Open Innovation 2026

Open Innovation 2026 is a matching event between startups and operating companies, co-hosted by Kiraboshi Bank and Higashi-Nippon Bank. Held at Tokyo Innovation Base (TiB), the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's startup support facility, it features 10 notable startups that the banks support through Nikkei's "NIKKEI THE PITCH" program. The day opens with greetings and an introduction to NIKKEI THE PITCH, followed by seven-minute pitches from each company. The presenting startups span fields such as AI medical devices, anti-cancer drug development, My Number card-based credit infrastructure, training of women in AI/IT roles, and rental housing systems. After a keynote, a business card exchange session gives attendees time to connect with the presenting companies. The event is offline only, with capacity for 100 in-person attendees (up to two per company). Registration is via a Questant form, with applications closing at noon on Monday, July 6, 2026. Because the event aims at collaboration with the presenting startups, attendees are asked to refrain from sales or solicitation.