Seeking Startup Speakers for 2022 MIT Japan Conference (virtual event)

MIT Startup Exchange is looking for 8-10 MIT-connected startups to speak at the 2022 MIT Japan Conference to be held virtually in January. It has now been decided that the conference will take place as a virtual event, due to the current pandemic quarantine restrictions in place in Japan. 

-Date: Thursd, Jan 20, 9:00 - 10:30 AM (Tokyo time) / Wed, Jan 19, 7:00 - 8:30 PM ET (US time) 

-Format: live lightning talks with Q&A through a Zoom webinar (simultaneous interpretation will be provided); breakout rooms to follow (and a virtual Meet & Greet to take place the week after, more info to follow)

Each selected startup will present a 4-5 minute lightning talk on a science-based technology they are bringing to market, including at least one compelling use case and history / traction already established in Japan. Startups will need to participate in a brief dry run to have the deck ready for the event, and also in a virtual rehearsal with our Comms Team a few days before the event.

The events are attended by ILP Japanese members represented by senior executives, as well as by others from the ecosystem, and provide an excellent forum for establishing partnerships and networking at a very senior level. 

About Japan Conference

It has been a signature event in Tokyo for ILP for decades (and now for Startup Exchange for the past several years), and will feature future trends of research at MIT and highlight advances in key areas, including: sustainability, advanced materials, energy, design, digital transformation, quantum systems, robotics, machine learning, Big Data, healthcare technologies, electronics and media, and innovation management.  

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Note: selection will be on a rolling basis, so apply ASAP.

To apply, please provide the following:

• -brief description of your startup's technology-based product/services & 1 compelling use case; 
• -brief description of current market traction (e.g. pilot, validation results, paying customers, etc.);
• -speaker bio & a few words on the speaker’s experience as a speaker (optionally, including a video sample);
• -one-paragraph explanation of the unique fit between the event/theme and the startup’s vision, technologies, products, or services;

• -explanation of how relevant Japan is to your business, including any current or planned business activity - this is a very important point, so please take the time to properly explain;
• -in addition, please make sure to update your Startup Exchange profile if you have not done so recently. An up-to-date profile will ensure we can correctly match you with corporate requests!