daterise

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DATERISE!

SAVE THE DATE | 2026.09.05 (sat)
in Sendai International Center Exhibition Building＆ONLINE
(Part of the sessions)

World-changing challenges begin in Tohoku.

400 years ago,
Date Masamune, the feudal lord of Sendai,
was already looking beyond Japan—toward the world.
That spirit still lives on in this region.
In 2025,
DATERISE was launched here in Sendai.
Cutting-edge technologies born from research.
Products shaped by the land, its people, and real-world challenges.
As these ambitions came together,
a new energy began to emerge.
There is still untapped potential here—
value the world has yet to discover.
And in 2026,
that potential will connect to the world.
DATERISE is where startups meet, accelerate,
and take their next step onto the global stage.
This one day can become a turning point for our future.
From Tohoku—to the next global frontier.
DATERISE! ― SENDAI to Global!

Time table

11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00

DATERISE! STAGE（200席）

14:50~16:50DATERISE! THE PITCH（120 mins）

FRONTIER STAGE（120席）

※Click to view the overview and speaker information for each session.
※Please note that speakers and the schedule are subject to change up until the day of the event due to operational reasons.

MAP

DATERISE! THE PITCH

＜NTT EAST Award＞
The winning startup will receive a three-day U.S. Market Access Program provided by Gener8tor, featuring meetings with investors and potential customers, as well as curated networking opportunities.
Travel and accommodation expenses are covered up to USD 3,000. Visa application fees, meals, and other personal expenses are the responsibility of the participating startup.

＜ One ip TOHOKU Award＞
Intellectual property strategy mentoring for six months

＜CREATIONLINE Award＞
１．Hands-on support for service launch and development
２．An opportunity to appear on CREATIONLINE’s YouTube series, “Adachi no Gokui”

※Click to view speaker profiles and business overviews of the participating companies.

JUDGES OF PITCH

※Click to view the judges' profiles.

Session

KEYNOTE SPEECH

Yasuhiro Yamakawa of Babson College takes on the challenge!
Drawing on his insights from the forefront of the startup and entrepreneurship landscape, he will discuss the significance of taking on global challenges.

  • babson

    Babson College
    YASUHIRO YAMAKAYA

GO! Global Players Talk

Three startups that are already expanding overseas will share their experiences and insights on the significance and realities of going global.

  • airato Speakers

    AiRato. Inc
    NORIYUKI KADOYA

  • mkplus Speakers

    MK PLUS Co., Ltd.
    KAZUMASA KUROKAWA

  • cleanplanet Speakers

    Clean Planet Inc.
    MASAMI HAYASHI

  • 01booster Moderator

    01Booster Inc.
    TAKERU KAWASHIMA

Michinoku Social
Innovation

Startups working to address social challenges in Tohoku, a region at the forefront of social challenges, will share their initiatives and discuss the potential of startups to drive social impact.

  • appcycle Speakers

    appcycle inc.
    KEI FUJIMAKI

  • feel-organic Speakers

    Greedy Inc.
    RIKA HAMADE

  • tomushi Speakers

    TOMUSHI.Inc.
    YOSUKE SHIBATA

  • jr Moderator

    JR East Start UP Co.,Ltd
    YUTAKA SHIBATA

GLOCAL Cluster

Startups and ecosystem supporters will share perspectives on how an entire region is working together to develop the space industry.

  • AstroX Speakers

    AstroX, Inc.
    ODA SHOBU

  • ASTRO GATE Speakers

    ASTRO GATE Inc.
    YUKI　HARADA

  • space quarters Speakers

    Space Quarters inc.
    SHOGO ONISHI

  • tohoku sct Speakers

    Tohoku University
    YUJI SAITOH

  • fukushima inovation coast promotion organization Moderator

    Fukushima Innovation Coast Promotion Organization
    MASANORI　KOABAYASHI

The State of Global Startup Ecosystems

Across the world, governments, universities, support organizations, and private-sector partners are working together to build startup ecosystems that encourage global expansion, each tailored to the unique strengths of their region. In this session, speakers will share startup support policies and examples of public-private collaboration from their respective countries, while exploring how Tohoku can build a regional ecosystem that continuously fosters startups with global ambitions.

  • Speaker

    KOTRA
    Keumlan Park

  • Speaker

    Mighty Net
    Ray Tai

  • Moderator

    FoundersNation Co., Ltd.
    MASARU NAGURA

The Frontline of Startup
Investment in Tohoku

Leading players in the region will share the latest initiatives from the financial sector supporting Tohoku’s startup ecosystem, as well as their perspectives on the region’s future potential.

