This special edition of Thursday Gathering brings together university-born startups, policymakers, and global innovators to explore how Kumamoto, Fukuoka, and the wider Kyushu region are accelerating deep tech innovation and international market entry. From academic research commercialization to cross-border startup collaboration, the event highlights the power of regional and global connection.
Date and Time: Thursday, January 15, 2026, 15:30 to 20:30
Location: ONE FUKUOKA BLDG. 6F SKYLOBBY
Admission: Free (registration required)
Registration & details: Available online (Japanese)
Event Highlights (In-person only)
15:30 – 20:00
Networking
The core of every Thursday Gathering. Enjoy open networking throughout the event, with up to three complimentary beers or soft drinks provided. Connect directly with session speakers, guest entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem leaders in a relaxed setting, and spark new collaborations that go beyond regions and industries.
More info: Japanese
15:30 – 16:20
Part 1: Kumamoto × University-Born Deep Tech (Pitch Event)
Kumamoto’s university startup ecosystem comes to Fukuoka. Selected in June 2025 as a “NEXT Global Startup City” by Japan’s Cabinet Office, Kumamoto is rapidly gaining momentum as a deep tech hub. This session features pitches from three cutting-edge university-born startups, followed by discussion with startup ecosystem leaders on cross-regional collaboration between Kumamoto and Fukuoka and its global potential.
More info: Japanese
16:30 – 17:20
Part 2: Kumamoto × University-Born Startups (Talk Session)
Continuing from the pitch event, this talk session brings together university-born startups from Kumamoto and key ecosystem stakeholders. Learn how academic research is being translated into real-world innovation, and how collaboration between cities can accelerate startup growth beyond regional boundaries.
More info: Japanese
17:30 – 18:30
FUKUOKA GLOBAL BIG MARKET 2025 – Pitch Session (Part 1)
Following last year’s success, twelve startups from across Asia—including South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam—gather in Fukuoka to pitch for entry into the Japanese market. With a focus on Deep Tech, Healthcare, and DX, this session aims to create meaningful partnerships between overseas startups and local companies to drive global innovation.
More info: Japanese
17:30 – 19:30
Sub Session Area (next to REC COFFEE): DiversMap City Walk Experience
Taking the first step from “hard to go out” to “want to go out.”
This experiential session invites participants to explore the Tenjin area from a wheelchair user’s perspective. Through a guided city walk and post-walk dialogue, DiversMap highlights both physical and psychological barriers hidden in everyday urban spaces and shares its mission to build more inclusive cities, supported by an ongoing crowdfunding campaign.
More info: Japanese
18:40 – 19:20
FUKUOKA GLOBAL BIG MARKET 2025 – Pitch Session (Part 2)
The second half of the Asia startup pitch event continues with additional high-potential startups aiming to expand into Japan and Kyushu. Recommended for local companies, investors, and anyone interested in cross-border collaboration in Deep Tech, Healthcare, and DX.
More info: Japanese
Organized by Venture Café Fukuoka
Languages: Japanese and/or English (varies by session)
All sessions are in-person only. Pre-registration is required via the event website.
