Tokyo stands at the forefront of Asia’s innovation landscape, advancing an ambitious scaleup agenda under its Startup Strategy 2.0, which emphasizes high-growth domains and global connectivity. Central is the innovation cycle linking SusHi Tech Tokyo and Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB), positioning the city as a global node for collaboration. In 2026, SusHi Tech Tokyo recorded 750+ startups, 10,000 business meetings, and 60,000 participants, underscoring sustained international momentum.
SusHi Tech Global Funds, a public–private partnership targeting global growth sectors and investments, offers funds of $1.26B. Separately, international investors include Tokyo-based Jolt Capital’s $1.1B fund and U.S. based-Alumni Ventures’ $100 million fund targeting Japanese startups.
TIB has rapidly scaled as the ecosystem’s community anchor. From 2023, membership expanded from 23,000 to 67,000+, events increased from 480 to 1,400+, and visitors grew from 100,000 to 330,000+. Programs such as TIB CATAPULT connect Tokyo’s industrial assets, research institutions, and VC to generate globally-oriented startups.
In 2026, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government budget increased to $448M from $325M in 2024, reflecting a significant acceleration in public investment. In 2025, Japan established the national Growth Strategy Council to drive coordinated public–private investment across 17 strategic sectors and expanded its startup visa program nationwide to allow foreign entrepreneurs to reside in Japan for up to two years.
International engagement remains central, with Tokyo participating in global dialogues across North America, Europe, and Asia, reinforcing its “Born Global” orientation. International expansion accelerates by connecting startups with local governments and matching them with overseas cities. Research-driven innovation capacity is deepened through dedicated support for university-originated startups, backed by public–private investment to mobilize long-term capital.
Tokyo’s talent base is strengthened by rising mobility from major corporations into startups, a workforce in which 8.12% of workers are employed by startups, 140+ universities, and globally-oriented education initiatives that cultivate internationally-competitive founders. Inclusivity expands through platforms supporting female entrepreneurs such as the Women’s Empowerment Startup Support Program and APT Women Program. TIB 2.0 creates community spaces where diverse entrepreneurs can connect.
