#Japan #Tokyo #For Startups #Japanese startups #GRIC2025

Overview of GRIC2025

The much-anticipated GRIC2025, organized by For Startups Inc., took place from November 11 to 13, 2025. This event is recognized as one of the premier growth industry conferences in Japan, emphasizing its mission to propel the Japanese startup ecosystem to a global stage.

Record Registration Numbers

This year, GRIC2025 shattered records with over 12,000 registrations, surpassing the previous year’s total of 11,000. The event’s appeal continues to escalate, attracting a varied crowd comprising entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and industry experts, all eager to partake in discussions on innovation and growth.

Event Format and Structure

The conference was conducted in a hybrid format, featuring online sessions streamed via the EventHub platform on the first two days, followed by an in-person gathering at Shibuya Hikarie Hall on the final day. This approach allowed wider access to participants across the globe while fostering meaningful face-to-face interactions among attendees.

Opening Day Highlights

The event kicked off on November 11 with an opening session featuring prominent figures such as Takumi Matsuda, Co-CEO of HeralBony, Tim Rowe, founder and CEO of CIC, and Yuichiro Shimizu, the president of For Startups. Their opening remarks, themed 'How Ambition Can Illuminate Winning Strategies on a Global Scale,' set the tone for the days ahead.

Engaging Sessions Across Three Stages

Throughout the conference, attendees could participate in a series of concurrent sessions held across three stages. The main GRIC Stage featured keynote speeches by Hiroshi Mikitani, Chairman and CEO of Rakuten Group, and Naito, President and CEO of Dricom. A prominent event was the 'GRIC PITCH,' facilitating startups to present their business ideas.

In addition, the SKY STAGE welcomed visitors with a lively atmosphere, hosting discussions framed as intimate fireside chats that fostered personal connections and engagement. Key discussions included vital topics such as:

• - Next-Generation GTM Strategies Enhanced by AI
• - The Current State of SpaceTech and Japan's Opportunities in Global Space Development
• - The Role of Liberal Arts in Transformational Leadership

Interactive Networking Opportunity: SPEED DATING

One of the standout features was the 'SPEED DATING' event, where startups engaged in rapid business presentations to a mix of both local and international investors and industry leaders across four dedicated booths. This fast-paced environment encouraged networking and opened doors for potential collaborations.

GRIC PITCH Competition

The anticipated 'GRIC PITCH' grand finale showcased 18 selected startups competing in three thematic categories: Climate Tech & Resilience, Frontier Tech, and Uprising Digital. These startups presented their innovative solutions to over 120 jurors, unveiling their unique potential for success on the global stage.

Among the category winners, LINEA Innovation took home the Theme Award for Climate Tech & Resilience for their groundbreaking project on neutron-free nuclear fusion technology. ElevationSpace was awarded for Frontier Tech for developing a platform advancing post-ISS era space endeavors, while Craif Inc. won the Uprising Digital award for their pioneering cancer risk detection system through AI and biomarker analysis.

Closing Remarks from For Startups

The conference concluded with inspiring remarks from Yuichiro Shimizu, reaffirming the essential role of the startup community in driving innovation and growth. He emphasized the significance of support systems that empower businesses to scale on a global level. As GRIC2025 closed its doors, it sparked excitement for the upcoming GRIC2026, signaling a future brimming with opportunities for Japanese startups.

Event Summary

• - Event Name: GRIC2025
• - Dates: November 11 (online), November 12 (online), November 13 (hybrid)
• - Venue: Online via EventHub & Shibuya Hikarie Hall
• - Participation Fee: Free
• - Official Website: GRIC2025
• - Social Media Hashtags: #GRIC2025

The success of GRIC2025 underscores its position as a pivotal gathering for fostering innovation and enhancing the structural ecosystem supporting startups in Japan.