  • Speakers

    Storm Harbour Japan Ltd.
    TAICHI KANO

  • Speakers

    TOHOKU University Venture Partners Co., Ltd.
    TSUTOMU NAGAHAMA

  • Moderator

    Spurcle Inc.
    HIDEKI FUKUDOME

Shaping Tohoku's Future with IOWN

In this session, we will explore the potential that "IOWN," the next-generation information and communications infrastructure, holds for local communities. We will provide a clear, accessible overview of IOWN, accompanied by a demonstration of its low-latency communication capabilities. Furthermore, by highlighting our ongoing initiatives at the Smart Innovation Lab Sendai, we will share the NTT Group's vision for the future—demonstrating how we plan to leverage IOWN and technology to support the growth of local enterprises and businesses.

  • ntt-east Speakers

    NTT EAST, Inc.
    JUNICHI KAGESAWA

  • ntt-east Speakers

    NTT EAST, Inc.
    YUKA TAKAHASHI

  • 01booster Moderator

    01Booster Inc.
    AKIKO IWAMOTO

OPENING SESSION

In 2025, the Sendai-Tohoku Startup Ecosystem Consortium, comprising the City of Sendai, the six prefectures of the Tohoku region, and organizations from industry, academia, government, and the financial sector, was selected by the Cabinet Office as a “Global Startup Ecosystem Hub City” under the second phase of Japan’s Startup Ecosystem Hub City initiative.
Against this backdrop, Sendai and the broader Tohoku region are accelerating efforts to globalize their startup ecosystem, including support for startups expanding into international markets.
This session offers a look at where Sendai and Tohoku’s startup ecosystem stands today and where it is headed next.

  • Speaker

    Sendai
    KAZUKO KOHRI

  • Speaker

    Tohoku University
    TEIJI TOMINAGA

※Click to view the overview and speaker information for each session.

Booth

Startup Booth

Ecosystem Booth

DATERISE! 縁日 ENNICHI

Play, interact, and connect with the future—a futuristic festival to enjoy with family and friends.

Booth Information

The companies setting up stalls at ENNICHI are those with ties to the Tohoku region.

The Sendai & Miyagi Tourism PR Character, 「Musubimaru」, will make a special appearance at the Ennichi Area!
Be sure to stop by and take a memorable photo together!

■ MUSUBIMARU Appearance Schedule (Tentative)
1st：Around 12:30–12:50
2nd：Around 14:30–14:50
3rd：Around 16:30–16:50

Meet up

  • Meeting Area

    A dedicated space for conversations and connections around the tables. Please feel free to use this area for business discussions with exhibiting startups or for casual networking among attendees.

  • After-Party

    An after-party starting immediately after the main event. Enjoy light refreshments while networking and mingling with speakers, exhibitors, and fellow attendees.

  • Matching Platform: Umoh

    We will be using Umoh, a matching platform that enables registered attendees and exhibitors to search for other participants, exchange messages, and schedule business meetings.

Partners

PLATINUM SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSOR

EVENT SPONSOR

Side event

A variety of startup events will be held in conjunction with DATERISE!
※Please check the links for each event for further details.

Access

Sendai International Center Exhibition Building
Aobayama, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture 980-0856

Movie

Outline

EVENT NAME
DATERISE! 2026
DATE
Saturday, September 5, 2026, 11:00–19:00 (tentative)
Venue
Sendai International Center Exhibition Building
Participation
Free, registration required
Organizer
City of Sendai
Co-Organizers
Tohoku University, Tohoku Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry, Miyagi Prefectural Government, JETRO Sendai, MICHINOKU ACADEMIA STARTUP PLATFORM, SENDAI TOHOKU STARTUP ECOSYSTEM CONSORTIUM
Supporting Organizations
Aomori Prefectural Government, Iwate Prefectural Government, Akita Prefectural Government, Yamagata Prefectural Government, Fukushima Prefectural Government
Operation
01Booster Inc.

DATERISE!2026
Sponsorship Opportunities

Thank you for your interest in sponsoring DATERISE! 2026.
We offer sponsorship opportunities for private companies and organizations interested in collaborating with us on the event.
If you are interested, please contact us using the form below. The organizing team will provide further details regarding sponsorship plans and benefits.

Sponsors will also receive booth exhibition space, promotional opportunities, and networking opportunities throughout the event.

