Expansion Opportunity in Japan: Applications Open for Innovation Leaders Summit (ILS) 2026
Innovative startups and technology companies from Romania have the opportunity to access the Japanese market through the Innovation Leaders Summit (ILS) 2026, Asia’s largest open innovation and B2B matching event.
The 2026 edition will take place in a hybrid format from November 18 to December 16, 2026.
About Innovation Leaders Summit (ILS)
ILS is an invitation-only, closed event designed to connect innovative international startups and research institutions with major Japanese corporations to foster commercial partnerships, technology transfers, and investments.
At ILS 2025, over 2,000 decision-makers from 114 major Japanese corporations conducted more than 2,500 pre-qualified B2B meetings with 379 Japanese startups and 261 international startups.
Structure and schedule
Participants can choose to attend online, in-person in Tokyo, or through a combination of both formats.
- Online B2B sessions: November 18 – 26, 2026, and December 7 – 16, 2026 (via the dedicated ILS platform).
- In-person B2B sessions: November 30 – December 3, 2026, at Toranomon Hills, Tokyo.
Participation requirements and facilities
- Representation level: ILS regulations require C-level executives (CEO, CTO, CIO), founders, or authorized regional country representatives to attend meetings.
- Language: English or Japanese. Free Japanese/English interpretation services are provided for business meetings.
- Packages: Various participation options are available (ranging from Basic to Premium, covering 3 to 7 participants per company, with fees ranging approximately from €205 to €2,130).
How to apply (the nomination process)
Direct registration on the ILS platform is not available to the public. Access is granted exclusively through an official nomination submitted by an advisory board member, such as JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization).
The Afaceri.ro / Arhipelago team assists interested companies in evaluating their eligibility and facilitating nominations to JETRO Bucharest & JETRO Tokyo.
- Deadline for submitting expressions of interest: August 13, 2026 (Capacity is limited, and applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis).
Application procedure
Companies interested in evaluating participation in ILS 2026 and securing nomination support are invited to submit an email of intent at contact@arhipelago.com
💬 Subject line: Application ILS Tokyo 2026 – [Company name]
📄 Required information: Company name, industry/technology developed, a brief pitch deck or link to the official website, and contact details of the C-level executive participating in the meetings.
