Seeking startup speakers for 2025 MIT Japan Conference

MIT Startup Exchange is looking for 5 startups to present and exhibit at the 2025 MIT Japan Conference, to take place in Tokyo on Friday, January 24.

The 2025 MIT Japan Conference will feature future trends of research at MIT and highlight advances in key areas, including: energy and sustainability, robotics, AI, bioelectronics, semiconductors, and life science and healthcare, among others.

Participants will have the opportunity for continued in-depth discussions with attendees during the lunch exhibit and other networking opportunities throughout the day. The audience will comprise of large corporations located in Japan, as well as other representatives from the local and connected innovation ecosystem. In addition, there will be opportunities for 1-1 meetings and other presentations 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, hotel stay for the event and ground transportation (more info will follow once selected). 

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 is 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.