Bridging Tough Tech Ecosystems - from Kyoto to Boston -

​■Event Overview

​Kyoto, Boston’s sister city, boasts over 1,000 years of history as Japan’s ancient capital and is home to Kyoto University, which has produced the highest number of Nobel laureates in the country. Much like Boston, Kyoto is a vibrant hub where world-class researchers, Tough Tech startups, and investors converge.

​In conjunction of Tough Tech Week, the Consulate-General of Japan in Boston and the City of Kyoto will bring together leading minds from Japan and the United States. This event will feature prominent organizations, including Kyoto University Innovation Capital (Kyoto iCAP) and Kyoto Fusioneering—a pioneering nuclear fusion startup spun out of Kyoto University—to discuss bilateral collaboration in "Tough Tech."

​The event will highlight Japan-U.S. cooperation in Tough Tech and the growth of Kyoto's startup ecosystem, followed by a casual networking. We look forward to welcoming anyone interested in Tough Tech, Deep Tech, university spin-offs, venture capital, industry-academia collaboration, and regional innovation policy.

​■Date & Time

​Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 2:00 PM – approximately 4:30 PM

​■Venue

​100 High Street

​Details on building access and venue directions will be provided to registered participants at a later date.

​■Admission

​Free of charge

​■Language

​English

​■Target Audience

​Approximately 80 participants including Municipal Government Officials, University Representatives, Students Researchers, Local Companies, Industry Support Organizations, Venture Capital Firms, Startups, etc.

​Please note that the number of participants may be limited depending on venue capacity.

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​■Expected Attendance

​Approximately 50 participants
Please note that the number of participants may be limited depending on venue capacity.

​■Program (Tentative)

​Part 1: Japan-US Tough Tech Cooperation

​2:00 PM –Panel Discussion: JP-US Fusion Partnership (Kyoto iCAP, Kyoto Fusioneering, Commonwealth Fusion Systems)

Part 2: Kyoto Startup Ecosystem
3:00 PM – Opening Remarks
3:05 PM – Overview of Kyoto’s Startup Ecosystem
3:15 PM – Presentation by Kyoto University Innovation Capital
3:25 PM – Presentations by Major Companies from Kyoto
3:45 PM – 4:30 Networking Session
4:30 PM – Event Concludes

​■Organizers & Supporters

​Organizers:
Consulate-General of Japan in Boston / City of Kyoto

​Supporting Organization:
Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd. (Kyoto iCAP)