A panoramic view of Tokyo at night illuminated by city lights.

IE Venture Day: Japan 2025

30 May 2025
16:00
2 Chome-15-45 Mita, Minato City, Tokyo 108-0073, Japón
IE Venture Day: Japan 2025

IE Venture Day: Japan 2025

On May 30th, 2025, Tokyo will become the epicenter of global innovation as IE University, in collaboration with Keio University and TechShake, proudly presents IE Venture Day Japan.

This international event will bring together leading voices from Japan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem—founders, investors, academics, corporate leaders, and innovation experts—for a dynamic day of startup pitches, insightful conversations, and meaningful networking.

The program will include a startup competition featuring high-potential ventures from across the region, selected for their innovation, scalability, and relevance in addressing today’s most pressing challenges. From over 40 applications, only 5 startups will be selected as finalists to pitch in the Venture Day in front of a reknown jury of professionals and academics.

In addition to the pitch competition, attendees will enjoy inspiring keynote talks and panel discussions exploring the future of entrepreneurship, the impact of emerging technologies, and Japan’s growing role in shaping the global startup landscape.

Our vision for Venture Day Japan is to strengthen the country’s vibrant startup ecosystem by fostering collaboration, promoting international connections, and supporting early-stage ventures on their path to global growth. Whether you're a startup founder, investor, or simply passionate about innovation, this event is your gateway to new opportunities and bold ideas.

Find the event location on Google Maps.

PARTNERS

  • This image features the logo of IE University.
  • This image features the logo of Keio University.
  • A logo design featuring interconnected shapes symbolizing technology and innovation.
  • The image features the logo of South Summit, a startup and innovation event.

THE COMPETITION

  • 01.

    Who can participate in the competition? 

    • Tech Startups in Japan.
    • Key Verticals (e.g. AI, Fintech, Robotics).
  • 02.

    What are we looking for? 

    We are interested in supporting innovators and inclusive startups that use technology to address significant challenges faced in the public and private sectors across a wide range of areas and scales.

    Criteria to Apply

    • STARTUP

      Established startup or in the process of being established, based in Japan.

    • INNOVATION

      Innovation in the product/service, business model, and/or commercialization strategy.

    • SCALABILITY

      International commercial potential and a scalable business model.

    • TEAM

      Relevant combination of skills and experience.

    • MARKET

      Clear and significant market opportunity.

    • FUNDING STAGE

      Startups at the following funding stages: Seed and Pre-seed.

    Agenda

    30 minutes

    3:30 PM

    Registration

    5 minutes

    4:00 PM

    Program opening

    • IE Alumni - Master of Ceremonies


    5 minutes

    4:05 PM

    IE University - Welcome Speech  

    • Paris de L´Etraz - Director Venture Lab, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center IE University
    5 minutes

    4:10 PM

    Keio University - Welcome Speech

    • Masa Inakage, Dean and Professor at Keio University
    20 minutes

    4:15 PM

    Keynote / Fireside Chat

    • Ikuo Hiraishi, CEO & Co-Founder Go Global Catalyst
    35 minutes

    4:35 PM

    Startups Pitches

    15 minutes

    5:10 PM

    Panel: The Japanese Startup Ecosystem

    • Paris de l´Etraz
    25 minutes

    5:25 PM

    Startups Pitches

    25 minutes

    5:50 PM

    The Future of Work in Japan: How AI is Redefining Roles, Skills and Industry Trends

    • (Moderator) TBA
    • Ilya Kulyatin, Co-Founder Cloudwall and Stealth Startup
    • Chieko Tazuke, Project Manager Sakana AI
    25 minutes

    6:15 PM

    Jury Deliberation

    15 minutes

    6:40 PM

    Winners announcements, prizes & closing

    • Representatives of ALL Partners
    60 min

    6:55 PM

    Networking reception

    APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON MAY 11th!

    Up to 12 startups will make it to the SEMI-FINALS and 5/6 will be selected as FINALISTS to pitch at the Venture Day on May 30th.

    ORGANIZING TEAM (TBA)

    Sign up to attend!

    IE Venture Day: Japan 2025 Tickets, Fri, May 30, 2025 at 4:00 PM

    PRIZES for winners

    • 01.

      Fast-track to South Summit preselection stage - South Summit Brazil or Madrid

    • 02.

      x4 Free Basic Tickets to South Summit Brazil or Madrid

    • 03.

      $25,000 in AWS credits valid for 2 years

      PRIZES for Finalists

      • 01.

        Scholarships for an IE Lifelong Learning Online Program (up to 4 people)

        • 1 scholarship covering 50% of the total cost.
        • 3 scholarships covering 25% of the total cost each.
      • 02.

        x4 Free Basic Tickets to South Summit Brazil or Madrid

      • 03.

        Scholarships for an IE Lifelong Learning Online Program (up to 4 people per team)

        Up to 4 scholarships covering 25% scholarships of the total cost each.

      • 04.

        $5K in AWS credits valid for 2 years (up to 4 teams)

        Apply Now – Calling All Startups in Japan!