Japan’s push into tech and innovation is making waves with Hack Osaka 2024, where the spotlight will shine on pioneering startups and international partnerships.
Organized by Osaka Innovation Hub in collaboration with Japan’s Urban Innovation Institute, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), and Osaka Business Development Agency (OBDA), Hack Osaka is set for November 26 with the theme “Link Innovation to Our Future.” The event will draw a spectrum of voices—from rising startups like Heralbony, the first Japanese company to win an LVMH Innovation Award, to Nvidia, which will discuss its support for Japan’s artificial intelligence ambitions.
Emerging innovators, including Rutilea CEO Takafumi Yano and Datagrid CEO Yuki Okada, will join the event, with 36Kr Global partner Robyn Tan also expected to contribute to the conversation.
Now in its 12th year, Hack Osaka reflects Kansai’s transformation into a hub for innovation. The event also aligns with the region’s broader vision: fostering partnerships that propel startups into global markets and cultivating homegrown unicorns.
Hack Osaka 2024 promises a dynamic showcase of innovation, with Kansai’s strengths in areas like clean energy and health tech setting the stage for over 70 startups tackling critical global challenges. This year’s lineup will feature top international names like logistics leader Lalamove, innovation intelligence platform PatSnap, and graphene sensor developer Grapheal, among others.
Attendees can look forward to a packed agenda, including the “Get In The Ring Osaka” pitch battle, a “speed dating” session connecting startups with investors, and insider perspectives on scaling globally from Australian unicorn Synchron and MedTech Actuator, a leading accelerator in health, medtech, and biotech.
The event also offers a unique look into the OIP Startup Acceleration Program, as early-stage startups from the program’s 17th cohort debut their latest developments. Meanwhile, “Start Line Osaka: Beyond Borders” will invite young, globally minded entrepreneurs to showcase real-world solutions and receive hands-on feedback.
As Expo 2025 nears, Hack Osaka’s momentum reflects Kansai’s commitment to becoming a global innovation nexus. With backing from organizations like JETRO and alignment with Japan’s five-year, JPY 10 trillion (USD 65 billion) initiative, the event underscores Osaka’s aspirations as a premier destination for tech collaboration.
Event details
- Date: Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
- Time: 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m, Osaka time (GMT+9).
- Venue: Knowledge Capital Congres Convention Center, Osaka, Japan (hybrid format, attendees can participate in-person or online).
- Registration: Free and open to the public.
- Language: English and Japanese (English interpretation available).
Hack Osaka 2024 isn’t just an event—it’s a statement of Osaka’s ambition to drive change. For startups, investors, and tech pioneers, this is a chance to connect, innovate, and influence the future.
Join the conversation on November 26 and help shape what’s next alongside the global innovators set to gather at Hack Osaka.
Register to attend Hack Osaka 2024, either in-person or online, by visiting this page.
This article was published in partnership with Osaka Innovation Hub. 36Kr Global and KrASIA are media partners for Hack Osaka 2024.