JAPAN × APAC DIVERSITY CAPITAL BRIDGE
Where Inclusive Capital Creates the Next Investment Edge
Join us in Osaka for an official side event of Global Startup Expo 2026, bringing together founders, investors, academia and public-sector leaders from Japan and across APAC.
Through keynotes, panel discussions and networking, we’ll explore how Osaka can become a stronger gateway for cross-border innovation and capital - and how women-led and diverse teams can shape the next generation of growth.
We’ll also share an early preview of a new investment initiative being developed to support women-led founders across Japan and APAC.
Free evaluation for Startups! Those founders who register and attend receive a free Kuanta evaluation of their startup, worth EUR 89. Built on the frameworks investors use, it gives you the due diligence questions investors will ask, the gaps to fix in your pitch deck, advice that fits your stage and a first list of investors who may fit your startup.
Program:
3:00 - 3:30 PM Registration and networking
3:30 - 3:35 PM Welcome and event framing by our MC
Jean Alfonso-Decena
Founder - In Silence; Creator - Future Humans
3:35 - 3:50 PM Opening Keynote Women leadership in Tech and Society in the age of AI
Professor Hideko Nishioka - Osaka University, Chair -G100 Japan
3:50 - 4:05 PM Keynote How diverse teams build the next startup growth story
Shino Tsuchiya - Global Partner - Cambridge Innovation Center Catalyst , APAC
-Co-Founder - Impact Hub Tokyo
4:05 - 5:00 PM Panel: From Osaka to the World: Building an Inclusive Innovation and Finance Gateway
Topic: Why Osaka matters as a gateway between Japan and international innovation ecosystems - from research excellence and corporate collaboration to sustainable finance, public-sector support, international soft-landing pathways and open innovation.
Panelists:
Sandra Pellegrom - Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Osaka
Setsu Suzuki - Co-Founder & CEO, Femuniti Inc.
Yoshikazu Tanaka - Director General, Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau
Moderator: José Navarro - Advisor, Global Financial City Osaka
5:00 - 5:15 PM Break
5:15 - 6:10 PM Panel: Capital Without Borders: How Diverse Teams Build the Next Startup Growth Story
Topic: Moving beyond diversity as a talking point to examine its commercial relevance — across founder journeys, capital allocation, market access, talent, international networks and cross-border scaling.
Panelists:
Dana Wang - Founder and CEO, Japan Launchpad
Enkhsaikhan Vicky - Founder of VickyHub Innovation - Mongolia
Prachi Anadkat - Digital Strategist, Founder - India
Moderator: Erno Kiss - Co-Founder, Rinne Technologies
6:10 - 6:25 PM Spotlight Keynote and closing remarks - The Japan x APAC Gender-Smart Capital Opportunity
Ambassador - Osaka GSE; Co-Founder - Rinne Technologies, APAC Director - Women in Tech Global Movement
6:30 - 8:00 PM Informal networking, refreshments
Visit our websites!
Organizers:
Rinne Technologies
Osaka Innovation Hub
Women In Tech Global Movement
Partners:
Kuanta.ai
Global Financial City Osaka
Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau
Access – Blockchain Association of Malaysia