TechGALA Japan 2026 kicks off with a performance by "ELECTRONICOS FANTASTICOS!", a project led by artist and musician Ei Wada. This visionary group breathes new life into obsolete electronics—such as CRT TVs, electric fans, and barcode readers—transforming them into original "electromagnetic instruments." Experience the feverish resonance of "Electromagnetic Folk Music," a modern-day festival where the past and future collide in a symphony of static and soul.The opening act will begin at 10:15.

Futurist Monika Bielskyte explores how sci-fi world design techniques can inform innovation approaches that deliver positive impact and market value over the long term. Introducing protopian thinking and life-centric design principles, she outlines how companies can utilize edge insights to inform advanced and competitive design for future-ready products, platforms, experiences, and strategies in a rapidly changing world. This keynote will challenge the demoralizing dystopian assumptions, and explore how science-informed, contextual foresight practice combined with entertainment techniques could capture our imaginations to serve as strategic blueprints for a regenerative world – to inspire and energize tangible behavioral change.

The evolution of technology is driving a dramatic shift in medicine—from "Cure" (treating illness) to "Well-being" (enriching daily life). This session features Fumiaki Ikeno, a leader in Silicon Valley medical innovation, and Ruriko Tsushima, a pioneer in women’s healthcare in Japan. By bridging global investment and development trends with Japan’s critical clinical challenges, such as Femtech and preventive medicine, they will explore how technology can enhance Quality of Life (QOL) and create new economic value. Join us for an in-depth discussion on the grand design for the future of healthcare and society, led by experts from the front lines of Japan and the U.S.

Austin, Texas, the stage for SXSW, one of the world's largest comprehensive tech and arts events. What is the future being woven in this hub where world-leading tech companies converge and new startups emerge? Key players from Austin's ecosystem will provide a foresight into our daily lives ten years from now.

Addressing social challenges such as population decline and an aging society, this session explores how next-generation mobility will alter urban structures and lifestyles. We will discuss the vision and potential for creating a richer, sustainable future city.

As technology fuses with the human body, our very concepts of well-being and life are on the verge of a fundamental change. This session explores the cutting edge of human augmentation through wearables and biohacking, focusing on three core pillars: "Data," "Human Augmentation," and "Well-being." We will discuss how we can leverage bodily data to enhance individual mental and physical richness. Furthermore, we will delve into how technological body upgrades will shape the future of humanity and redefine our understanding of life itself.

Material science is often viewed as an uncharted frontier. This experiential session brings its immense potential to light through a live, public pitch format. Watch as venture capitalists and commercialization experts provide real-time evaluations of entrepreneurs’ authentic challenges in the field of innovative materials. By integrating academic expertise, we will visualize the dynamic ecosystem where materials awaken and evolve into world-changing unicorns. Witness the moment of transformation and discover the concrete strategies that will redraw the industrial map of the future.

Shradha Sharma, Founder & CEO of YourStory and The Bharat Project, explores the current state of the global startup ecosystem and the forces shaping its next era. Drawing on insights from thousands of founder stories and more than a decade of ecosystem-building across India and beyond, she highlights emerging trends in innovation, talent, investment, and technology. Shradha Sharma offers a clear view of where the world is heading next, and what founders, corporates, and investors must understand to stay ahead. This session provides actionable perspectives on navigating rapid change, building resilient organizations, and creating meaningful impact in an increasingly interconnected global market.Please note: Due to the speaker’s circumstances, this session will be delivered online instead of in person. The panel discussion will be conducted with both on-site and online participation. (As of January 21)

As the fusion of deep tech and open innovation creates uncharted markets and revolutionizes industries, frontline innovators will take a deep dive into the challenges of turning basic research into real-world applications. They will also explore how open co-creation is reshaping the future industrial landscape.

