Exploring the Future of Social Entrepreneurship at BEYOND2025 in Kyoto

BEYOND2025 - A Social Entrepreneurship Conference in Kyoto

On October 3rd and 4th, 2025, Kyoto will host one of Japan's largest social entrepreneurship conferences, BEYOND2025 - “The Beginning of Redistribution.” Organized by taliki, a company dedicated to solving societal issues, this conference brings together social entrepreneurs and various players from different sectors to foster co-creation and dialogue for a better future.

The Essence of BEYOND

The BEYOND conference series began in 2018 and has successfully held eight editions, attracting over 2,500 participants to date. Its primary aim is to provide a supportive environment for individuals committed to solving social challenges. It serves as a platform where professional voices from the grassroots level can raise questions, share insights, and access resources necessary for business growth. This is not merely an event where solutions are dictated; rather, it is a collaborative space where entrepreneurs, investors, corporate leaders, and students from various sectors come together to think critically and nurture ideas collaboratively.

Introducing BEYOND2025

This year's theme, “The Beginning of Redistribution,” addresses the disparities often seen in the traditional economic system, where wealth is expected to trickle down. Despite calls for growth and increased support, many social challenges persist and often worsen.

The conference emphasizes the need for an active approach to redistribution—a concept that goes beyond charity. Redistribution here means reshaping the very foundations of society by reallocating resources—such as funds, knowledge, technology, and passion—to those who truly need them. The belief is that by engaging in meaningful discourse and empirical analysis, we can initiate tangible change.

Entrepreneurs, investors, companies, governments, and citizens alike will bring their unique strengths and perspectives, striving to reconnect a fragmented society while aspiring to co-create new values. This represents a fresh model of solidarity imperative for today’s world.

Event Details

The BEYOND2025 conference will take place at the Kyoto Research Park on the following dates and times:

- October 3rd: 12:00 PM - 6:15 PM (Doors open at 11:00 AM)
- October 4th: 11:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Doors open at 10:00 AM)

Tickets are available at various prices, with scholars and social entrepreneurs having the opportunity for complimentary admission, enabling them to engage fully in discussions and networking opportunities.

Featured Guests and Sessions

This year’s lineup of speakers includes distinguished figures such as:

- Kota Takaoka, CEO of AiCAN
- Tatsuya Aoyama, Special Advisor to the Management of Ami Town
- Nana Aizawa, CEO of iiba
- Takashi Hiyane, CEO of Umusan Lab
- Satoshi Kuda, Executive Director of the Soil Foundation

The conference will feature key activities:

- Social Entrepreneur Pitch: A business pitch event for social entrepreneurs at the Pre-Series A to Series A stage aimed at scaling up operations.
- Talk Sessions: Featuring influential guests discussing the main theme within the context of current social challenges.
- Networking Opportunities: Exclusive areas for engaging with peers and attendees from various sectors, along with an after-party on the second day.

Building a Community

A notable feature of this year's BEYOND is the formation of a collaborative committee alongside the Kyoto City and Kyoto Research Park, reflecting a commitment to strengthening public-private partnerships to address social issues and enhance local industries. This coalition aims to broaden the network of players involved in social problem-solving, facilitating impactful conversations and practical implementations toward effective redistribution strategies.

Moreover, as part of our commitment to making this event accessible, we are proud to offer free tickets for social entrepreneurs actively working on societal issues. This initiative aims to allow them to utilize the conference fully while fostering a diverse community focused on redefining social impact. Additionally, in a first for BEYOND, we will conduct a series of pre-events across major cities, promoting engagement and collaboration ahead of the conference.

Join us at BEYOND2025 in Kyoto, where aspirations for a better world come together! Let's rethink and reshape the future of social entrepreneurship, bridging gaps and creating valuable connections in our continually evolving society.