Meet Fukuoka’s innovation community for an evening of startup pitches, fresh ideas and new connections. This week features women entrepreneurs from Bloom Fukuoka, an IT-focused edition of F★Pitch, and plenty of opportunities to connect with founders, supporters and fellow participants.
Date and Time: Thursday, September 17, 2026, 16:00 to 20:00
Location: ONE FUKUOKA BLDG. 6F SKYLOBBY
Admission: Free (registration required)
Registration & details: Event website (Japanese)
Event Highlights:
16:00 – 20:00
Networking, All Evening
Networking is at the heart of every Thursday Gathering, creating opportunities for new business ideas, collaborations and unexpected connections. Meet participants, speakers and guest presenters in a relaxed setting, with up to three complimentary beers or soft drinks available. It is also a great chance to continue conversations after each session and connect directly with people shaping Fukuoka’s startup and innovation community.
17:00 – 17:15
How to Enjoy Thursday Gathering
First time at Thursday Gathering? This interactive introduction explains Venture Café Fukuoka’s signature weekly event, its community and mission, and the value of connecting with people from different industries and backgrounds. A useful starting point for anyone looking to make the most of the evening.
17:30 – 18:15
Meetup for Thursday Gathering Beginners!
Designed for first-time participants, this casual meetup introduces Venture Café’s mission of “Connecting Innovators to Make Things Happen” and shows newcomers how to get involved in the Thursday Gathering community. Meet other first-time attendees, learn how the event works and start making connections in an easygoing environment.
17:30 – 18:20
Bloom Fukuoka × F★Pitch Business Plan Presentations, Vol. 3
Three women entrepreneurs supported by Bloom Fukuoka will present business plans they have developed and refined through the program. Experienced entrepreneurs and university advisors will provide feedback, while interaction with the wider Thursday Gathering community may lead to fresh perspectives, valuable connections and new business opportunities. The session is presented as part of F★Pitch through a collaboration between Fukuoka Prefecture and CIC Fukuoka.
18:30 – 19:20
F★Pitch: Future IT Special
F★Pitch is a startup pitch program organized by Global Connect Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture’s startup support hub. This special edition focuses on IT, bringing together startups and supporters from within and outside Fukuoka to share emerging ideas, technologies and opportunities for collaboration.
This session will also be available online. Registered participants can join remotely via the “Join Remotely” button that will appear on the session page when Thursday Gathering begins.
Organized by Venture Café Fukuoka
Languages: Japanese and/or English (varies by session)
Most sessions are in-person. The F★Pitch: Future IT Special session will also be streamed online. Pre-registration is required via the event website.