Contact Us

DATERISE!2026
Side Event Application

At DATERISE! 2026, we are inviting applications for Side Events from those who share the vision of the main event and would like to help make it even more exciting.
Please review all of the information below carefully and submit your application using the appropriate form.

■What is a Side Event?
DATERISE!A Side Event is an initiative that embodies the concept of DATERISE! 2026 and contributes to the growth of startups and the broader ecosystem in Sendai and the Tohoku region.

■DATERISE!2026 | Concept
・Spotlighting the signs of change
・Showcasing initiatives from Sendai and Tohoku that are taking on the world
・Connecting diverse stakeholders, including startups, supporters, local governments, and corporations
・Creating opportunities for domestic and international participants to engage and collaborate

■Eligible Events (No restrictions on format or theme)
We welcome a wide range of event formats, including:
Talk sessions, meetups/networking events, workshops, study sessions/seminars, and more.

■Collaboration Opportunities
If approved as an official Side Event, you may receive the following support:
・Featured on the official DATERISE! 2026 website
・Information shared with registered participants
・Mutual promotional support
・Opportunity to introduce DATERISE! 2026 during your Side Event

■Guidelines & Requirements
Organizers are responsible for planning and managing their event, including participant registration.
Organizers are free to choose the date and venue.
After the event, organizers are requested to submit a brief report including photos, participant numbers, and participant demographics.
Any issues or incidents that occur during the event must be handled by the organizer.
Activities contrary to public order and morals, or excessive solicitation, are prohibited.

Side Event Application Form

HIDEJI SOTANI

Eams Robotics Co., Ltd.
President and Representative Director

■Profile
With 30 years of sales experience at a Hitachi Group company, he led the launch of a drone business in 2015. He has developed global partnerships, secured overseas bridge inspection projects, and won over 100 service contracts. He has also delivered 100+ seminars on industrial drone applications.

■Business Overview
The company develops, manufactures, and supplies autonomous systems centered on industrial drones. It provides Type 2 certified and Type 1 equivalent aircraft, with a leading track record in inspection, security, and logistics trials. Current initiatives include next-generation logistics UAVs, VTOL aircraft, and advanced remote monitoring technologies.

MOMOKA IKAWA

wead Co., Ltd.
CEO

■Profile
Momoka Ikawa graduated from the University of Tasmania and worked on collaborative research with universities in the livestock industry. Seeing the challenge of underutilized waste, she founded wead Co., Ltd. with the mission of “Rethinking Waste,” creating value from discarded resources.

■Business Overview
wead Co., Ltd. utilizes its proprietary waste decomposition accelerator, greevy®, to rapidly break down and recycle paper waste, food waste, agricultural residues, biodegradable plastics, and other underutilized materials. By transforming waste into valuable resources, we promote a circular economy while helping reduce environmental impact and address local community challenges.

TOSHIHIDE TAMURA

ZAICO Inc.
Representative Director

■Profile
Born in Yamagata in 1983. Following graduate studies at Tokyo Institute of Technology, gained experience at Future Architect and freee. Established ZAICO Inc. in 2016, driven by the remarkable success of an inventory management app he originally created for his family's warehouse business.

■Business Overview
We provide "zaico," a highly user-friendly cloud-based inventory management system. Guided by our mission to "improve societal efficiency by building an information infrastructure for goods—collecting, organizing, and providing data," we are dedicated to automating and streamlining inventory operations using AI technology. Our goal is to optimize supply chains across society as a whole.

HIDEYA IEMURA

Syu Innovative LAB co.ltd
CEO

■Profile
In 2018, he established Syu Innovative LAB and became its representative. The following year, established a dairy farming production company in Rajasthan, India. He is currently expanding dairy-related businesses. In February 2026, he received the KIBOW Award at the Globis MBA school.

■Business Overview
We provide a text-free herd management DaaS solution to medium-sized dairy farmers in India. This initiative aims to dramatically boost productivity through IoT and AI, and to build a massive dairy farming platform in India—one of the world’s largest dairy-producing nations—by leveraging the vast, untapped pool of individual animal data we have accumulated.

MASAYA INAKAWA

Tsubame Lab
CAIO

■Profile
Masaya Inakawa is CAIO of Tsubame Lab and concurrently CEO of LaboRobo. A doctoral candidate at Tohoku University, he researches laboratory automation using robotics and AI, and leads the Tohoku expansion of the company's cloud-laboratory business from his base in Sendai.

■Business Overview
zTsubame Lab, a venture certified by Institute of Science Tokyo, builds a cloud laboratory that makes lab equipment remotely operable via APIs. Centered on T-Lab Studio, which turns natural language into robot-control code, it lets researchers and AI agents run experiments online. By offering experimentation as a service, the company accelerates R&D in drug discovery and materials development.

