SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025: Innovation in Urban Sustainability
Tokyo once again positioned itself at the forefront of urban innovation with SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025, a three-day international event held from May 8–10 at Tokyo Big Sight. Organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the summit brought together more than 600 startups from 16 countries, more than 50,000 visitors and global thought leaders—all united by one bold vision: building sustainable, smart cities through technology.
From AI and robotics to clean energy and food tech, SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025 wasn’t just a tech expo. It was a dynamic platform for collaboration, cross-cultural exchange and future-forward thinking. Whether you’re a startup founder, business leader, investor or simply a curious resident of Tokyo, this event offered a glimpse into the next era of urban life.
Global Stage for Startups
This year’s summit marked the largest edition of SusHi Tech Tokyo to date. The exhibition floor buzzed with activity as startups and innovation pavilions from across Asia, Europe and beyond presented cutting-edge solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.
Among the highlights were national pavilions from Switzerland, Malaysia and South Korea, showcasing everything from autonomous vehicle systems and vertical farming to decentralized energy grids. For local attendees, it was a rare opportunity to interact with emerging global technologies all in one place. For international entrepreneurs, the event served as a gateway into Japan’s vast and complex urban ecosystem.
The SusHi Tech Challenge: Innovation with Purpose
At the heart of the event was the SusHi Tech Challenge 2025, a pitch competition where startups had just a few minutes to present their ideas for sustainable urban development. The competition drew dozens of entries from around the world, with finalists competing for a ¥10 million grand prize.
The Grand Prize winner of the SusHi Tech Challenge 2025 was 3D Architech, Inc., led by CEO Kai Narita, earning 10 million yen for its innovative approach to sustainable urban development. Chosen from more than 500 global applicants, the startup received top honors from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
Other standout finalists included:
- AVAtronics (audio tech)
- EMULSION FLOW TECHNOLOGIES (chemical engineering)
- General Prognostics Inc. (health monitoring)
- Inspekly (infrastructure inspection)
- Ryp Labs (food preservation)
- SECAI MARCHE (food supply optimization)
Focus on the Future: Tech That Matters
One of the major themes of SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025 was “Tech for Sustainable Urban Futures.” The summit featured a new “Focus On” series of sessions that dove deep into high-impact sectors:
- AI and Urban Mobility: Smart traffic systems, autonomous public transport and AI-driven logistics.
- Food Tech and Agri-Tech: Next-gen vertical farms, cultured protein and waste-reducing packaging.
- ClimateTech: Carbon capture technology, smart grids and renewable integration.
These topics resonated particularly well with Tokyo’s international community of professionals and entrepreneurs, many of whom are already working on similar challenges across Japan.
More Than Just Talk: Matchmaking and Real Business
SusHi Tech Tokyo was also a serious business platform. Through an enhanced matchmaking app, more than 5,000 business meetings were arranged, connecting startups with potential investors, city officials and enterprise clients.
Dedicated networking zones, “meet the investor” sessions and guided tours made it easier than ever to initiate meaningful conversations. For the many expat entrepreneurs navigating Japan’s nuanced business culture, this was a rare and valuable opportunity to connect face-to-face with decision-makers.
Tokyo’s Role as a Global Innovation Hub
SusHi Tech Tokyo is more than just a conference, it’s part of Tokyo’s broader initiative to transform into a global hub for startups and innovation. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government continues to offer visa support, subsidies and collaboration opportunities to attract international businesses.
As the city gears up for its next stage of development, events such as SusHi Tech are essential for bridging the gap between local policy and global ambition.
Looking Ahead
SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025 delivered an inspiring, hands-on experience, proving that when innovation is coupled with intention, cities can become not only smarter but kinder, greener and more inclusive.
Want to get involved or attend next year? Visit the official website for updates on SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026.