TechCrunch is taking its biggest startup competition to Tokyo for the first time. The tech news giant will host its famous Startup Battlefield at SusHi Tech 2026, where new companies compete for funding and glory.
This is a big deal because Tokyo is becoming a major tech hub, and TechCrunch’s contest can make or break new startups. Winners often go on to raise millions in funding.
Robots and AI Take Center Stage
The Tokyo event will focus on four hot areas: AI, robotics, resilience tech, and entertainment. Attendees will see live demos of humanoid robots that can walk and talk like humans. There will also be deep discussions about self-driving cars, cybersecurity tools, and climate change technology.
But here’s what makes Tokyo special – they’re diving deep into how AI is completely changing Japan’s most famous exports: music and anime. These industries are worth billions globally, and AI is starting to create songs and animated characters.
The timing makes sense. Japan has always been ahead on robotics, and now with the AI boom, Japanese companies are combining both technologies in ways Silicon Valley hasn’t figured out yet.
What’s Next
Expect to see some wild robot demonstrations and hear honest talks about AI’s impact on creative industries. For startups, this could be the perfect place to showcase technology that blends Japanese innovation with global AI trends. The event happens in 2026, giving companies time to build something impressive.