​France–Japan DeepTech Strategic Forum 2026

​AI, Defense, Cybersecurity & Industrial Sovereignty

​Hosted by La French Tech Tokyo, in partnership with Alta Ares, Scrum Ventures, and Tokyu Land Corporation.

​As AI, cybersecurity, defense, and geopolitics increasingly converge, France and Japan have a unique opportunity to build deeper strategic and technological cooperation.

​The France–Japan Strategic Tech Forum 2026 will bring together leading entrepreneurs, investors, corporations, policymakers, and experts from both countries to discuss how France and Japan can strengthen their technological and industrial sovereignty—and where we should collaborate to lead rather than follow.

​Through keynote presentations, two high-level round tables, and dedicated networking, the forum will explore emerging opportunities across AI, cybersecurity, defense and dual-use technologies, as well as cross-border investment, commercial partnerships, and joint innovation.

​Program

​16:30 — Registration & Networking

​17:00 — Opening Remarks

• ​Sophie Meralli, Co-President, La French Tech Tokyo

• ​Victoire Solly and Hadrien Canter, Alta Ares

• ​Ken Varhama, Scrum Ventures

​The opening will include an introduction to La French Tech Tokyo and an overview of the French startup ecosystem.

​17:15 - 18:00 ー Round Table : AI, Defense and Japan’s Own Moment

​Japan is entering a new phase in the development of its defense, dual-use, and strategic technology ecosystem. What capabilities should Japan prioritize, and how can cooperation with France accelerate innovation, investment, and industrial partnerships?

​Confirmed participants:

• ​Akira Igata, Professor, Tama Graduate School of Business, Moderator

• ​Gen Tsuchikawa, former CEO of Sony Ventures

• ​Victoire Solly, Chief of Staff Alta Ares

• ​Jean-Luc Alfonsi, Managing & Representative Director Airbus Helicopters

• ​Sergiy Korsunsky,  Former Ambassador of Ukraine to Japan

​18:00 ー Break

​18:15 - 18:45 ー Round Table : AI, Defense and Japan’s Own Moment [CONTINUATION]

​18:45 — Closing Keynote

​Confirmed participants:

• ​Hiroshi Ishikawa, Director of Innovation and Startup Promotion, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Japan

​19:05 — Networking

​Continue the conversation over drinks and connect with founders, investors, corporate leaders, and policymakers from the French and Japanese ecosystems.

​20:00 — Closing

​Who Should Attend?

​This forum is designed for:

• ​French startups and scaleups developing their presence in Japan

• ​Japanese startups interested in France and the European market

• ​AI, cybersecurity, defense, deeptech, and dual-use companies

• ​French and Japanese corporations seeking technology and commercial partnerships

• ​VC and CVC investors exploring cross-border investment opportunities

• ​Government, academic, and ecosystem representatives

• ​Members of the La French Tech Tokyo community

​Join us for a rare gathering at the intersection of technology, investment, geopolitics, and industrial strategy—and help shape the next chapter of France–Japan cooperation.

​Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Venue: Sakura Deeptech Shibuya, how to get there
Format: Keynote, panel discussions and networking
Organized by: La French Tech Tokyo × Alta Ares × Scrum Ventures × Tokyu Land Corporation

​The program and speaker lineup are subject to change.

​※ Please note that your registration information (name and email address) may be shared with the event organizers, sponsors, and participating speaker companies. If you do not wish your information to be shared, please contact us directly.