RYOICHIRO KOYAMA

TeconaAI Co., Ltd.
Representative Director

■Profile
Originally from Fuji, Shizuoka Prefecture, he moved to Sendai in 2023 to study at the School of Engineering, Tohoku University. In 2025, he founded TeconaAI Inc. as a Tohoku University startup, where he is developing image protection AI technologies, including “Tecona.”

■Business Overview
Tecona is a service that applies subtle, nearly imperceptible protective noise to photos, illustrations, and other images posted on social media and the web, helping protect individuals, creators, and businesses from unauthorized training and misuse by generative AI.

Our goal is to become a form of social infrastructure that safeguards people’s lives and digital dignity in the age of AI.

TAKAFUMI KUBOTA

perple

■Profile
Takafumi Kubota, MD, is a neurologist specializing in epilepsy and a US-certified clinical neurophysiologist, now a PhD candidate at Tohoku University combining research and clinical practice. He leads perple, a startup realizing personalized epilepsy care powered by genomics and AI.

■Business Overview
perple is a Tohoku University team tackling personalized epilepsy care. In drug-resistant epilepsy, physicians still select among dozens of drugs by trial and error. By combining whole-genome and epilepsy clinical data and analyzing them with AI, we predict the optimal treatment for each patient. We are building a personalized-medicine AI platform, expanding from Japan across Asia and the world.

HIROMITSU SENOO

Bionto, Inc.
CEO

■Profile
Co-founded bionto as an EIR at Tohoku University Venture Partners in 2024. Previously, drove business development from seed to Pre-Series C at a digital marketing startup, launched an international streaming service, and produced films and entertainment content.

■Business Overview
A biotech startup from Tohoku University, bionto revolutionizes self-care and medication through its proprietary "bio-iontronics" technology. Utilizing electro-osmotic flow, the company develops non-invasive transdermal drug delivery devices. By offering solutions that span from clinical settings to home care, bionto aims to contribute to a healthy, long-lived society.

YUTA HATTORI

BearBell Inc.
CEO

■Profile
A senior at Akita International University.
After facing the severe impact of bear attacks in Akita, I founded BearBell in October 2024, incorporated in January 2026, and became its CEO.
Having experienced six bear encounters in Akita Prefecture, I am a firsthand victim of wildlife damage.

■Business Overview
We are developing “Kumap,” a wildlife damage prevention service that addresses “unpredictable encounters and damage” faced by residents, companies, and local governments by leveraging data aggregation, IoT integration, and an AI prediction and real-time notification system, with the goal of achieving zero damage and safe coexistence.

TOMOAKI IMAI

MiRESSO Co.,Ltd.
Chief Operating Officer

■Profile
Prior to joining MiRESSO, I spent my career at Itochu Corporation in the natural resources and energy sector. My experience includes LNG and LPG trading, joint venture management, and investments in international oil and gas projects.

■Business Overview
MiRESSO is a QST spinout developing a low-cost beryllium supply chain for fusion, fission, and advanced industries. Our proprietary refining technology significantly reduces processing costs, positioning us as a key supplier in the growing global market for critical materials.

YUKAKO YOKOTA

Flagship Pioneering
Vice President

Leads Flagship Pioneering’s Japan activities. A former Biogen researcher, UNC neuroscience PhD, McKinsey Partner, and VC investor, she is dedicated to advancing science-driven innovation and entrepreneurship.

KENJI FUJITA

Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company, Limited
Senior Fellow, Cross-Sector
Innovation/Representative Director

After participating in the Group Business Process Reform Project, I worked in Sales Promotion and Corporate Sales, and since 2016 have served in my current role. By cooperating with VCs and accelerators, I have launched new risk solutions and supported startups’ growth through advanced insurance technologies. As a partner at Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Capital, I help enhance the value of portfolio companies with investment development, business matching, and open innovation. I have held public and advisory roles, including as Special Advisor of the Shibuya City Startup Ecosystem and as a committee member for the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Startup League. In February 2026, I became Representative Director of the Innovators Platform Association.

