On Monday, October 26, 2026, the Office of the City of Yokohama Representative to the Americas participated in the Boston Hard Tech Summit, held in Somerville, Massachusetts, during the opening day of Tough Tech Week 2026. The event brought together startups, investors, researchers, and industry leaders to explore emerging technologies and promote collaboration across the deep tech ecosystem.

Organized by Campus Deep Tech and MassVentures, in collaboration with SOSV, Engine Ventures, and Sumitomo Heavy Industries, the summit focused on cutting-edge technologies across physical AI, robotics, nanotechnology, advanced materials, quantum technologies, climate tech, and energy.

The City of Yokohama hosted an exhibition table at the event, introducing attendees to the city’s initiatives supporting international startups interested in entering the Japanese market. The office shared information about Yokohama’s business environment, available support programs, and opportunities for collaboration with Japanese companies. This included introducing the city’s efforts to connect overseas startups with potential business partners and support their expansion into Japan.

One such initiative is the Yokohama Matching Program, which helps international startups explore business opportunities in Japan through corporate matching, proof-of-concept (PoC) support, and connections with Yokohama’s innovation ecosystem. This year, the Yokohama Matching Program received 76 applications, and has since selected one startup, Filium Corp., to move forward.

The summit’s program featured expert panels, startup and researcher presentations, and reverse pitches in which investors and industry representatives introduced technology needs and opportunities for collaboration. Featured speakers, panelists, and judges represented organizations including NVIDIA, SOSV/HAX, Engine Ventures, Greentown Labs, Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and other major players in the deep tech sector. The City of Yokohama also had the opportunity to meet with many of these representatives, and others, in order to discuss the future of connecting the U.S. and Japanese startup ecosystems.

The event also provided an opportunity for the office to connect directly with startups, researchers, and investors developing innovative technologies, exchange information on potential business opportunities in Japan, and establish connections for future collaboration.

The office would like to thank Malcolm Biggins and Jesse Gray for the invitation to participate, as well as Campus Deep Tech, MassVentures, and the other organizers for bringing together such a diverse group of innovators. Relationships like these are what allows Yokohama to continue its mission in expanding collaboration between U.S. and Japanese startups.

Building on the connections made at the Boston Hard Tech Summit, the Office of the City of Yokohama Representative to the Americas will continue strengthening relationships with the U.S. startup and investment communities, promoting cross-border business collaboration, and supporting international companies interested in expanding their operations to Yokohama.