Top Startups in Japan in 2026

Tier IV

Developing autonomous driving software and systems.

Moneytree

Personal finance management and financial data platform for individuals and businesses.

COLOPL

Operates mobile network games and a location information service platform.

avatarin

Develops telepresence robots and avatar-based services for remote interactions.

Sansan

A cloud-based contact management service for businesses.

Rapyuta Robotics

Developing AI-powered robotics solutions for logistics and industrial automation.

Andpad

A construction management application for users throughout Japan.

Preferred Networks

Developing advanced AI and deep learning technologies for various industries.

Alpaca

Developer-first API infrastructure for stock, options, and cryptocurrency trading.

Dataiku

Dataiku is the platform for Everyday AI, uniting people, orchestration, and governance for enterprise AI.

PeerPlay

A casual games powerhouse focused on social and competitive mobile gaming experiences.

CureApp

Developing digital therapeutics for various medical conditions.

T2

Developing AI-powered solutions for the logistics and supply chain industry.

LayerX

AI and browser security platform providing visibility and control over user and agentic interactions.

Autify

A no-code test automation platform for web applications.

SORACOM

Provides an IoT connectivity platform for businesses.

bitbank

A cryptocurrency exchange platform.

Spiber Inc.

Developing and producing advanced materials from microbial fermentation.

Sakana AI

Japan-focused efficient AI models using bio-inspired evolution to build capable, compact foundation models.

AI inside

Provides AI solutions for business process automation and data analysis.

Kyash

A mobile payment service that allows users to send and receive money easily.

Similarweb

gumi

A mobile game developer and publisher.

Citadel AI

Provides AI solutions for improving the accuracy and reliability of AI models.

EdgeCortix

Aroma bit

Develops ultra-compact, high-performance odor imaging sensors capable of digitizing smells.

Thinker

Develops AI-powered tools for data analysis and business intelligence.

LESTAS

An e-commerce company specializing in online retail.

ALE Co., Ltd.

Developing technologies for space weather forecasting and artificial meteors.

Simply Speak

AI platform for physicians to automate patient encounter documentation.

Axelspace

Empowering the world with Earth observation data from microsatellites.

Cyfuse Biomedical K.K.

Developing 3D bioprinting technology for regenerative medicine.

Kyoto Robotics Corporation

Developing advanced robotics solutions for industrial automation.

Kabuku Inc.

Developing 3D printing solutions and services for various industries.

Netskope

WHILL

Designing and manufacturing innovative personal mobility devices.

Nanofiber Quantum Technologies

Develops and manufactures hardware for quantum communications.

HiJoJo Partners

A fintech group specializing in connecting investors with mid-to-late stage private companies and startups.

AI Medical Service

An artificial intelligence and healthcare company making software for the early detection of gastrointestinal cancers.

Graffer

Creates free and open social infrastructure to solve challenges in the traditional government system.

Ecumenopolis

Designs conversational agents that handle subtle, high-context interactions for education, retail, and hospitality.

Applied Intuition

Vehicle intelligence platform accelerating the adoption of safe, AI-driven autonomous machines.

Mybest

A software company developing information service applications by combining user preferences and lifestyles.

FromSoftware

A video game developer known for its action role-playing games.

Atonarp

Developing advanced sensor technologies for various applications.

Origami Logic

Marketing analytics platform for brands and agencies to optimize marketing performance.

Turing Capital

AI-powered investment platform for alternative assets.

Databento

Provides real-time market data for financial professionals.

Nosh

A meal delivery service offering healthy and convenient options.

RECLO

A luxury brand consignment application that allows users to consign and sell branded products.

TimeTree

A shared calendar application for families and groups.

GROOVE X

Developing companion robots designed to provide emotional support.

Coconala

Operates a platform to buy and sell knowledge, skills, and experience.

Ubie

Provides an AI-powered healthcare triage service.

SkyDrive

Develops and manufactures flying cars and heavy-lift drones.

SmartNews

Uses machine learning to curate and share top-quality news stories worldwide.

Helpfeel

Provides a knowledge management system for businesses.

Crunchyroll

The world's largest anime streaming service.

Rapidus

A Japanese advanced semiconductor manufacturer focused on developing and mass-producing next-generation 2nm logic chips.

Kyoto Fusioneering

Developing technologies for fusion energy.

Metcela

Developing regenerative medicine solutions using stem cell technology.

Meltin MMI

Developing advanced robotics and AI technologies for healthcare.

GITAI

Developing autonomous robots for space exploration and in-orbit servicing.

ABEJA

Provides AI and data analytics solutions for businesses.

First Access

A fintech company providing financial solutions for businesses.

Rutilea

Develops AI-powered solutions for the manufacturing industry.

Sensyn Robotics

Developing AI-powered robots for inspection and maintenance in industrial environments.

Days ai

An educational initiative offering a curriculum to introduce K-12 students to artificial intelligence (AI).

PayPay

Japan's leading mobile payment app.

MOLOCO

Provides cloud-native machine learning solutions for businesses.

Thirdverse

Develops and operates multiplayer virtual reality games.

Telexistence

Developing remote-controlled robots for various industries.

Paidy

A digital payment service offering buy now, pay later options.

UQ Communications

Specializes in providing WiMAX mobile services.

SmartHR

A cloud-based human resources management platform.

LILT

LILT provides an enterprise AI translation platform that orchestrates multilingual programs with autonomous agents.

Mujin

AI-powered robotics for intelligent automation in manufacturing and logistics.

Astroscale

Astroscale is a global leader in on-orbit servicing and space sustainability solutions.

Cinnamon AI

Developing AI solutions for business process automation and document analysis.

Fronteo

A technology company that focuses on the eDiscovery market and litigation consulting.

Luup

Operates a shared electric bicycle and scooter service.