Japan’s push to become a global deep tech hub gained momentum this week after The Japan Research Institute, alongside Hakuhodo, Hakuhodo Products and Sony Network Communications, was selected by Osaka Prefecture to plan and operate “Global Startup EXPO 2026.” The international event, set for October 5–7 across Osaka’s Umeda and Nakanoshima districts, will focus on deep tech innovation and is expected to bring together startups, investors, universities, corporations and government organizations from Japan and overseas. Organizers say the event aims to spotlight cutting-edge technologies emerging from Osaka and the wider Kansai region while accelerating the commercialization of future technologies showcased at the 2025 World Expo.