Startups Shining a Light on Tomorrow

A Space Designed for Innovation

TIB is one of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's latest investments in its burgeoning startup ecosystem. Located in Marunouchi, the business center of the city, TIB acts as an intersection for global innovation. Part of Tokyo's aspirations to become "the world's most startup friendly location," TIB provides space and support for innovators who can make use of the facility's many amenities. Along with open workspaces, members can also access technology such as the latest 3D printers, as well as studio space. There are also programs for young entrepreneurs and students, a One Stop Support service with English language support, and numerous events such as the recently held TIB PITCH Global.

TIB PITCH has been held 8 times in the past, but on January 30, at TIB Global Day 2025 Winter, it was conducted in English for the first time. The contest saw five startup businesses take to the TIB stage to share their work in front of a live audience, the press, and seven judges.

The judges, experts in the field of investment, startups, innovation, business and government, included Ciganer Archibald (Investment Analyst/Vice President Equity Research at T. Rowe Price Japan, Inc.), Ide Keisuke (Investment Professional/Partner at University of Tokyo Edge Capital), Taisuke Alex Odajima (CEO of EDGEof INNOVATION, LLC), Tasaka Yoshiro (Advisor at Shibuya Startups, Inc), Fariza Abidova (Co-founder and CEO of Trusted Corporation) and Umemura Rina (Global Relations Lead at Deloitte Tohmatsu Venture Support Co.,Ltd). A TMG judge representing the event's organizing body also participated.

However, they were not the only ones responsible for deciding the contest's outcome. Audience members were also encouraged to participate via a QR code that allowed them to vote on their favorite presentation.

Ideas That will Empower the Future

The five companies participating showcased their innovative solutions across three sectors: environmental sustainability, medical advancement, and AI.

The first to showcase was AC Biode, a chemical technology company from Japan and Luxembourg. CEO Kubo Tadashi shared his company's vision to create a more circular economy when it comes to plastic waste. Through their award-winning chemical recycling technology: Plastalyst, plastics can be broken down and recycled more efficiently and affordably. Another environmentally conscious company is Quantum Flowers & Foods, a Japanese company that utilizes neutron breeding to induce mutations in plants and microorganisms, enabling rapid breeding to meet today's needs. Climate change has put global food production in a precarious position, but CEO Kikuchi Norio believes that neutron breeding offers a way to regain control.

As well as environmental concerns, two companies also showcased their advancement in the field of healthcare. FerroptoCure's CEO Otsuki Yuji presented his company's innovation in cancer medication through the use of ferroptosis. It is a promising alternative to traditional cancer drug therapies that can be rendered inefficient due to cancer drug resistance. OUI Inc., on the other hand, is developing easy-to-use and inexpensive ophthalmology hardware. The presentation was given by two of the company's interns, Uliana Morilova and Hoang Anh Pham Tran, who were able to bring in and demonstrate the Smart Eye Camera device to the judges.

In the world of AI, Aerosense Inc., a Japanese drone and AI company, develops their own drones and implements AI and cloud technology to provide easy-to-use solutions to a variety of industries, from construction to environmental readings.

The presentations were well received by the judges who probed further into each business during the Q&A session. The judges and audience were then given time to deliberate before voting on the winner. At this TIB PITCH Global, the winner was AC Biode who will be awarded an exhibition booth at SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025, which will be held from May 8 to 10.

Preparing for the Future both Near and Far

With SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025 in mind, TIB PITCH Global is sharing global initiatives to the world. To underscore the importance of the sustainable tech conference, Governor of Tokyo Koike Yuriko took the stage on the day of the event. "Tokyo is a place where people from all over the world gather, discuss, and take action to realize a sustainable city with high technology," she stated, adding, "Tokyo is committed to making the greatest possible contribution to this important mission for mankind."

Koike went on to talk about the two pillars of SusHi Tech Tokyo, one of which is to "openly discuss the vision of the city of the future that we aspire to become," while the second is "to create innovation and startup growth."

In order to realize those goals, SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025 is getting an upgrade. This includes bringing in globally renowned speakers such as Ashley Grosh, Vice President of Breakthrough Energy, Representative Director, President and CEO of Toshiba Corporation Shimada Taro, and Caroline Winnett, Executive Director of Berkeley SkyDeck. The scale of the event is also being expanded with Koike invoking the event's three 5s: 500 exhibiting startups, 5,000 business meetings, and 50,000 visitors. She enthusiastically told the audience "go, go, go!" (playing on the word for 5 in Japanese).

Tokyo Taking Strides to Become a Global Startup Hub

This year, the conference promises to be more international than ever. Speaking at TIB's Global Day, Vice Governor of Tokyo Miyasaka Manabu stated, "One key benefit is that, while it is possible for startups to grow by focusing solely on the domestic Japanese market, the global market is much larger. To make it easier for startups to access the international market, it is beneficial to have overseas stakeholders—startups, VCs, and government officials—attend the event." This is also the reasoning behind SusHi Tech Tokyo's primary language being English, which has helped bolster international interest and encourage global conversation.

Though SusHi Tech Tokyo is still a relatively new event within the global startup calendar, the hope is it will continue to grow as the city takes its place on the international stage as a center for startup excellence. "Events like this build momentum over time," Miyasaka explained, "so we are committed to sustaining and growing it each year. Many Japanese startups and businesses actively participate in overseas conferences and events. However, as Japan is one of the world's largest economies, I believe we should also establish an event where global business professionals recognize Tokyo as a must-visit destination."

SusHi Tech Tokyo, short for Sustainable High City Tech Tokyo, is a Tokyo-based concept that aims to create sustainable new value by overcoming global urban challenges through cutting-edge technology, diverse ideas, and digital expertise.
SusHi Tech Tokyo | Sustainable High City Tech Tokyo