue with a GPS floor map, exchange QR business cards, and receive real-time notifications. SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 takes place from April 27–29, with business days on the first two dates and a free Public Day on April 29.