NORIFUMI SUZUKI

01Booster Holdings Inc.
CEO

In 1998, he joined Culture Convenience Club Co., Ltd., where he served as the IR Leader in the Finance Department and later as Head of the Corporate Management Office. In 2006, he founded Kids Base Camp Co., Ltd., while concurrently serving as Senior Director of New Business Development at M-Out Co., Ltd. In 2008, he successfully sold the business to Tokyu Corporation. In March 2012, he co-founded 01Booster Inc., which provides support for startups and corporate new business development initiatives. In March 2022, he reorganized the company into a holding structure, establishing 01Booster Holdings, Inc. and 01Booster Capital, Inc., which manages a venture capital fund.

KAZUAKI　KONNO

Darwin Venture Management Corporation
Partner

Joined Darwin in 2023, focusing on investments in deep tech, software, and internet sectors.

Began career at Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. as an engineer in the Powertrain Division. Subsequently joined the Boston Consulting Group, supporting multiple strategic projects including new business launches, mid-term management planning, and turnarounds across the telecommunications, financial, automotive, and high-tech industries. Following experience at an electric motorcycle startup, joined dwango Inc., contributing to the launch and operations of N High School, a correspondence high school.

Brings cross-functional experience spanning startups and large corporates, with a background in business development, corporate strategy, and engineering.

Farhan Firdaus

Meet Ventures
Partner

Farhan Firdaus is Partner at Meet Ventures, an early-stage investor and consulting firm focusing on the APAC region. Farhan is an experienced industry professional with over 12 years of relevant experience, Farhan was Chief Operating Officer (COO) for a healthcare group that is now the largest dental services group by geography in Southeast Asia, with more than 60 clinics. He was also Group Head for an Investment Holding company that built one of the tallest skyscrapers in Cambodia.

Farhan has spent the last 10 years building and growing startups in numerous capacities and has a demonstrated history in deal sourcing and value creation.

11:40~12:20｜＠DATERISE! STAGE｜KEYNOTE SPEECH（40 mins）

babson

YASUHIRO YAMAKAWA

Babson College
Entrepreneurship Division
Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship

Dr. Yasuhiro (Yasu) Yamakawa is Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at Babson College - the world's leading institution in Entrepreneurship education. Yasu teaches in the intersections of Entrepreneurship, Strategy, and International Business. His research explores the stimulants and constraints behind entrepreneurial growth (e.g., learning from failure) published in leading management journals. Yasu was the co-founding Executive Director of Venture Café Tokyo and former President of CIC Japan - a global innovation hub and ecosystem builder. Currently, he serves on director/advisor boards on companies across various industries/countries.

13:20~14:00｜＠DATERISE! STAGE ｜MICHINOKU SOCIAL INNOVATION（40 mins）

Startups working to address social challenges in Tohoku, a region at the forefront of social challenges, will share their initiatives and discuss the potential of startups to drive social impact.

  • appcycle Speakers

    KEI FUJIMAKI

    appcycle inc.
    CEO

    Kei Fujimaki founded appcycle Inc. in May 2022. As CEO, he developed RINGO-TEX, a bio-based leather upcycled from Aomori's apple waste for a circular economy.

  • feel-organic Speakers

    RIKA HAMADE

    Greedy Inc.
    Representative Director & CEO

    Rika Hamade founded Greedy Inc. in 2017 to address opportunity gaps for women in rural Japan. After 17 years at Peach John Co., Ltd., rising to Deputy General Manager, she pivoted to "designing circulation." She upcycles regional resources like cedar wood and grapevine stems into fragrance products under her Sendai-based brand "Tennen Kaiki ～Feel Organic～." With an all-female team, she proves new work models are possible from regional Japan.

  • tomushi Speakers

    YOSUKE SHIBATA

    TOMUSHI.Inc.
    CEO

    Born in Akita, he dropped out of Aoyama Gakuin University to start a marketing business. After it failed, he returned home due to his grandfather's illness and became fascinated with rhinoceros beetles, leading him to found TOMUSHI Co., Ltd. Focused on insect-based waste treatment and resource recycling under the vision "an earth-friendly future," the company has won the Ministry of the Environment's Green Startup Award and J-Startup Tohoku certification.

  • jr Moderator

    YUTAKA SHIBATA

    JR East Start UP Co.,Ltd
    CEO

    In February 2018, he became President and CEO of JR East Startup Co., Ltd., which promotes investment in and collaboration with startup companies. With the vision of "Creating a 'Tomorrow' Station," he promotes business co-creation utilizing the management resources of the JR East Group.

14:05~14:35｜＠DATERISE! STAGE ｜Go! Global Players Talk（30 mins）

Three startups that are already expanding overseas will share their experiences and insights on the significance and realities of going global.

