daterise

DATERISE!

SAVE THE DATE | 2026.09.05 (sat)
in Sendai International Center Exhibition Building

  • 2026.04.27　DATERISE! 2026 Confirmed!

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!

Contents

Details will be updated as they are finalized. Please use the form at the top right of the page to apply to exhibit or host a session

  • SESSION

    A session spotlighting the challengers from Tohoku and where they stand today as they set their sights on the world.
    This year, the number of stages and sessions has expanded, bringing together diverse perspectives from entrepreneurs, investors, major corporations, deep tech innovators, social startups, and international ecosystems.br> From the realities of building a business and the thinking behind key decisions to the front lines of global expansion, you'll gain practical insights you won’t hear anywhere else.br> The passion, ambition, and real stories behind stepping onto the world stage are here.

  • PITCH CONTEST

    This challenge opens the door to the world. One of the largest pitch contests in Tohoku, where selected companies from across the region take the stage to pursue opportunities in the global market with full passion and ambition.
    More than just a competition, this contest provides valuable opportunities for business growth and international expansion.
    Participating companies can build new connections with investors and support organizations in Japan and abroad, while also gaining greater visibility and new opportunities to showcase their businesses.

    ＜Winner benefits (planned)＞
    A global market entry program focused primarily on Asia. The winner will receive support from local VCs and accelerators, including business meeting arrangements and assistance with exhibiting at a global startup event

    ＜Benefits for companies participating in the pitch (planned)＞
    ・Access to an exclusive invitation-only network party connecting participants with supporters from Japan and abroad)
    ・SU booth exhibition space granted
    ・Featured company listings on DATERISE! promotional channels, including the official website and press releases

  • BOOTH

    The players shaping the future of Tohoku come together in one place.
    In the booth area located within the main venue, a diverse range of key ecosystem players—including startups, corporations, and support organizations—will gather to create meaningful connections, dynamic communication, and productive business meetings.

  • NETWORKING

    A networking zone will be set up to encourage communication between participants and exhibitors. From casual conversations to concrete business discussions, the space will create a wide range of opportunities to connect. A speed dating event will also be held, enabling efficient short-format matching with domestic and international VCs, companies, and ecosystem supporters.

  • ENNICHI

    Bringing startup technology closer to you. Through hands-on, playful, and engaging experiences, startups can showcase their products and ideas in a fun and accessible way. A lively festival-style space where startups can connect directly with the local community.

  • SIDE EVENT

    Starting with DATERISE!, a series of collaborative programs led by various players will take place. Unique themes and new encounters shaped by different perspectives will spark new possibilities. Inside and outside the venue, the next challenge gets underway.

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
Operation
01Booster Inc.

DATERISE!2026
Pitch・Booth・ENNICHI Participation

Application Deadline: Friday, May 29, 2026, 7:00 PM (JST)

Eligibility / Selection Criteria
■ DATERISE! PITCH CONTEST
・Must have a headquarters, branch office, research facility, or other business base in the Tohoku region
・Must have a business that reflects the unique strengths or characteristics of Sendai and/or Tohoku
・Must have a strong and viable business model.
・Must demonstrate ambition for global expansion
・No restrictions on years since establishment

■ BOOTH AREA
・Must have a headquarters, branch office, research facility, or other business base in the Tohoku region
・Must have a business that reflects the unique strengths or characteristics of Sendai and/or the Tohoku region.
・Note: Startups from outside the Tohoku region are also welcome to apply if they operate in the city’s priority sectors: life sciences, materials, environment, or agri-tech.
・Must have a strong and viable business model.
・No restrictions on years since establishment

■ ENNICHI
・Must have a headquarters, branch office, research facility, or other business base in the Tohoku region.
・Must have a business that reflects the unique strengths or characteristics of Sendai and/or the Tohoku region.
・Must offer products or experiences that participants can enjoy firsthand. (Examples: food or beverage tastings, hands-on product demos, interactive experiences, visual attractions, etc.)
・No restrictions on years since establishment.

Important Notes
■ Participation & Availability
・Limited slots are available for the Pitch Contest, Booth Area, and ENNICHI.
・Participation is limited to companies that pass the screening process.

■ Benefits & Opportunities
・Participants can access networking opportunities through our business-matching platform.
・Exhibiting startups will also be invited to an invitation-only networking party, with opportunities to connect with domestic and international key players in the startup ecosystem.

■ About ENNICHI
・Festival-style stalls will be set up at the main venue.
・We welcome creative ideas inspired by the spirit of a festival, including food and beverage tastings, hands-on product experiences, games, and other interactive activities.
■ Restrictions
・On-site sales are not permitted in either the Booth Area or ENNICHI.

Pitch・Booth・ENNICHI Participation

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.

■Application Categories
We are accepting applications in the following two categories:
① Side event Held at the Main Venue on the day of DATERISE! 2026 (September 5) Application Deadline: Friday, May 29, 7:00 PM
Events are planned to be held in one of Meeting Rooms 1–4, located adjacent to the Exhibition Hall at the Sendai International Center, where the main DATERISE! programs, including stage sessions, booths, and festival activities, will take place.(One meeting room will be assigned.)
Due to limited availability, applications will be reviewed based on the event content and overall suitability.
Each event slot includes setup, operation, and full teardown within a 2-hour time block.
The organizing office will provide the following venue equipment:
・90-100 chairs
・Sound system and projector, including 3 microphones
The organizing office will finalize the timetable.
Organizers will be asked to cover venue costs equivalent to actual expenses (approx. JPY 56,000).

② Side Events Held on Other Dates or at Other Venues
Organizers are responsible for venue booking and event operations

Side Event Application
(For side events on September 5 at the main venue)
Side Event Application Form
(For side events held on other dates or at other venues)