Every major technology conference has a theme. Most of the time, it’s so vague that it means everything and nothing at the same time. SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 is doing something different. There are four precisely defined technology areas, each supported by live demonstrations, dedicated exhibition floors, and sessions featuring the people who are actually building and funding these technologies around the world.
TechCrunch is partnering with SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 as an official media partner, and the Startup Battlefield team will be on-site to select one outstanding semi-finalist from the SusHi Tech Challenge to advance to one of the most prestigious starting points in the tech world, the TechCrunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield 200. This is what’s on the floor.
AI — Beyond the Hype and into Infrastructure
A session featuring Howard Wright (Nvidia), Rob Chu (AWS), and Eric Benhamou (Benhamou Global Ventures) cuts through the noise to examine where AI is actually being deployed at scale and where the real risks lie. On the floor, AI-themed university startups will pitch alongside global companies, and AI Film Festival Japan, a partner event at Tokyo Innovation Base in Yurakucho, will explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping culture in real time.
Robotics — the rise of physical AI
Rather than being behind glass, SusHi Tech’s robots are on the floor and interactive. On stage, Qasar Younis from Nissan, Isuzu and Applied Intuition will examine how software-defined vehicles are reimagining transportation. Physical AI is not a future trend. Tokyo on April 27th.
Resilience — cities that survive what comes next
Eva Chen (Trend Micro) and NEC’s Noboru Nakatani will tackle cyber defense, while Top Climate Technology Venture Capitalists from Breakthrough Energy and Cleantech Group will examine global investment flows. A VR disaster simulator and on-site tour of Tokyo’s underground flood control infrastructure bring danger to life intuitively.
Entertainment — Japanese cultural engine meets AI
Sessions with the CEOs of Production IG, MAPPA, and CoMix Wave Films discuss what it takes for Tokyo to become the Hollywood of animation. On the floor, startups are using AI to globally translate manga, generate music from text prompts, and bring Japanese IP to life as anime for distribution around the world.
Can’t go to Tokyo? you can still be there
Just because you can’t attend SusHi Tech Tokyo doesn’t mean you can’t participate. Remote participants get more than just a live stream. Field staff will walk the floor on your behalf with a device that displays your face, allowing you to interact face-to-face with attendees and exhibitors in real time. It’s the closest thing to actually being there.
tech crunch event
San Francisco, California
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October 13-15, 2026
Note: Please note that some sessions may not be available for viewing.
Click here to apply for remote participation with support from local staff.
Can’t you shake that too? Ticket holders can stream sessions online and access the program from wherever they are. See the complete session list here.
Along with the startup event, Tokyo will also host a conference bringing together leaders from 55 cities on five continents. We will discuss the theme of “A new future for climate- and disaster-resilient cities.” The City Leaders Summit is part of G-NETS (Global Cities Network for Sustainability), which is currently being hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government from 2022 as a multi-city forum to discuss ways to solve common challenges, with a focus on cities’ resilience to climate disasters and the well-being of their residents. The general public can watch the summit in real time or after the event ends on YouTube.
G-NETS official website
G-NETS YouTube channel
SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 will be held at Tokyo Big Sight from April 27th to 29th. Business days are April 27th and 28th. The public opening day (free admission) is April 29th. Register here.
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