OIST-Lifetime Startup Elevate 2026
Wednesday, November 4; Thursday, November 5; and Friday, November 6, 2026.
About Startup Elevate
A deal-oriented, premier Japan/Asia conference bringing together the world’s leading deep tech entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors.
Overview
Lifetime Ventures, a venture capital firm, in collaboration with OIST (Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology) and Deloitte Tohmatsu, will host "OIST-Lifetime Startup Elevate 2026" (Startup Elevate 2026), an exclusive, invite-only conference dedicated to accelerating international investment in Japan’s deep-tech ecosystem.
The event will take place from November 4th to 6th, 2026, at the OIST campus in Okinawa.
Focusing on three core pillars—life sciences, OIST academia, and deep tech—this conference will bring together world-class researchers, startups, and investors to facilitate high-impact investment matching and foster international collaboration.
The Value Created by Startup Elevate
Through high-quality content and intensive networking opportunities, we aim to cultivate sustainable and effective partnerships at the heart of Japan’s deep-tech ecosystem, bridging the way for international projects.
The event will take place from November 4th to 6th, 2026, at the OIST campus in Okinawa.
Through high-quality content and intensive networking opportunities, we aim to cultivate sustainable and effective partnerships at the heart of Japan’s deep-tech ecosystem, bridging the way for international projects.
OIST
A Gateway to Japan's Cutting-Edge
Deep Tech
A Gateway to Japan's Cutting-Edge
Deep Tech
Located on a lush, scenic campus in Okinawa, Japan, OIST serves as the backdrop for Startup Elevate. Surrounded by breathtaking ocean views and subtropical nature, OIST offers a world-class research environment that provides an inspiring space to connect, create, and collaborate.
OIST is known for its cutting-edge science and innovation, making it the ideal venue for Startup Elevate — bringing together venture capitalists from around the world and ambitious startups in a space designed for meaningful connection. Beyond its exceptional facilities, the serene yet striking environment lends a unique energy to this focused, high-impact gathering.
OIST is known for its cutting-edge science and innovation, making it the ideal venue for Startup Elevate — bringing together venture capitalists from around the world and ambitious startups in a space designed for meaningful connection. Beyond its exceptional facilities, the serene yet striking environment lends a unique energy to this focused, high-impact gathering.
Participant Voices
Itaru Shiraishi
It was a great honor to participate in OIST-Lifetime Startup Elevate 2025 and to spend time with so many entrepreneurs who are eager to change the world. Among them, Dr. Rudder Wu of Thermalytica particularly stood out for his exceptional expertise and passion. His innovative thermal insulation materials have the potential to create significant impact across a wide range of fields, from improving energy efficiency to data centers and even hydrogen-related technologies.
As a mentor, I only played a small part in supporting his efforts, but I am delighted that this award is a well-deserved recognition of Dr. Wu and Thermalytica.
Energy & Environment Investment, Inc., Venture Partner
Yutaro Kasai
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for being granted the Best Pitch Award at the Startup Elevate 2025 pitch contest. My sincere thanks go to all the organizers who devoted themselves to making this event possible, to the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University for providing the venue, and to all the passionate entrepreneurs, investors, and researchers who participated. I am especially honored to have received this award together with Mr. Watanabe, CEO of Crafton Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
Angel Bridge will continue to focus on investments in university-originated and deep-tech fields. We are committed to building an ecosystem that bridges the academic knowledge lying dormant within universities to the power of business, enabling Japan-originated innovation to spread sustainably across the globe. At the same time, we will keep running alongside entrepreneurs as partners who help them achieve both social implementation and scalable growth. Encouraged by this award, we are determined to further enhance the quality of Angel Bridge’s investments and hands-on support.
Representative Partner, Angel Bridge Inc.
Hayato Watanabe
I am truly honored to have received the Best Pitch Award at OIST-Lifetime Startup Elevate 2025 Healthcare Day. The unique process of refining our presentation through selection and collaboration with VCs, and then taking the stage together, provided us with a valuable opportunity to re-examine our business from a fresh perspective. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to OIST, Lifetime Ventures, and everyone involved for offering us such a wonderful opportunity.
Crafton Biotechnology, President & CEO
Viktoras Lisicovas
Founder & CTO at Chiore Medical
Key comments and Highlights
Key comments：
- There’s no other event where so many investors and corporations interested in healthcare and life sciences gather.
The atmosphere of the venue made communication very easy. - It was great to see the event open to international investors and ecosystems, not just domestic ones. I often get asked by overseas investors which conference in Japan they should attend, and now I can confidently recommend this one.
- Many key investors attended, and there were good opportunities for networking among investors. I also learned a lot about OIST’s initiatives.
- I was able to build networks with a wide range of people, including startups, LP investors, and supporters with whom I had previously had no contact.
- Because the pitches and panel sessions focused specifically on the area of sustainability, I was able to gain highly specialized information.
- Joining the OIST tour was far more impressive than I had expected. I felt strongly that it is precisely because such an open and fully equipped environment exists that new businesses can emerge from it. At Investor Elevate, I was able to expand my network among VCs.
- It was extremely valuable to learn about the level and progress of the startups that were matched with VCs.
Participants 514
Matching 370cases
Satisfaction rate97%
Key Program Features
AI Powered Translation: All sessions include real-time JP-EN subtitles
Pitch Elevate
Up to 20 startups per day will take the stage — elite deep tech startups and pre-founding innovators who have passed a highly competitive selection process with 5 to 10 applicants vying for every spot.
Paired with venture capitalists, they will deliver pitches focused on fundraising and business partnership opportunities.
Panel Elevate
A panel discussion featuring domestic and international investors and thought leaders, exploring the latest trends and market outlook in deep tech.
Poster Elevate
A research showcase where startups present their work to facilitate meaningful matchmaking with investors and corporations.
Network Elevate
A facilitated matchmaking session connecting startups, corporations, and investors.
Investor Elevate (Private)
An invitation-only roundtable where leading venture capitalists share their investment perspectives and evaluation criteria.