DATERISE! 2025: Global Startup Event Set to Inspire Future Innovators

DATERISE! 2025: A Global Startup Event

As the excitement builds for one of the most anticipated global startup events of the year, the DATERISE! 2025 is set to take place in Sendai, Japan on August 23, 2025. Hosted by ZeroOne Booster and supported by various regional departments, this event aims to connect local startups with the world.

Event Overview

This year's theme, "SENDAI to Global!", highlights the ambition of Sendai and the Tohoku region to foster new ideas and ventures. The event will host numerous interactive sessions, a pitch contest for emerging startups, hands-on workshops for students, and opportunities for attendees to experience the innovations first-hand.

With just two weeks left until kickoff, all speakers have been confirmed, promising an enriching experience for all participants. The main venue, the Westin Hotel in Sendai, will serve as the backdrop for a variety of exciting sessions featuring illustrious guests and experts from both domestic and international scenes.

Key Sessions

DATERISE! 2025 will feature five main sessions, which include:

1. Opening Session (12:00 - 12:30)
A discussion between Sendai city officials and representatives from Tohoku University, focusing on their progress and future aspirations as major players in the global startup ecosystem.

2. Keynote Session (12:40 - 13:10)
Former Major League Baseball pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma will share his journey "from Sendai to the world," discussing the mindset needed to succeed globally, as well as the courage required to step into the unknown.

3. Michinoku Academia Session (13:20 - 14:05)
Featuring Bruno Martineau, a deep-tech entrepreneur from École Polytechnique in France, this session will explore how academic knowledge can be transformed into business success, providing insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.

4. DATERISE! Pitch Contest (14:15 - 15:40)
Startups based in Tohoku will pitch their ideas for international expansion, with the winning team receiving the prestigious NTT EAST Award, which includes support to help them enter global markets.

5. NTT East's Regional Co-Creation Session (15:50 - 16:20)
NTT East will share their experiences of collaboration with local startups, including successful case studies that emphasize the importance of co-creation in the community.

6. Glocal Panel Discussion (16:35 - 17:20)
A panel of expert entrepreneurs will delve into the realities of expanding into overseas markets, sharing practical lessons and stories from their own journeys.

Please note that speaker lineups may be subject to change.

Booth Area

The event will also feature a Booth Area with participation from 52 diverse organizations, including startups, government agencies, and business corporations from various sectors, facilitating interactions and potential collaborations between attendees and exhibitors.
Participants are encouraged to network and discuss potential partnerships in this unique setting.

Family-Friendly Activities

In addition to professional sessions, there will be an engaging area called "ENNICHI" designed for families. Kids will have the chance to meet beloved local characters, including Musubi Maru and Jackie the Bear from the Kumano Gakkou series, who will make special appearances at 1 PM and 3 PM.

DATERISE! 2025 promises to be an exciting event that not only showcases innovation but also provides valuable insights for the next generation of entrepreneurs. This is a unique opportunity to experience the future of startups right in the heart of Tohoku.

Event Details

- Event Name: DATERISE! 2025
- Date: August 23, 2025
- Location: Westin Hotel Sendai / Urban Net Sendai Central Building YUINOS
- Organizers: Sendai City, Tohoku University, various governmental organizations
- Entry Fee: Free (Registration required)
- Event Page: DATERISE! Event Page