Fukuoka Meets Kyoto at IVS 2025

— Innovation Resonates Where Tradition and Tech Intersect

From July 2–4, 2025, Fukuoka City brought its vibrant startup ethos to IVS Kyoto 2025, one of Japan’s largest and most globally recognized startup conferences, held at the Kyoto International Exhibition Hall (Miyako Messe) and ROHM Theatre. Under the banner “Reshape Japan with Global Minds”, over 12,000 attendees and around 300 startups converged to share, pitch, and collaborate on innovation shaped by both heritage and ambition.

Fukuoka at the Heart of Japan Pavilion

Embedded within IVS’s global-minded ecosystem, Fukuoka City quietly showcased why it’s a national startup beacon: the first-in-Japan Startup Visa, streamlined support via Global Business Support, and a founder-first environment where affordability, international access, and ecosystem energy converge.
The city offered quiet yet powerful reminders that innovation thrives best with civic support and global outlook.

Key Programming, Panels & Entrepreneurial Navigation

From Day 0, local and overseas founders, VCs and ecosystem builders began converging—foundations laid even before pitch sessions or panels went live on LinkedIn. A standout session—“Things to Know Before Starting in Japan”—featured Fukuoka-connected voices like Mr. Ono (Global Business Support) offering Zen-like clarity on market entry strategy, local navigation, and trust-building in Japanese business culture Innovation Dojo.

Bridge-Building Beyond Kyoto

Fukuoka’s presence wasn’t only about panels or booths. It spoke to the larger cross-city movement within Japan’s startup ecosystem—from soft-landing supports in Kobe and Fukuoka to leveraging corporate PoC accelerators and deep-tech research networks forming across Kansai and Kyushu Innovation Dojo. These ecosystem pathways highlighted the practical synergy possible between regional capitals—Kyoto’s academic heft and Fukuoka’s international-forward momentum.

Networking That Matters — More Than Conversations

A highlight of IVS was a series of dynamic side events. Z Venture Capital and partners hosted:

・　JAPAN TO GLOBAL MEETUP: A networking party at the Ace Cafe with entrepreneurs aiming for cross-border expansion, shown by high energy despite unexpected rain IVS Events.

・　VC Scramble at Butsugenji Temple: An early morning matching session between ~80 entrepreneurs and ~20 VC/CVCs offering 15-minute one-on-ones for pitch feedback and funding-focused networking Z Venture Capital.

・　Pop‑Culture Networking & Entertainment + M&A talks with East Ventures and Strike, highlighting the intersection of innovation in entertainment and dealmaking Z Venture Capital.

While these weren’t Fukuoka‑branded events, they formed part of the same ecosystem dance—where Fukuoka startups and players mingled with peers across the broader network unfolding in the city that hosted them.

Why It Mattered: Fukuoka’s Bridge to Global Japan

At IVS Kyoto 2025, Fukuoka City underscored:

・　Its role is not just as Japan’s gateway city for talent and startups, but as a connector—linking Kyushu with Kansai and beyond.

・　Its dedication to meaningful internationalization, as echoed in programming emphasizing deep tech, startup visas, ecosystem matching, and language support across key zones.

・　Its belief that startup support at home builds bridgeheads abroad, with founder networks tapped into panels, pitch zones, and pragmatic sessions on doing business in Japan.

Fukuoka’s impact at IVS 2025 wasn’t about flashy branding—it was about presence, pathways, and partnership. From Kyoto to Kyushu, the city quietly demonstrated that where cultural legacy intersects with startup strategy, innovation becomes a bridge—and a movement.

There is no I in Fukuoka but there is a U!

Feel free to drop by anytime or shoot us a message. We look forward to hearing from you and supporting you on this exciting and wonderful journey.

Global Business Support

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00-17:00 (Days closed : Sundays and Holidays)

Location:

Fukuoka Growth Next (FGN)

Fukuoka Growth Next 1F, 2 Chome-6-11 Daimyo, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka 810-0041

As there is no on-site parking or bicycle parking available, we kindly ask that you utilize nearby parking facilities or bicycle parking areas.

Cambridge Innovation Center（CIC）

ONE FUKUOKA BLDG. 7F, 1-11-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-0001

Please use the contact form on our website to make an inquiry.