#Japan #Tokyo #Silicon Valley #TechCrunch #IT Career Promotion

JAIC's Third Corporate Visit and Meetup in Silicon Valley: Exploring Innovation and Networking

The IT Career Promotion Association (JAIC), based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, is dedicated to nurturing top-tier IT talent across diverse fields such as AI, cybersecurity, AR, VR, IoT, blockchain, and digital transformation. On October 27, 2025, the association held its third corporate visit and meetup in Silicon Valley, coinciding with the renowned TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, which sees over 10,000 startups from around the globe come together.

This year’s itinerary was packed with opportunities to engage with cutting-edge technologies and industry leaders. Participants enjoyed a tour of key tech hubs, including a stroll through downtown San Francisco in a self-driving taxi provided by Waymo, a visit to the Salesforce headquarters, and a unique lunch experience at Google. At the Google headquarters, attendees had the chance to explore the company's offerings while enjoying delicious meals sourced from Google’s dining facilities.

Notably, the group visited the recently established OpenAI headquarters and the Apple Park Visitor Center, allowing them to witness innovation firsthand. At Meta, participants experienced the latest Meta Ray-Ban Display Glasses, adding a practical touch to their technological encounters.

Throughout the event, nine startups led by dynamic CEOs from Japan, aged in their 20s and 30s, participated in a pitch session during the meetup. This was not merely a presentation of their ideas; the discussions fostered potential business collaborations with international counterparts. This engagement reflects JAIC’s mission to bridge Japanese startups with global opportunities.

Objectives of the Visit

The objectives set for this engaging experience were multifaceted:

• - Participate in TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 to gather and share insights.
• - Network with local ventures and VCs, particularly through Startup Islando Taiwan.
• - Experience pitching in English to an international audience at the meetup.
• - Savor Google’s unique culinary offerings during their headquarters visit.
• - Engage with the latest technologies, including products like the Meta Ray-Ban Display Glasses.
• - Explore Silicon Valley’s legendary locations.
• - Introduce sponsors supporting this initiative.

Participation in TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

Attendees shared some intriguing observations from their participation in TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. They noted two significant takeaways.

First, they remarked on the stark contrast in presentation quality compared to Japan. It was highlighted that Japanese exhibits at events tend to be more professionally crafted with greater visual appeal, while American presentations often utilize a more minimalist approach, frequently relying on roll-up banners and simple demos. This observation leads to an appreciation of the different values placed on aesthetics versus core information dissemination in various cultures.

Second, participants noted the differences in product offerings between Silicon Valley and Japan. While Japan showcased training packages and RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) systems, Silicon Valley presented advanced tools such as AI-driven development environments and AI interviewers, reflecting a progressive approach to business efficiency and product development. This difference in perspective—where Japanese companies focus on enhancing existing operations versus Silicon Valley's inclination to redefine entire workflows—suggests a broader disparity in market vitality.

Networking with Local Ventures and VCs

The relationship-building segment of the trip was facilitated by the involvement of key figures from Startup Islando Taiwan. Collaborative efforts led by co-representatives, such as Maihara and Li Daodao, along with Jenny, the Silicon Valley representative for Startup Islando, were instrumental in creating networking opportunities. This cooperation culminated in a networking event hosted by local venture capitalists, which was warmly received. The partnership promises a collaborative meetup between JAIC and Startup Islando Taiwan in the forthcoming year.

Cruising Through Pitch Sessions and Cultural Exchanges

The meetup also featured an exciting fusion of innovation and culinary enjoyment. The event, now in its third iteration with DindinTV, saw inspiring pitches presented by young Japanese CEOs, which not only showcased their ideas but also facilitated interactions with local enterprises through a pizza party.

Overall, this trip has ignited numerous new business connections, paving the way for future collaborations rooted in shared goals and innovation. A heartfelt thank you is extended to all sponsors and participants who made this extraordinary exchange possible.

Stay tuned for more insights and follow-up reports in PART TWO of this series, detailing the outcomes and further developments from this pivotal excursion.