IVS2026 Opens in Kyoto: Defense Minister Koizumi to Speak in Invite-Only ZoneA · FULL TRANSLATION
# IVS2026# startup conference# Shinjiro Koizumi# defense industry# Kyoto
Key Points
- IVS2026, Japan's largest startup conference, runs July 1-3 in Kyoto
- Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and the Defense Equipment Agency chief will speak in the invite-only 'IVS CORE'
- For readers: defense topics entering a startup conference reflect a security-startup convergence
Analysis
IVS2026, Japan's largest startup conference, runs July 1-3 at venues including Miyako Messe in Kyoto, with Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Defense Equipment Agency chief Hajime Aoyagi speaking in the invite-only 'IVS CORE.' Defense-level figures joining a startup agenda reflects a trend: defense and security are becoming a focus for startups and VCs, as Japan's ecosystem intersects with national-defense needs across drones, sensing, cybersecurity and dual-use technology. For readers tracking Japanese startups and Taiwan-Japan tech ties, IVS is a key window on hot themes and capital flows. Watch for defense-startup policy and investment signals from the event.