This prestigious pitch competition serves as a gateway for Japanese startups with global ambitions and international startups looking to break into the Japanese market. From a competitive pool of over 200 applicants across 17 countries and regions, 15 finalists from 10 countries and regions have been selected to take the stage. Witness a high-stakes battle of innovation conducted entirely in English—a performance that promises to stir the soul of every attendee. Do not miss this defining moment as the next generation of industries takes its first breath. Experience the future, born right here.Pitch Contest Details Herehttps://event2026.techgala.jp/module/web_page/372650/0

Is the future we are heading toward a catastrophic dystopia or a flawless utopia? This session explores the new frontiers of humanity through the lens of "Protopia"—a concept of hope where we move beyond binary extremes to build a world that is incrementally better today than it was yesterday.We bring together an extraordinary panel of visionaries: Monika Bielskyte, a futurist who transforms sci-fi-like visions into tangible reality; Youichiro Miyake, a philosophical AI engineer imbuing digital intelligence with "narrative" and "consciousness"; and Fumiaki Ikeno, a pioneer at the forefront of medical innovation redefining the very boundaries of life.By 2050, where the global challenges of climate change, the expansion of AI intelligence, and the transformation of the human body through regenerative medicine intersect—what kind of "story" will humanity be living?We will decode the "Equation of Hope" for the future, exploring how technology can transcend mere efficiency to heal loneliness, empower life, and co-create a sustainable world.

As autonomous driving and MaaS (Mobility as a Service) accelerate, mobility is transforming from a simple means of transportation into an infrastructure poised to reshape cities and our daily lives. This session will explore the vision and potential for next-generation mobility to address societal challenges, such as population decline and an aging society. We will discuss how it can transform urban structures and lifestyles to create a richer, more sustainable city of the future.

As responding to climate change becomes an urgent global challenge, the wave of the decarbonization revolution is sweeping across all industries. In this session, we will deeply explore the frontline strategies and challenges of how Central Japan's renowned monozukuri wisdom and cutting-edge technology are accelerating the Green Transformation (GX) and leading the way toward the realization of a net-zero society.

In an era where uncertainty is the norm, large Japanese corporations stand at a crossroads between preserving their legacy and embracing disruptive AI innovation. This session features leaders driving transformation at the forefront of Japan's leading manufacturers—Toyota, Denso, and Toyo Seikan. Moving beyond AI as a mere efficiency tool, we delve into the raw challenges facing large enterprises: "How will AI reshape our decision-making?" and "How can we fuse organizational culture and 'frontline intuition' with technology?" From passing down technical expertise and reconstructing value chains to launching new ventures, the speakers will reveal their struggles and breakthroughs, offering insights into the "essence of value creation" required for the new era. Supported by CADDi, Inc.

With the explosive growth of e-commerce, the "last mile"—the final and most complex leg of logistics—has become critical infrastructure determining the future of our cities. This session brings together three global experts: Naohiro Nishiguchi, with deep insights into Silicon Valley’s innovation; Toshikazu Tanaka, a leading authority on China’s lightning-fast implementation; and Naotaka Nishiyama, who has experienced firsthand the surging dynamism of India. From the shock of India’s "10-minute delivery" norm to the front lines of autonomous delivery robots in China, our panel will explore the "new commercial landscapes" and "future urban lifestyles" that emerge when logistics is optimized and democratized to the extreme. In a world where logistics becomes as invisible and essential as "air," how will our businesses and daily lives be redefined? We uncover the true nature of this transformation through these three distinct global perspectives.

In an era of radical uncertainty, leaders must undergo "personal transformation" to drive organizational evolution. How can a leader expand their inner "vessel" to foster growth in a rigid environment? This exclusive session features Yoichi Ito, master of passionate dialogue, and Madoka Sawa, expert in articulating the mindsets that trigger breakthrough thinking. Moving beyond superficial skills, they will dive deep into the philosophy of leadership needed to rewrite an organization’s OS.This is a space to redefine your own leadership style and gain the conviction required to lead Central Japan and the nation into the future. Join us for a dense, high-impact discussion designed to provide actionable clarity for the next generation of visionary leaders.※Please note: This is an exclusive session for Executive Pass and Business Pass holders only. Pre-registration is required. Please sign up via the form below. https://business.form-mailer.jp/fms/ec0fde91328317

The regions collectively known as the Global South are becoming the "origin of innovation" shaping the future of mobility, driven by unique social challenges and explosive demand. This session gathers top leaders from Japanese trading houses (sōgō shōsha) and manufacturers—who are driving business on the front lines in vast markets like India and Africa—along with experts who possess real-world knowledge of local market trends. We will explore how mobility, evolving at a different pace than in developed nations, is transforming people's lives, cities, and economies. From the perspective of emerging nations, we will decode the strategic hints for global innovation applicable worldwide.

