Every major tech conference has themes. Most are vague enough to mean everything and nothing at the same time. SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 does something different — four tightly defined technology areas, each supported by live demonstrations, dedicated exhibition floors and sessions featuring the people who actually build and fund these technologies worldwide.
TechCrunch is partnering with SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 as an official media partner, and our Startup Battlefield team will be on the ground selecting a separate semi-finalist from the SusHi Tech Challenge to advance to the TechCrunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield 200 — one of the most well-known tech launchpads. Here’s what’s on the floor.
AI — beyond the hype, into the infrastructure
Sessions with Howard Wright (Nvidia), Rob Chu (AWS) and Eric Benhamou (Benhamou Global Ventures) cut through the noise to examine where AI is really developing at scale and where the real risks lie. On the floor, university-based AI startups are pitching alongside global players, and the AI Film Festival Japan, a partner event at the Tokyo Innovation Base in Yurakucho, explores how AI is reshaping culture in real time.
Robotics — natural artificial intelligence has arrived
The robots at SusHi Tech aren’t behind glass – they’re on the floor and interactive. On stage, Nissan, Isuzu and Applied Intuition’s Qasar Younis examine how software-defined vehicles are reshaping transportation. Physical AI is not a future trend. He is in Tokyo on April 27.
Resilience — the cities that survive what’s coming
NEC’s Eva Chen (Trend Micro) and Noboru Nakatani tackle cyber defense, while leading climate tech VCs from Breakthrough Energy and the Cleantech Group look at where global investment is flowing. A VR disaster simulator and on-site tours of Tokyo’s underground flood control infrastructure make the stakes all too real.
Entertainment — Japan’s cultural engine meets artificial intelligence
Meetings with the CEOs of Production IG, MAPPA and CoMix Wave Films address what it takes to make Tokyo the Hollywood of animation. On the floor, startups are using AI to translate manga globally, create music from text messages, and bring Japanese IP to life as anime — delivered worldwide.
Can’t make it to Tokyo? You can still be there
Missing SusHi Tech Tokyo doesn’t mean missing out. Remote attendees get more than a live stream — hotel staff will walk the floor for you, bringing a device that displays your face so you can interact with attendees and exhibitors in real-time, face-to-face. It’s the closest thing to reality there is.
Techcrunch event
San Francisco, California
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13-15 October 2026
Note: Please note that some sessions may not be available for viewing.
Apply for remote participation with on-site staff support here.
Can’t shake that either? Ticket holders can stream sessions online and access programming from wherever they are. Browse the full session list here.
In conjunction with the startup event, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is also hosting a meeting of leaders from 55 cities on five continents. They will discuss the theme of “A new urban future based on climate and disaster resilience”. The city leaders’ summit is part of G-NETS (Global City Network for Sustainability), organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government from 2022 as a multi-city forum to discuss how to solve common challenges with a focus now on urban climate disaster resilience and citizen well-being. The summit can be watched by the general public on YouTube in real time and after the event.
SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 will be held on April 27-29 at Tokyo Big Sight. Working days are April 27-28. Public day (free entry) is April 29. Register here.
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