Call for Applications: Creative Tech Shibuya 2027

Shibuya Startup Support (SSS) will run a five-day residency program, "Creative Tech Shibuya 2027 in collaboration with DIG SHIBUYA," for creative tech startups  considering entry into the Japanese market. This program aims to support international startups entering Japan, as well as domestic startups looking to scale, by creating opportunities for pilot projects with Japanese companies and Shibuya City, facilitating business matching, and connecting them with investors. 

Participating startups will be offered a range of opportunities, including presentations, product exhibitions, business matching with Japanese companies and investors, and workshops led by industry experts. SSS is seeking approximately 10 companies eager to shape new culture and drive innovation from Shibuya, with a serious commitment to growing their business in Japan. 

This year's program places particular emphasis on pilot projects between creative tech startups and Japanese companies, as well as Shibuya City. Participants will therefore be expected to maintain ongoing communication with potential partners from before the program begins, and their fit with Japanese companies and municipalities interested in running pilots with creative tech startups will be key. 

This round focuses on three pilot themes: (1) Night time Economy, (2) Culture & Entertainment, and (3) Travel. Selected startups will receive support in setting up pilots, tailored to their business, and progress in partner matching.
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Program Overview

• Dates: Monday, February 8 – Friday, February 12, 2027 (tentative, attendance on all five days is expected) 
• Format: In-person 
• Venue: Shibuya Bridge and various locations across Shibuya City 
• Concept: A five-day program for domestic and international creative tech startups 
• Content: Pitches, product exhibitions, business matching, market-entry workshops, networking, participation in DIG SHIBUYA 2027(tentative), and pilot support. 
  
  • Pilots: We plan to support pilots for around three selected startups with highly feasible proposals. Pilots will generally take place during the program period (February 8–12, 2027). If you would like to run a longer pilot, please include a proposal with a tentative schedule in your application. 
• Participation fee: Free*(Travel, accommodation, and other expenses are to be borne by participants)  
  
  • Selected companies that meet the prescribed requirements may be eligible for travel support under JETRO’s invitation program, including round-trip airfare and accommodation arrangements designated by JETRO. 
  • Startups are required to bring any equipment needed for demonstrations or exhibitions 
• Language: English 
• Organizers: Shibuya Startup Support, Shibuya City 
• Co-organizer: Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) (tentative) 
• Application deadline: Monday, November 9, 2026,  23:59 JST
  *Around 10 startups will be selected, and all applicants will be notified by mid-November. 

Program Guidelines

 Eligibility 

• Creative tech startups that are considering, or have already begun entering the Japanese market 

• Companies that have already launched some form of service or product and show potential for pilots and business partnerships with Japanese companies 

• Companies with strong potential across team, technology, market size, and traction 

• Companies able to present live demos or exhibits at the event  

*Note: This program is primarily intended for creative tech startups based overseas, but being headquartered outside Japan is not a strict requirement.  

Categories 

This initiative targets startups that fall within the following categories. 

• Digital Media & Content (creator tools, video production technology, on-chain/Web3) 

• Design & Art (digital art, graphic design, UI/UX design, 3D-printed art) 

• Entertainment & Gaming (animation & VFX, VR/AR/metaverse, fan economy, immersive experiences, game development software, indie games) 

• Music & Audio (production, digital instruments, music production software, immersive audio, voice tech, streaming technology) 

• Fashion & Lifestyle (digital fashion, smart wear, personalized experiences, AR/VR fashion) 

• Publishing & Reading (interactive tools, storytelling, spatial computing apps, edutainment) 

*Companies outside these categories may also be eligible — please contact us with any questions. 

Who You'll Connect With  

• Creative tech startups / entrepreneurs (mainly overseas) 

• Japanese companies (including IP companies and publishers) 

• Investors (angel investors, VCs, CVCs) 

• Ecosystem players / community members 

• Government officials 

• Media 

• Creators, artists, influencers 

• Students 

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Program Schedule

*The schedule is subject to change. 

Day 1 | Monday, February 8
Kick-off, welcome party 

Day 2 | Tuesday, February 9
1-on-1 VC mentoring, company visits, co-creation facility tours, networking, etc. 

Day 3 | Wednesday, February 10
Business meeting opportunities, company visits, angel investor meetup, networking, etc. 

Day 4 | Thursday, February 11   
Pitches and exhibitions, business meeting opportunities, pilot showcase, networking, etc. 

Day 5 | Friday, February 12
Morning meetup, farewell party (tentative) 

How to Apply

Please apply via the application form below.
Program Participation Form 

Recap: Creative Tech Shibuya 2026

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In February 2026, Creative Tech Shibuya 2026 in collaboration with DIG SHIBUYA brought together 10 creative tech startups from Europe, North America, and Asia.

Over the program, participating startups took part in pitches, product exhibitions, business matching, mentoring sessions, company visits, and networking opportunities.

Learn more about the 2026 program:

• Creative Tech Shibuya 2026 Event Report – Part 1
• Creative Tech Shibuya 2026 Event Report – Part 2
• Creative Tech Shibuya 2026 Startup Interviews

Startups looking to build new connections and seize future collaboration opportunities in the creative tech space — we look forward to your application!

Contact

Creative Tech Shibuya 2027 Team (SUNRYSE Inc.)

Tatsuya Yajima
tatsuya.yajima@sunryse.co