Europe is rapidly advancing the integration of innovation and startups within the sports sector. In this session, experts will share the latest trends from the Paris Olympics, as well as European stadium and league management.From Japan, we introduce the concept and specific initiatives of "Superhuman Sports," an innovation trend where technology augments physical capabilities and expands the field of play. Grounded in the current state of the Aichi sports ecosystem, we will explore a shared vision for the future of sports co-created by Japan and Europe.

The rapid evolution of AI marks a major turning point in how we work. But what exactly does this "AI-driven future of work" look like? This session features two startup founders: Taihei Onishi of Stamen Co., Ltd., a company dedicated to helping businesses win through people and organizations, and Takumi Kitaguchi of Grand Central Co., Ltd., which aims to become the sales and marketing infrastructure for a new era. From organizational management and decision-making to the transformation of daily operations, they will thoroughly discuss the future of work from an executive perspective.Supported by Salesforce Japan Co.,Ltd.

As startups increasingly pursue global growth, expansion is no longer a one-way path. Japan is attracting overseas startups—particularly from China—while Japanese startups are also looking outward for new markets and scale. This panel takes a two-way perspective on global expansion, examining why Chinese startups choose Japan, what challenges they face, and what Japanese startups can learn from these cases when going abroad. Through insights from accelerators and investors, the discussion highlights practical differences in market structure, business culture, and execution, offering actionable lessons for startups navigating cross-border growth.

As AI consumption of electricity grows, society also faces a looming shortage of essential workers to maintain critical infrastructure. In response, power companies are leveraging digital technology and talent to realize a sustainable society. This session introduces AI solutions that maximize hydroelectric power potential, explores on-site construction automation using the trending "Physical AI x Robotics," and discusses agrivoltaics—a method for balancing sustainable agriculture with renewable energy generation. Moderated by Nikkei, and featuring insights from Microsoft Japan alongside perspectives from young digital leaders at Chubu Electric Power, this session will provide a concise overview of the latest AI solutions and discuss how digital technology is carving out the future of energy. Supported by Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc.

The Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, Japan (SMRJ) supports the growth of startups through various initiatives. These include the Japan Venture Awards (JVA), which recognizes ambitious entrepreneurs with high potential for innovative growth; FASTAR, an elite acceleration program; and 29 incubation facilities operated across the country.In this session, a carefully selected group of startups will deliver their pitches, featuring award winners from the 25th Japan Venture Awards held in December 2025. We invite you to join us and witness the next generation of business leaders.Supported by the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, Japan (SMRJ)

The world of sports is undergoing an unprecedented evolution with the integration of cutting-edge technologies like wearables and AI. This session explores how technology enhances athletic performance, optimizes training, and prevents injuries.This evolution is not just about breaking records; it holds the potential to push human limits and redefine our future. We will examine, with specific examples, how the coexistence of technology and athletes is poised to transform the future of both sports and humanity.        

As Japan's VC ecosystem matures, an increasing number of startups are taking on the world. This session will bring together top-tier VCs from both Japan and abroad who invest from a global perspective. We will discuss what Japanese startups need to succeed globally, the visions investors look for, and the strategies and future of creating a world-class ecosystem through open innovation.

Aichi Financial Group actively supports student entrepreneurs in the region. In this program, students who have been awarded the "Aichi FG Award," sponsored by our group, at the pitch contest of "Tongali," an entrepreneurial development project by a consortium of universities in the Tokai region, will take the stage to pitch their ideas and business plans. Watch the session featuring students with flexible imagination and drive, and a strong spirit of challenge, who aim to realize their innovative ideas, and Aichi Financial Group, a regional financial institution that supports student entrepreneurs.Supported by Aichi Financial Group, Inc.