RAMEN TECH 2026 is scheduled as a distributed event spanning Fukuoka City, delivering a wide variety of activities — spanning content aimed at startups, VCs, and investors, as well as art, culture, cuisine, and Fukuoka's local scene.
RAMEN TECH 2026 has opened complimentary registration for participants, alongside applications from Co-Create Partners seeking to organize events during the program.
Asia's international startup week makes its third return to Fukuoka with over 100 events — free sign-ups now available for attendees and partners
FUKUOKA, JAPAN, July 17, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — RAMEN TECH 2026, a five-day international startup gathering, will be held across central Fukuoka-city from Wednesday, October 7 through Sunday, October 11, 2026. Marking its third year, the event is collaboratively organized by Fukuoka City and co-creation partners from throughout Japan and the global startup ecosystem — a citywide co-creation week featuring more than 100 events. The acronym RAMEN TECH represents Revolutionizing Asia: Merging Ecosystems & Networks – Tech. The gathering brings together startups, investors, corporations, government entities, and students in Fukuoka — Japan's nearest access point to the Asian mainland.
Background:
– Fukuoka's Startup Strategy
After proclaiming itself "Startup City Fukuoka" in 2012, the municipality has methodically developed a policy framework including startup visas, tax breaks, and international memorandums of understanding with partner cities. RAMEN TECH, which debuted in 2024, serves as the centerpiece of this initiative. The week is framed not as a rival to Tokyo, but as an emblem of a city deliberately oriented outward — toward the broader Asian region.
– Geographic and Historical Advantage
Fukuoka lies 1 hour 20 minutes from Shanghai and 1 hour 40 minutes from Seoul by plane. With two millennia of cross-strait engagement with the Asian continent, Fukuoka stands as Japan's nearest hub city to the rest of Asia — in terms of distance, time zone, and cultural ties.
– Momentum from 2025
The 2025 edition attracted more than 12,000 participants (including over 1,200 from abroad) across more than 70 events throughout the city. The week proved its value as a platform for concrete international business results, including memorandum signings between Fukuoka-based startups and foreign counterparts. The 2026 edition is designed to transform those individual achievements from isolated instances into a broader, enduring trend of cross-border cooperation.
Program Overview:
– Dates
October 7 (Wednesday) – 11 (Sunday), 2026 (5 days)
– Venue
The Tenjin and Daimyo neighborhoods of central Fukuoka form the primary hub, but the entire city functions as the setting. Anchored by startup facilities such as Fukuoka Growth Next and CIC Fukuoka, more than 100 events take place concurrently in parks, shopping arcades, cafés, and clubhouses across the city. Rather than funneling people into one location, RAMEN TECH encourages participants to navigate the city — building connections and collaboration at every step.
Flagship Events:
Opening Party (Oct 7)
An opening celebration for all attendees, scheduled for Wednesday, October 7. This is anticipated to be the biggest networking gathering of RAMEN TECH 2026 (registration mandatory; venue capacity is limited).
Global Summit 2026 (tentative) (Oct 7–8)
Presentations from startups based in Japan and overseas, along with panel discussions and booth displays involving diverse participants from industry, government, and academia.
StartupGo!Go! The Pitch / FFG Mirai Conference (co-located) (Oct 9)
"StartupGo!Go!," Kyushu's premier startup event operating since 2014, runs its seed-stage pitch competition "The Pitch" in conjunction with "FFG Mirai no Kaigi," hosted by Fukuoka Financial Group. Startups from Japan and abroad will present on stage.
Additional flagship events will be announced on a rolling schedule.
RAMEN TECH Committee:
Fukuoka City, Zero-Ten Inc., Zero-Ten Park Inc., and yugyo inc.
Open Calls:
– For Attendees
Target: International and domestic startups, investors, corporations, students, and ecosystem collaborators.
Sign up via the official website.
– For Event Collaborators
RAMEN TECH 2026 invites proposals from organizations wanting to host independent events during the week (October 7–11). Designated "Official Events" receive:
– Inclusion on the official website and social media channels
– Integration with EntryTickets — a single QR code provides entry to all Official Events
– Permission to use the "OFFICIAL EVENT" logo
– Loan of banners, posters, and on-site signage
Application information is posted on this page.
– For Co-Create Partners
RAMEN TECH 2026 welcomes corporations, educational and research institutions, government agencies, and ecosystem support organizations that align with the week's vision and seek to co-create the bridge between Fukuoka and the rest of Asia.
Application information is posted on this page.
About RAMEN TECH:
RAMEN TECH (Revolutionizing Asia: Merging Ecosystems & Networks – Tech) is an international startup week co-created by Fukuoka City and its ecosystem partners, launched in 2024 and now in its third year. The event positions Fukuoka as Asia's Gateway — offering startups and investors the quickest route between Japan and the rest of Asia. The 2025 edition united more than 12,000 attendees (including over 1,200 from abroad) across more than 70 events throughout the city. https://www.ramentech.jp/
Ryoya Sonoda
RAMEN TECH Committee
info@ramentech.jp