  • airato Speakers

    NORIYUKI KADOYA

    AiRato. Inc
    CTO&Founder

    Founded AiRato Co., Ltd. in 2022 as a Tohoku University-originated startup, combining cancer treatment and AI to expand the possibilities of radiation therapy, with a mission to "save all cancer patients through radiation therapy" worldwide. Also serves as a hospital lecturer in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Tohoku University Hospital. Holds a PhD from Nagoya University and conducted research at Stanford University and the University of California, Davis.

  • mkplus Speakers

    KAZUMASA KUROKAWA

    MK PLUS Co., Ltd.
    CEO

    Graduated from Osaka University, entered Toray in 1998 as domestic/foreign sales, factory planning & execution and business planning.
    Entered GE in 2007 as business planning for auto leasing, Mitsubishi Auto Leasing as corporate strategy.
    Founded MK PLUS in 2015, then launched a joint research for Vanadium Solid Battery with Tohoku/Kyoto University.
    Currently MK PLUS has been ramping up the mass production site in Europe for EU and Middle East in 2026.

  • cleanplanet Speakers

    MASAMI HAYASHI

    Clean Planet Inc.
    Global Strategy Office
    Global Strategy Director

    Masami Hayashi leads strategic partnerships at Clean Planet, a Japanese startup developing Quantum Hydrogen Energy (QHe), a safe, compact, and low-cost form of solid-state fusion energy designed for early social implementation. She brings extensive international experience in sustainable development, having served at the UNDP and as Director of the MicroFinance Network.
    She holds an MPhil in Development Studies from the University of Sussex and a BA in Law from the University of Tokyo.

  • 01booster Moderator

    TAKERU KAWASHIMA

    01Booster Inc.
    Executive Director

    After graduating from Waseda University, Kawashima worked in business development for a Japanese Medical Device company in the EMEA region, then transitioned to Product Marketing at a Global Medical Device company. Joining 01Booster, Inc., a Japanese Accelerator, in 2017, he managed several accelerator programs and developed international partnerships with accelerators outside Japan. In 2018, he founded "Across Asia Alliance," a community of Asian VCs/accelerators in collaboration with international partners. He also founded "InnoScouter, Inc.," focusing on enterprise SaaS startups, and later successfully exited to 01Booster.

16:50~17:30｜＠FRONTIER STAGE ｜GLOCAL CLUSTER（40 mins）

Startups and ecosystem supporters will share perspectives on how an entire region is working together to develop the space industry.

  • AstroX Speakers

    ODA SHOBU

    AstroX, Inc.
    Founder&CEO

    Graduated from Kansai University with a degree in Environmental Urban Engineering. Founded and managed several IT companies before selling them.
    With the vision of "Regaining 'Japan as No. 1' in Space Development." he established AstroX Co., Ltd. in 2022 as a space development company. Aims to solve the shortage of launch vehicles (satellite launch rockets) in Japanese space development and is advancing the development of small rockets using the rockoon method.

  • ASTRO GATE Speakers

    YUKI　HARADA

    ASTRO GATE Inc.
    CEO

    At Nomura Research Institute, specialized in space policy and business strategy consulting. Later co-founded ASTRO GATE as CEO, overseeing overall management—driving core spaceport operations and negotiating international partnerships with foreign governments and companies.

  • space quarters Speakers

    SHOGO　ONISHI

    Space Quarters inc.
    CEO・CTO

    He earned his master's degree from Tohoku University in 2016, then joined IHI Corporation, where he developed ammonia/city gas co-fired gas turbines and achieved the world's first 2MW-class ammonia gas turbine power generation demonstration. From 2018, he worked at WHILL, Inc., developing the Model C2 and Model F personal mobility devices, which won international awards including the CES 2021 Best Innovation Award and the iF Design Award. In 2021, he won the Grand Prize at Tokyo Startup Gateway, and founded Space Quarters in June 2022. He now leads the company as CEO while also driving its technical development as an engineer.

  • tohoku sct Speakers

    YUJI SAITOH

    Tohoku University
    Graduate School of Engineering/Research Center for Space Cross-Tech, Green Goals Initiative (concurrently)
    Associate Professor/Director of Advanced Space Propulsion Technology Research Division

    Yuji Saito received his Ph.D. in Engineering from Hokkaido University in 2018. Since 2026, he has been an Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University. His research interests are in aerospace engineering, with a particular focus on space propulsion systems.

