Japan’s largest startup conference “IVS2026” to be held in Kyoto for the fourth consecutive year, July 1–3, 2026; venues include Kyoto International Exhibition Hall “Miyako Messe” and other city locations

The startup conference IVS2026 has been confirmed. The three-day event will run from Wednesday, July 1 to Friday, July 3, 2026, with venues including the Kyoto International Exhibition Hall “Miyako Messe” and additional locations across Kyoto City. The IVS KYOTO Executive Committee (Headline Japan Inc., Kyoto Prefecture, and the City of Kyoto) announced the decision, marking the fourth consecutive year the conference will take place in Kyoto.

Building on the evolution introduced in 2025

Launched in 2007, IVS is Japan’s largest startup conference, serving as a meeting ground for entrepreneurs, investors, major corporations, government, and creators. In 2025, IVS introduced new initiatives such as the “IVS Startup Market,” which hosted 300 exhibitors, and deployed its proprietary “4S” system integrating ticketing, side-event management, and meeting functions. These upgrades optimized operations for a 10,000-person event and strengthened networking. IVS2026 likewise aims to deliver a practical, results-oriented conference that prioritizes the experience value of each participant.

The Executive Committee states that continuing to host the event in Kyoto will further entrench a culture of side events and expand international networks, evolving IVS into a participatory platform that unites speakers, attendees, sponsors, and government. Kyoto Prefecture and the City of Kyoto also express a strong commitment to reinforcing the startup ecosystem and fostering companies that will take on global markets.

Event outline

Dates：Wednesday–Friday, July 1–3, 2026
Venues：Kyoto International Exhibition Hall “Miyako Messe” and additional locations in Kyoto City
Organizer：IVS KYOTO Executive Committee (Headline Japan Inc., Kyoto Prefecture, City of Kyoto)

Comments from the Executive Committee (from the press release)

IVS Representative, Toshiaki Shimakawa

“IVS in Kyoto will mark its fourth year next year. By working hand in hand with Kyoto Prefecture and the City of Kyoto, we have established a 10,000-attendee scale and a vibrant culture of side events, enabling participants to take home tangible value. At IVS2026, we will build on these achievements and further evolve into a participatory platform where speakers, attendees, sponsors, and government co-create programs and discussions. With our mission ‘Igniting the next generation,’ IVS will continue to back every challenger and accelerate Japan’s startup ecosystem.”

Governor of Kyoto Prefecture, Takatoshi Nishiwaki

“We are honored that IVS—now one of Japan’s leading startup conferences—will be held in Kyoto again next year. The ideas born from dialogues and insights that cross national, industry, and disciplinary boundaries—where diverse participants pursue their dreams and work toward realization—are precisely what will open up the next era. At IVS2026, leveraging the overseas networks expanded through Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, we will work together with Headline Japan Inc. and the City of Kyoto to make the conference a springboard for startups to take on the world.”

Mayor of Kyoto, Koji Matsui

“I am truly delighted that IVS will return to Kyoto for the fourth consecutive year. Tapping into Kyoto’s full potential—from the wisdom and techniques of traditional industries to its rich arts and culture, and the concentration of knowledge at universities and research institutions—will further energize the startup ecosystem. This momentum will have a significant impact not only on Kyoto but on Japan as a whole. We look forward to welcoming many entrepreneurs, investors, and challengers with ideas and dreams back to Kyoto, and to sharing another period filled with energy and excitement. The City of Kyoto will continue to support startups taking on new businesses and social issues.”