By Toshi Maeda
JStories ── As rising geopolitical risk accelerates the global reshuffling of semiconductor and AI supply chains, the 2026 Japan-Taiwan Innovation Summit (known for its slogan “Together, Go Big”) will bring discussion of trilateral technology cooperation among Japan, Taiwan and the United States to Osaka and Tokyo next week.
Hosted by Startup Island TAIWAN, the national initiative of Taiwan’s National Development Council (NDC) that promotes the island’s startup ecosystem globally, the annual summit this year will focus on strengthening deep tech partnerships for the region’s economic development and security.
Now in its fifth year, the summit will for the first time put trilateral cooperation among Japan, the United States and Taiwan at the center of its agenda.
Tokyo governor, U.S. State Department technology official to take the stage
The centerpiece of the summit is the Tokyo conference on Aug. 18, at Shibusawa Hall in the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry building in Marunouchi. From the Taiwanese side, NDC Minister Yeh Chun-hsien will deliver the opening remarks, while Japan will be represented by Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike as well as by Tomohiro Takashima, executive vice president of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). Takashima has been a vocal commentator on how geopolitical risk reshapes corporate strategy, most recently lecturing in July on the theme of overseas business in an era of geopolitical risk.
A keynote session is expected to draw particular attention: a US State Department regional technology officer for East Asia will take the stage to present the latest developments in Japan-U.S.-Taiwan cooperation on deep tech and the building of supply chains for AI and other critical technologies. With supply networks for semiconductors and other strategic technologies facing mounting geopolitical risks, how the three democracies coordinate on technology and industry has become a pressing question — not least for startups and deep tech companies in both Japan and Taiwan.
The afternoon features three panel discussions — “Biotech x AI x Japan-Taiwan Investment,” “Building Trusted AI Infrastructure” and “AI-Powered Resilient Supply Chains” — each sitting at the intersection of economic security and technological innovation. Earlier in the day, two Taiwanese startups, Phasetrum and HCmed Innovations, will present their businesses in a startup showcase, followed by a networking and exhibition session from noon.
Deepening industrial ties between Japan and Taiwan
Industrial cooperation between Japan and Taiwan has expanded rapidly in recent years, symbolized by chipmaking giant TSMC’s manufacturing operations in Kumamoto. The startup world is following suit: the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Startup Island TAIWAN have been working on linking their startup ecosystems. This year’s summit adds a third axis — the United States — to that partnership, aiming to sketch a future of deep tech collaboration that serves both economic growth and security.
Some 40 Taiwanese startups to pitch
On Aug. 19, the summit moves to Tokyo Innovation Base in Yurakucho for “Startup Day,” where roughly 40 Taiwanese startups spanning healthtech and biomedical, AI and digital transformation, smart manufacturing and semiconductors, smart cities and security, and retail, cross-border and ESG will pitch their businesses and hold matchmaking sessions with Japanese companies and investors. The three-day summit kicks off on Monday, Aug. 17, with a program at NORIBA10 umeda in Osaka.
Event overview
- Event: 2026 Japan-Taiwan Innovation Summit (“Together, Go Big”)
- Dates: Aug. 17 (Osaka), Aug. 18-19 (Tokyo), 2026
- Venues: NORIBA10 umeda (Osaka); Shibusawa Hall, Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Marunouchi, Tokyo); Tokyo Innovation Base (Marunouchi, Tokyo)
- Host: Startup Island TAIWAN (National Development Council, Taiwan)
- Details: https://togethergobig.com/
