#Japan #Innovation #Tokyo #FoodTech #UnlocX

Foodtech Venture Day NEO vol.6: Charting the Future of Food Industries

On September 24, 2026, the Foodtech Venture Day NEO vol.6 will gather innovators and thought leaders to engage in discussions on the future of food industries. Organized by UnlocX, a company based in Minato, Tokyo, and supported by others like Livness, this event aims to unlock the potential of technology and collective intelligence to establish a new framework for food production and consumption.

Reconstructing the Food Value Chain

The event will delve into the pressing questions of what the next food industries will look like and the necessity of creating new sectors within this space. Building upon the discussions from FVD NEO vol.5, which revolved around amplifying value within the food industry through connectivity among players, this sixth installment will further explore this topic to encourage collaboration and innovation.

In contemporary discussions about food, various technologies such as alternative proteins, fermentation, AI, food robotics, agritech, healthcare, and the circular economy are emerging, bringing promises and challenges alike. However, as individual companies and startups try to carve out their own niches in the market, they often find themselves in competition with each other, rather than collaborating to create transformative value.

The Need for New Industries: Why and How?

Future discussions will consider how to design a food industry where good values can circulate fully. By fostering collaborations among multiple players instead of relying solely on individual efforts, this approach aims to create a comprehensive ecosystem that spans supply chains—from raw materials to manufacturing and consumer interactions.

The initial part of the event will feature a panel discussing the necessity of the new food industries and what 'industry' means in this context. Following that, there will be a pitching session where four innovative companies will not only showcase their advances and products but also share their visions of the desired future of food industries.

Then, the focus will shift to the practical aspects of how to establish such industries, discussing potential partners and structural dimensions that can lead to success. This event is not merely a platform to learn about food tech innovations but a gathering of players who are already working towards transforming the food industry, uniting their perspectives and efforts to define the next generation of food production.

From Competition to Co-Creation

As Japan's food industry stands on the brink of transformative change, crucial questions arise: What must be created to advance this sector, and who should be the partners in this endeavor? Participants of the event are invited to collaboratively explore and define these solutions.

Event Overview

Date and Time: September 24, 2026, from 17:00 to 21:30 (doors open at 16:45)

Venue: Minato City Industrial Promotion Center, 11th Floor, 5-36-4 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Participation: Advance registration is required; tickets must be purchased to gain entry.
Tickets are available here.

Organizer: UnlocX and Livness
Co-Organizer: Minato City Industrial Promotion Center

Agenda Overview

• - 17:15 – 17:20 Opening Remarks
• - 17:20 – 17:50 Panel Discussion 1: Why is a New Industry Needed Now?
• - 17:50 – 18:50 Pitch Session: Innovators' Vision for New Industries

- Ark Corporation (CTO Kōyō Takenoshita)
- Plantx Corporation (Chairman Shinjiro Yamada)
- Plantio Corporation (CEO & Urban Agriculture Producer Takayoshi Serizawa)
- TechMagic Corporation (President Yuji Shiraki)

• - 19:05 – 19:50 Panel Discussion 2: How to Act for New Industry Creation
• - 19:50 – 20:00 Closing Remarks
• - 20:00 – 21:15 Networking
• - 21:15 Conclusion

Please note that the schedule may change without notice.

Event Registration

Participation requires advance registration. Click here for details about the event.

About UnlocX

UnlocX is dedicated to unlocking the potential of technologies, skills, culture, and human resources hidden in Japan and worldwide. The goal is to connect these to create optimal value, thereby enhancing the conditions for both Japan and the global community. UnlocX serves as a nexus for diverse industries, fostering an environment conducive to collaborative research and business development unrestricted by traditional frameworks.