On September 18, 2026, the Japan Startup Support Association (JSSA) will host "The JSSA Sapporo Meetup Vol.65," a major business networking event designed to connect startups with investors, major corporations, financial institutions, and university representatives. The event will take place at the Sapporo Daiichi Government Building in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Held in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's Hokkaido Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry, the event aims to revitalize the startup ecosystem in Hokkaido and promote regional revitalization.
A central highlight of the event is "The JSSA Startup Pitch Award in Sapporo," featuring four finalist startups selected from across the nation. The grand prize winner will earn the right to receive up to 10 million yen in investment from the JSSA No. 2 Fund, along with a waiver of the association's admission and annual fees for one year. Additionally, the event will feature three-part talk sessions with leading executives and investors, as well as a networking session allowing attendees to directly connect with speakers and finalists.
JSSA has a strong track record as a community providing entrepreneurs with "insights, learning, and fateful encounters," having hosted over 60 networking events in locations such as Sapporo, Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, and Okinawa. This upcoming Sapporo event will deeply explore the latest startup trends, with a particular focus on Web3, AI, and entrepreneurship education.
Moving forward, JSSA plans to continue rolling out events that leverage the unique characteristics of each region, expanding a community where startups and supporters co-create through SDGs and the cultivation of university-backed ventures. Starting with Vol.65, the association aims to accelerate the creation of locally-driven innovation.