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TechCrunch is partnering with SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 , Asia's largest global innovation conference, taking place April 27–29 at Tokyo Big Sight. And we're not just showing up to cover it — our very own Startup Battlefield program manager, Isabelle Johannessen, will be on the ground as a judge for the SusHi Tech Challenge, the conference's flagship global pitch competition. For the winner, the stakes couldn't be higher: The SusHi Tech Challenge Grand Prix recipient will be automatically entered into the TechCrunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield Top 200 — making them eligible to pitch on one of the most coveted stages in the startup world. What is SusHi Tech Tokyo? Now in its fourth year, SusHi Tech Tokyo — short for Sus tainable Hi gh City Tech Tokyo — has grown into the largest innovation conference in Asia, drawing startups, investors, corporate partners, and city leaders from around the world. This year's edition is the biggest yet: 750 startup exhibitors from 60 countries, more than 10,000 facilitated business meetings, and an expected 60,000 attendees across three days. The conference is organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government with a clear mission: bring together the world's best innovators to build the sustainable cities of the future. On the expo floor, 62 corporate partners — including Sony, Google, Microsoft, and Mizuho — are hosting reverse pitches and actively seeking startup collaborators, making it as much a live dealmaking marketplace as a conference. And the programming reflects that ambition. Four domains at the frontier SusHi Tech 2026 is zeroing in on four technology domains reshaping society: AI, Robotics, Resilience, and Entertainment. Expect live demos of humanoid robots, sessions on autonomous driving's software revolution, deep dives into cyber defense and climate tech, and candid conversations about how AI is rewriting the global music and anime industries. Speakers include Howard Wright (Nvidia), Rob Chu (AWS), Eva Chen (Trend Micro), Qasar Younis (Applied Intuition), Christine Tsai (500 Global), Kathy Matsui (MPower Partners), and Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike, among many others. Roughly 60% of speakers come from outside Japan, and approximately half are women. Techcrunch event This Week Only: Save up to $500 for Disrupt 2026 Offer ends April 10, 11:59 p.m. PT Your next round. Your next hire. Your next breakout opportunity. Find it at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, where 10,000+ founders, investors, and tech leaders gather for three days of 250+ tactical sessions, powerful introductions, and market-defining innovation. Register now to secure these savings. This Week Only: Save up to $500 for Disrupt 2026 Offer ends April 10, 11:59 p.m. PT Your next round. Your next hire. Your next breakout opportunity. Find it at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, where 10,000+ founders, investors, and tech leaders gather for three days of 250+ tactical sessions, powerful introductions, and market-defining innovation. Register now to secure these savings. San Francisco, CA | October 13-15, 2026 REGISTER NOW Going to be in Tokyo? Don't miss it. Get your tickets here . The SusHi Tech Challenge The pitch competition drew 820 applications from 60 countries and regions — 437 international, 383 Japanese. Twenty semifinalists compete on April 27, seven finalists advance to the final on April 28, and one Grand Prix winner takes home ¥10,000,000 and automatic entry into the TechCrunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield Top 200. Beyond the stage The conference extends well beyond the convention floor. City leaders from 49 cities across five continents — from Los Angeles to Nairobi to Singapore — are convening for the G-NETS Leaders Summit to forge concrete commitments on climate resilience and urban sustainability. On the expo floor, 62 corporate partners, including Sony, Google, Microsoft, and Mizuho, are hosting reverse pitches and actively seeking startup collaborators. And because this is Tokyo, the experience doesn't stop at 6 p.m.: Classical music performances from La Folle Journée, waterfront cruises along Tokyo Bay, and the Tokyo Innovation NIGHTs networking series round out the program. Before you go, download the app The official SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 Official app is your command center on the ground. Before you even arrive, AI-powered matching recommends the right startups, investors, and partners for you to connect with — and lets you book meeting rooms in advance. On-site, a GPS floor map, QR business card exchange, and real-time push notifications keep you oriented across the sprawling Tokyo Big Sight venue. Download for iOS or Android . SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 runs April 27–29 at Tokyo Big Sight. Business days are April 27–28; Public Day (free admission) is April 29. Topics AI , Media & Entertainment , Robotics , Startups Cindy Zackney Brand Studio Sr. Project Manager You can contact or verify outreach from Cindy by emailing cindy.zackney@techcrunch.com . View Bio April 30 San Francisco, CA StrictlyVC kicks off the year in SF. Get in the room for unfiltered fireside chats with industry leaders, insider VC insights, and high-value connections that actually move the needle. Tickets are limited. 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