  • fukushima inovation coast promotion organization Moderator

    MASANORI KOBAYASHI

    Fukushima Innovation Coast Promotion Organization
    Industrial Clusters Department
    General Manager

    Mr. Kobayashi began his career in a commercial bank before joining NEDO, where he served as a director of the Jakarta Office and managed domestic and international R&D and demonstration projects. Since April 2024, in his current role, he oversees R&D and business matching for enterprises and startups across six priority fields: Decommissioning, Robotics & Drones, Energy, Environment & Recycling, Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries, Medical Care, and Aerospace & Aviation.

13:20~14:00｜＠FRONTIER STAGE｜The State of Global Startup Ecosystems40mins）

Across the world, governments, universities, support organizations, and private-sector partners are working together to build startup ecosystems that encourage global expansion, each tailored to the unique strengths of their region. In this session, speakers will share startup support policies and examples of public-private collaboration from their respective countries, while exploring how Tohoku can build a regional ecosystem that continuously fosters startups with global ambitions.

  • Speaker

    Keumlan Park

    KOTRA
    Tokyo
    Team leader (Innovation·K-Move Team)

    I hold a bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Ewha Womans University and graduated from the Executive MBA program at Seoul National University's Graduate School of Business. Since joining KOTRA, I worked at the Shenyang Trade Center in China (2019-2022) and am currently posted at the Tokyo Trade Center in Japan (2024-present), supporting market entry and corporate assistance. In Korea, I gained broad experience in marketing and investment through roles at the Global Partnering Division, Global M&A Support Team, and the Foreign Investment Ombudsman office. I combine a technical background in chemistry with business expertise to support Korean firms abroad and foreign-invested firms in Korea.

  • Speaker

    Ray Tai

    Mighty Net
    CEO

    Ray has over 20 years of experience as a sales and product manager in the EMS field. He is a graduate of the Metropolitan State University MBA program, and has a rich product experience history including, but not limited to, digital cameras, lens actuators, IoT modules and devices, 3D printers, and open source hardware.
    He is the CEO of Mighty Net, a technology company from the Might Group which specializes in electronic manufacturing services for hardware startups. They have worked with many well-known companies such as Acer, Hitachi, and D-Link.

  • Moderator

    MASARU NAGURA

    FoundersNation Co., Ltd.
    Co-founder and CEO

    Masaru Nagura is the co-founder of FoundersNation, where he supports the global scaling of startups and leads executive education programs for startup ecosystem leaders.
    Previously, he served at Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), where he helped shape national policies for deeptech startups. Following research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and experience in venture capital, he joined the founding team of CIC Tokyo—one of Japan’s largest startup hubs—where he led the development of startup support programs.
    Masaru also serves as Vice President of the Startup Ecosystem Association Japan and as a Specially Appointed Professor at the Institute of Science Tokyo. He holds a Ph.D. in Fusion Engineering from the University of Tokyo.

14:05~14:35｜＠FRONTIER STAGE ｜The Frontline of Startup Investment in Tohoku（30min）

Leading players in the region will share the latest initiatives from the financial sector supporting Tohoku’s startup ecosystem, as well as their perspectives on the region’s future potential.

  • Speaker

    TAICHI KANO

    Storm Harbour Japan Ltd
    Multi-Family Office
    Managing Director

    Joined Mitsui Trust & Banking Co., Ltd. (currently Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited) in 1987.
    Treasury & Securities and Human Resources departments, and Real estate investment advisory division.
    Later, became CEO of First Brothers Capital Co., Ltd., in 2015. Assumed the position of Managing Director at StormHarbour Japan Ltd. in 2025, holds to the present.

  • Speaker

    TSUTOMU NAGAHAMA

    TOHOKU University Venture Partners Co., Ltd.
    Investment Department
    Exective Officer, General Manager

    I managed the development, design, and process engineering for semiconductor memories, CMOS sensors, and display films at Sony Corporation and Dexerials Corporation, while also planning and launching a new business venture for specialized construction material films. I collaborated with universities and both domestic and international research institutions to enhance product value, and established strategic alliance schemes with manufacturing and sales partners to drive commercialization.
    Since April 2018, I have been responsible for deep-tech venture investments at Tohoku University Venture Partners (THVP).

  • Moderator

    HIDEKI FUKUDOME

    Spurcle Inc.
    CEO

    Hideki FUKUDOME is CEO of Spurcle inc., the only independent venture capital firm headquartered in Japan's Tohoku region. He holds a master's degree in Communications Engineering from Tohoku University and began his career as a digital strategy consultant at SIGMAXYZ Inc. He joined MAKOTO Capital and acquired the firm through a management buyout in 2022. Today he serves as General Partner of Spurcle's venture funds, investing primarily in high-tech and R&D-driven startups, and chairs the organizing committee of the ATERUI business conference. He is also a Specially Appointed Associate Professor at Miyagi University and a Startup Advisor to Miyagi Prefecture.

