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Kyoto Steps Into the Spotlight of Japan’s Startup Ecosystem
Kyoto Prefecture has officially announced its participation in Japan’s largest startup gathering, the IVS (Infinity Ventures Summit), which will take place in Kyoto City from July 2 to July 5, 2025. In an effort to amplify the region’s innovation potential, Kyoto will host a special “Kyoto Area” exhibition featuring homegrown companies and university research. The goal is clear: to capture the attention of global entrepreneurs and investors over the course of the three-day summit.
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IVS is not just for seasoned founders. On July 5, “IVS Youth” will provide a platform for elementary to high school students to meet and interact with entrepreneurs, offering a rare chance to cultivate entrepreneurial thinking from a young age.
Kyoto City will also host 11 out of the approximately 450 side events taking place around IVS. These will include collaborative projects such as a six-month initiative involving IBM engineers and five domestic startups tackling regional issues like over-tourism and the labor shortage in traditional industries.
This marks the third consecutive year that IVS will be held in Kyoto. Last year’s edition saw more than 12,000 participants. During a press conference on June 24, Governor Takatoshi Nishiwaki expressed his aspirations: “I hope these four days packed with startup energy will be a springboard for producing global enterprises right from the streets of Kyoto.”
the Original
Kyoto Prefecture has announced its official involvement in the upcoming IVS (Infinity Ventures Summit) from July 2–5, 2025, Japan’s premier startup conference, to be hosted in Kyoto City. For three days, the local government will showcase regional innovation under a dedicated “Kyoto Area” section to attract global investors and entrepreneurs.
Key highlights of the event include:
A LaunchPad pitch contest on July 3, featuring 15 startups from various sectors including AI and advanced materials manufacturing. Each startup gets six minutes to present their venture, and the winner will receive a ¥10 million grant from the Kyoto government.
A youth-centric event titled IVS Youth on July 5, bringing together young students with entrepreneurs to inspire early-stage innovation.
Kyoto City will contribute by organizing 11 out of roughly 450 side events, with notable projects involving IBM engineers and Japanese startups addressing social issues like overcrowded tourism spots and declining traditional crafts.
This year marks IVS’s third consecutive run in Kyoto, with the previous summit drawing over 12,000 attendees. Governor Nishiwaki expressed hope that the event would catalyze the emergence of globally competitive businesses from Kyoto.
What Undercode Say:
IVS 2025 is more than just a tech and startup exhibition—it represents a paradigm shift for Kyoto. Historically celebrated for its temples and crafts, Kyoto is now aiming to be a serious player in Japan’s high-tech and venture landscape. The city’s involvement in IVS not only bridges its cultural past with a tech-forward future but also showcases how regional innovation can contribute to solving broader societal challenges.
The LaunchPad pitch contest is a symbolic centerpiece. In just six minutes, startups have the chance to turn dreams into reality with a ¥10 million prize that could kickstart meaningful growth. Importantly, the focus isn’t solely on buzzy AI projects—carbon nanotube production, for instance, points to deep-tech innovation that could revolutionize industries from semiconductors to aerospace.
The introduction of IVS Youth deserves special applause. By targeting the next generation of thinkers and creators, Kyoto is planting the seeds for a sustainable innovation culture. This is essential in a country facing demographic decline; nurturing entrepreneurial spirit early on is one way to future-proof Japan’s economy.
Meanwhile, Kyoto’s side events—particularly those aimed at tackling over-tourism and skilled labor shortages—highlight a mature understanding of how innovation must also solve real-world, local problems. The collaboration with IBM adds international heft, and the project’s six-month timeline indicates a serious commitment beyond conference buzz.
That IVS continues to choose Kyoto for three years in a row says a lot. It’s not Tokyo, and that’s the point. In an increasingly decentralized digital economy, cities like Kyoto can rise as innovation hubs without being political or financial capitals.
The biggest takeaway? Kyoto is betting that blending culture, tech, education, and social impact into one tight package can create the next global unicorn. If this bet pays off, it may redefine the very image of Japanese entrepreneurship.
🔍 Fact Checker Results
✅ IVS 2025 is confirmed to be held in Kyoto from July 2–5.
✅ LaunchPad contest will feature 15 startups, each with a 6-minute pitch.
✅ Kyoto’s commitment to local innovation includes a ¥10 million prize for the winning startup.
📊 Prediction: Kyoto Will Attract International VC Interest
Given the momentum of the IVS event and the strategic local push for visibility, Kyoto is likely to catch the eye of foreign venture capitalists seeking to diversify into Japan’s regional innovation markets. Over the next 2–3 years, expect a spike in joint ventures, university spinouts, and government-backed incubators in the Kyoto region. Kyoto may not rival Tokyo in size, but in thought leadership and cultural capital, it’s playing the long game—and winning.
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Reported By: xtechnikkeicom_88766b82467890a2547e933d
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