Innovative Startups Shine at Full Bloom 2026 Program in Shibuya
In a significant announcement made on August 6, 2026, Scrum Studio Inc. and Tokyu Land Corporation unveiled the selection of 13 innovative startups set to take part in the Full Bloom 2026 program. This initiative is part of a larger business co-creation effort established within the SAKURA DEEPTECH SHIBUYA innovation hub, located in the heart of Shibuya, Tokyo. Full Bloom 2026 aims to foster collaboration between startups and Japanese companies, creating pathways for pioneering technologies in entertainment, beauty, and urban innovation.
The chosen startups represent a diverse international pool, including participants from Japan, Israel, the United Kingdom, the United States, and New Zealand. These companies bring forth a plethora of groundbreaking technologies, spanning areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), extended reality (XR), biosensors, and next-gen communication systems. The program is designed to cultivate a creative environment in Shibuya, a global melting pot of culture and technology, where innovative ideas can flourish.
Full Bloom follows the success of its predecessor, the Sakura Deeptech Shibuya Accelerator, with a renewed focus on 'Creative Deeptech.' The initiative underscores the symbiotic relationship between startups and local Japanese culture, aiming to translate advanced technology into compelling consumer experiences and vibrant urban landscapes.
The program kicked off with a dedicated week from June 29 to July 3, 2026, welcoming the selected startups to Shibuya. The kickoff week encapsulated multiple sessions that not only acquainted participants with Japanese market dynamics but also provided ample networking opportunities for future collaborations. A highlight of the week was a collaborative session where startups could present their unique businesses, engage in dialogue about potential synergies, and begin to explore avenues of co-creation.
Further amplifying their industry presence, the startups attended the IVS2026 conference in Kyoto, one of Japan’s most prominent startup forums. The collaboration between Scrum Studio, Tokyu Land, and Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd. at the event facilitated an exhibition booth and a side event that promoted dialogue on technology and innovation.
Beyond the theoretical, the program emphasizes practical engagements through site visits to potential technology deployment locations like the immersive experience 'Shibuya Real Squid Game,' and ROKU KYOTO, a luxury hotel. Such visits allow startups to appreciate the subtle interplay between traditional culture and modern technology, creating frameworks for integrating their innovations in culturally resonant ways.
As the program progresses, these startups will leverage SAKURA DEEPTECH SHIBUYA as their base for further collaborations with Japanese firms, local governments, and investment bodies. The roadmap includes business development initiatives, pilot projects, and local market implementations.
Among the thirteen startups involved, some notable entries include:
As noted by program mentors and leading figures from MIT, the 2026 cohort showcases a remarkable array of talent focused on addressing the pressing challenges of deeptech in the twenty-first century. With the endorsement of industry leaders like Square Enix and Spotify Japan, the Full Bloom initiative aims to unlock new avenues in entertainment, media, and beyond.
The Full Bloom 2026 program not only marks an exciting chapter in the evolution of tech-based startups but also reaffirms Shibuya's reputation as a thriving epicenter for creative innovation. The collaboration between diverse startups and Japanese firms is expected to lead to groundbreaking advancements that will resonate both locally and on a global scale.
The chosen startups represent a diverse international pool, including participants from Japan, Israel, the United Kingdom, the United States, and New Zealand. These companies bring forth a plethora of groundbreaking technologies, spanning areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), extended reality (XR), biosensors, and next-gen communication systems. The program is designed to cultivate a creative environment in Shibuya, a global melting pot of culture and technology, where innovative ideas can flourish.
Full Bloom follows the success of its predecessor, the Sakura Deeptech Shibuya Accelerator, with a renewed focus on 'Creative Deeptech.' The initiative underscores the symbiotic relationship between startups and local Japanese culture, aiming to translate advanced technology into compelling consumer experiences and vibrant urban landscapes.
The program kicked off with a dedicated week from June 29 to July 3, 2026, welcoming the selected startups to Shibuya. The kickoff week encapsulated multiple sessions that not only acquainted participants with Japanese market dynamics but also provided ample networking opportunities for future collaborations. A highlight of the week was a collaborative session where startups could present their unique businesses, engage in dialogue about potential synergies, and begin to explore avenues of co-creation.
Further amplifying their industry presence, the startups attended the IVS2026 conference in Kyoto, one of Japan’s most prominent startup forums. The collaboration between Scrum Studio, Tokyu Land, and Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd. at the event facilitated an exhibition booth and a side event that promoted dialogue on technology and innovation.
Beyond the theoretical, the program emphasizes practical engagements through site visits to potential technology deployment locations like the immersive experience 'Shibuya Real Squid Game,' and ROKU KYOTO, a luxury hotel. Such visits allow startups to appreciate the subtle interplay between traditional culture and modern technology, creating frameworks for integrating their innovations in culturally resonant ways.
As the program progresses, these startups will leverage SAKURA DEEPTECH SHIBUYA as their base for further collaborations with Japanese firms, local governments, and investment bodies. The roadmap includes business development initiatives, pilot projects, and local market implementations.
Among the thirteen startups involved, some notable entries include:
- - AVITA (Japan): Innovating in the avatar and AI space to revolutionize personal interactions.
- - Brelyon (USA): Pioneering headset-less immersive screens integrated with AI for advanced viewing experiences.
- - GATARI (Japan): Creating a gameplay engine enhancing the physical experience through augmented reality.
- - Scentian Bio (New Zealand): Merging synthetic biology with AI to revolutionize food quality monitoring through innovative sensing technology.
As noted by program mentors and leading figures from MIT, the 2026 cohort showcases a remarkable array of talent focused on addressing the pressing challenges of deeptech in the twenty-first century. With the endorsement of industry leaders like Square Enix and Spotify Japan, the Full Bloom initiative aims to unlock new avenues in entertainment, media, and beyond.
The Full Bloom 2026 program not only marks an exciting chapter in the evolution of tech-based startups but also reaffirms Shibuya's reputation as a thriving epicenter for creative innovation. The collaboration between diverse startups and Japanese firms is expected to lead to groundbreaking advancements that will resonate both locally and on a global scale.
Topics Consumer Technology）
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