16:50~17:20｜＠DATERISE! STAGE ｜Shaping Tohoku's Future with IOWN

In this session, we will explore the potential of IOWN, the next-generation information and communications infrastructure, for regional development. We will provide a clear, accessible overview of IOWN, accompanied by a demonstration of its low-latency communication capabilities. Furthermore, by highlighting our ongoing initiatives at the Smart Innovation Lab Sendai, we will share the NTT Group's vision for the future—demonstrating how we plan to leverage IOWN and technology to support the growth of local enterprises and businesses.

  • ntt-east Speakers

    JUNICHI KAGESAWA

    NTT EAST, Inc.
    IOWN Strategy Office, Corporate Planning Department
    Director

    Tokyo native, he joined NTT East in 2004 after graduating from the Graduate School of Science and Engineering at the University of Tsukuba. Transitioning from service development and network operations, he spent much of his career leading new business development. He directed the startup-focused "Acceleration Program" in 2018 and founded NTT e-Sports Corporation in 2020.
    Since 2021, he has focused on IOWN proof-of-concept experiments and use case creation. Currently, he leads the social implementation of IOWN, exploring IOWN APN-based distributed data centers (watt-bit coordination) and entertainment applications.

  • ntt-east Speakers

    YUKA TAKAHASHI

    NTT EAST, Inc.
    Miyagi Branch Business Innovation Department
    Section Manager

    Born in Sendai. After graduating from university, joined NTT and was seconded to an advertising agency in Tokyo. Later, engaged in promoting sales of service products and public relations in Sendai.
    Currently, as the manager of the "Smart Innovation Lab Sendai" operated by NTT East, she collaborates with regional players, including startups, to create new businesses. She also focuses on nurturing talent by hosting business co-creation programs for university students.

  • 01booster Moderator

    AKIKO IWAMOTO

    01Booster Inc.
    Ecosystem Design Division
    Leader

    After graduating from university, Akiko began her career at a BPO company, where she worked in sales within the human resources outsourcing division. She was responsible for matching temporary staff with client companies, providing follow-up support, and managing on-site operations for outsourced projects.
    She later joined a company supporting the launch and management of membership organizations, where she planned and executed events and special benefits for high-net-worth individuals, and directed the production of various materials.
    At 01Booster, she is involved in open innovation support, in-house new business development, and startup support, contributing to the growth and expansion of the startup ecosystem.

11:00~11:40｜＠DATERISE! STAGE ｜OPENING　SESSION（40mins）

In 2025, the Sendai-Tohoku Startup Ecosystem Consortium, comprising the City of Sendai, the six prefectures of the Tohoku region, and organizations from industry, academia, government, and the financial sector, was selected by the Cabinet Office as a “Global Startup Ecosystem Hub City” under the second phase of Japan’s Startup Ecosystem Hub City initiative.
Against this backdrop, Sendai and the broader Tohoku region are accelerating efforts to globalize their startup ecosystem, including support for startups expanding into international markets.
This session offers a look at where Sendai and Tohoku’s startup ecosystem stands today and where it is headed next.

  • Speaker

    KAZUKO KOHRI

    Mayor of Sendai

    Kazuko Kohri joined Tohoku Broadcasting Co., Ltd. in April 1979. In September 2005, she was first elected to the House of Representatives and was subsequently re-elected for four consecutive terms. During her tenure in national government, she served as Parliamentary Vice-Minister for the Cabinet Office, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Reconstruction in charge of recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake and Director of the Miyagi Local Headquarters, and later as Parliamentary Vice-Minister for the Cabinet Office and Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Reconstruction.
    In August 2017, she assumed office as the 35th Mayor of Sendai City and is currently serving her third term.

  • Speaker

    TEIJI TOMINAGA

    Tohoku University
    President

    Teiji Tominaga is a native of Fukushima Prefecture. He graduated from the Tohoku University School of Medicine in 1982 and was appointed Professor of Neurosurgery at the Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine in 2003. In 2019, he became Director of Tohoku University Hospital. After serving as Executive Vice President of Tohoku University from 2023, he assumed office as the university’s 23rd President in April 2024.
    He specializes in neurosurgery and holds a Ph.D. in Medicine. His honors include the FY2013 Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications Award for Information and Communications Month and the FY2014 Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award for Science and Technology in the Research Category.