Startups to Watch at SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026

When SusHi Tech Tokyo returns to Tokyo Big Sight in April 2026, more than 700 startups from across the world are expected to participate. The event has rapidly become one of Asia’s most important innovation gatherings, bringing together early stage ventures, investors, universities and large corporations around the theme of building the cities of the future.

While the full list of participating startups will only be confirmed closer to the event, the technologies highlighted by the organisers provide a strong indication of the kinds of companies attracting attention in Japan’s emerging innovation ecosystem. Many of these ventures come from deep technology sectors where Japan already has strong research and industrial capabilities.

Several companies already announced as part of the SusHi Tech programme illustrate the direction in which Japan’s startup ecosystem is evolving.

Synspective

One of the most internationally recognised Japanese space technology startups, Synspective, is developing satellite data solutions to support disaster monitoring and infrastructure management.

The company operates small synthetic aperture radar satellites that can observe the Earth regardless of weather conditions or time of day. This technology is particularly valuable for monitoring earthquakes, floods and other disasters.

Synspective’s services combine satellite data with analytics platforms that allow governments and businesses to assess risk and damage more quickly. In countries such as Japan, where natural disasters are a constant concern, technologies like these are becoming increasingly important for urban resilience.

Tier IV

Autonomous mobility is another area where Japanese startups are gaining global recognition. Tier IV, based in Tokyo, is one of the key companies developing autonomous driving software in Japan.

The company is best known for Autoware, an open source autonomous driving platform used by researchers and developers around the world. Tier IV is actively involved in building autonomous vehicle ecosystems, working with governments and industry partners to test self driving technologies.

At SusHi Tech Tokyo, demonstrations will include autonomous vehicle exhibitions and test rides on public roads near the event venue, highlighting how autonomous mobility could become part of future urban transportation systems.

Serendix

Construction technology is another sector attracting growing interest. Serendix, a Japanese startup focused on automated construction, is developing large scale 3D printing technology for housing.

The company aims to automate much of the home construction process through robotic printing systems that can build residential structures in significantly shorter timeframes than traditional methods.

Serendix has already explored the use of this technology for disaster reconstruction, including projects aimed at supporting rebuilding efforts in Ukraine. In disaster prone regions, rapid construction technologies like these could play a critical role in rebuilding communities.

Kyoto Fusioneering

While nuclear fusion remains a long term technological goal, startups are beginning to play a more active role in the development of fusion energy systems. Kyoto Fusioneering is one of the companies contributing engineering expertise to fusion reactor development.

The company works on technologies required for future fusion power plants, including plasma heating systems and reactor components. Fusion energy has long been considered a potential source of carbon free electricity, although commercial deployment is still years away.

Participation in innovation events such as SusHi Tech Tokyo reflects growing interest in the role of startups within the future energy ecosystem.

Orange Inc.

Artificial intelligence is also transforming creative industries. Orange Inc., a technology company specialising in AI assisted translation tools, has developed technology designed to translate manga into multiple languages.

By combining machine translation with human editing workflows, the platform aims to help Japanese publishers distribute content globally more efficiently.

As anime, manga and gaming become major global cultural exports, technologies that help bridge language barriers are increasingly valuable.

A Broadening Startup Ecosystem

The diversity of companies highlighted at SusHi Tech Tokyo reflects the breadth of Japan’s emerging startup ecosystem. From space technology and robotics to creative AI tools, Japanese startups are exploring a wide range of industries.

What makes SusHi Tech Tokyo distinctive is that it brings these ventures together with large corporations, investors and policymakers in a single environment.

For startups, the event offers a rare opportunity to demonstrate technologies, build partnerships and gain exposure to international markets.

As the conference continues to grow, it is likely to become an increasingly important platform for showcasing Japan’s next generation of technology companies.