MIT Startup Exchange is looking for 10 startups to present their technologies at the MIT Japan and Korea Conferences in Startup Lightning Talks and Exhibit. These events will take place in January 2026 in Tokyo and Seoul, as part of our annual signature events.
Startups operating in the below focus areas will be prioritized for selection:
• Physical/Industrial AI; AI for robotics, mechatronics, digital twinsTentative schedule (if participating from US, as an example) and must be available for the whole week:
Jan. 17 (Sun) - Departure from US for Tokyo for Monday afternoon arrival
Jan. 19 (Tue) - Group Dinner for MIT speakers
Jan. 20 (Wed) - Japan Conference
Jan. 21-22 (Thu/Fri) - Meetings and visits to ILP member companies
Jan. 23/24 - Weekend trip to Seoul
Jan. 25 (Mon) - Meetings and visits to ILP member companies
Jan. 26 (Tue) - Korea Conference
Jan. 27 (Wed) - Return to US
The 2027 MIT Japan and Korea Conferences will feature MIT Faculty, Industry and Entrepreneurs, addressing future trends of research at MIT and highlighting advances in key areas, with a broad perspective, including: AI and ML, energy and sustainability, materials science, robotics, semiconductors, electronics, life science and healthcare, and management strategy, organizational performance, design optimization, and "work of the future."
Participants will have the opportunity for continued in-depth discussions with attendees during the lunch exhibits and other networking opportunities throughout the week. The audience will comprise of large corporations located in Japan and Korea, as well as other representatives from the local and connected innovation ecosystems. In addition, we will share any other opportunities for 1-1 meetings or to speak throughout the trip.
Selected startups must: prepare slide deck for a 5-min talk as per guidelines provided; participate in a virtual dry run to review slide deck, where needed; and have the bandwidth to meet all deadlines.
EXPENSES - our office will cover an economy fare flight for the speaker to both locations, hotel stays for the events and ground transportation (more info will follow once selected). Participants should check on visas and any other travel requirements.
Commitment to Event Participation
By accepting to participate in an MIT Startup Exchange live event or virtual event you agree to adhere to the following:
- Commitment to the day/time of the event and event-related commitments (e.g. dry run presentations, preparation call/meeting).
- Commitment to the presentation and exhibition format/guidelines and deadlines, including but not limited to the submission of final presentation slides, signed consent form, requested company and speaker materials (bio, headshot, logo, etc.)
- Commitment to completing the post-event feedback form by the noted deadline.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
To apply, please provide the following, and note that the selection will be on a rolling basis, so apply ASAP.
- brief description of your startup's technology/product and one compelling use case;
- brief description of current market traction (e.g. pilot, validation results, paying customers, etc.);
- speaker bio & a few words on the speaker’s experience as a speaker;
- one-paragraph explanation of the unique fit between the event/theme and the startup’s vision, technology or product;
- especially important - explanation of how relevant Japan and Korea are to your business, including any current or planned business activity (strategy/focus/traction so far)
- Note 1 - please make sure to update your Startup Exchange profile if you have not done so recently. An up-to-date profile will ensure we can correctly match you with corporate requests!
- Note 2 - priority during the selection process will be given to startups that have participated in an Assessment Call or have recently provided an update to the MIT Startup Exchange team; as well as to startups who have not presented recently at other events or before in Japan and Korea.