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Go Global Hub 2026 Vol.1: Discover Global Challenges to Be Held on September 30 — Connecting Entrepreneurs, Companies, and Investors from Japan and Around the World

— Co-Creating New Business Ideas Across Borders, Inspired by Global Challenges —

Startup Lady Association held the first event of “Go Global Hub 2026,” titled “Go Global Hub 2026 Vol.1 | Discover Global Challenges,” on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at SivanS Inc. in Shibuya, Tokyo.

Go Global Hub is a global business platform that connects entrepreneurs, startups, companies, investors, and other stakeholders from Japan and around the world, creating opportunities for international collaboration and new business development.

Under the theme of moving from “connection” to “co-creation,” the first event focused on exploring global challenges and generating new business ideas through cross-border collaboration.

Go Global Hub 2026 Vol.1 | Discover Global Challenges

The first event focused on identifying global social and business challenges and exploring new opportunities through collaboration among people from diverse backgrounds.

The program featured a keynote session, reverse pitches, and an interactive Cross-border Co-Creation Session.

During the session, participants were invited to bring together their different perspectives, experiences, and expertise to explore solutions to the challenges presented.

Through team discussions and idea presentations, the program aimed to encourage participants to move beyond networking and experience the process of creating new business ideas together.

The event also included a networking session, providing further opportunities for participants to connect and explore potential collaborations.

Keynote Speaker

Alex Odajima

Japan Representative | Start2 Group K.K.

"As a specialist in business incubation, I have supported numerous startup launches and corporate new business development projects. In recent years, my focus has been on bridging the innovation ecosystems of Japan and the global community.

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I have been involved in various innovation initiatives in collaboration with embassies and international startup support organizations, and have served as a mentor for multiple startup acceleration programs in countries such as Canada, Austria, and Singapore.

​My current roles include J-Startup Recommendation Committee Member, Global Ambassador for Shibuya Startup Support, former Board Member of French Tech Tokyo, and Japan Representative for German Entrepreneurship."

Participant Voices

I learned more ways in which Japan is a niche market, and why some global solutions may not work here - and vice versa. I also learned a great framework from the main speaker, which turned lessons I’ve heard before into a very digestible and simple yet powerful format.
I was reminded that going global is not only about having a strong product or technology, but also about building the right network, understanding local markets, and finding the right partners. It was also valuable to hear different perspectives from people with diverse international backgrounds.
I especially appreciated the practical and honest perspectives on building businesses across borders. It was very inspiring and gave me several ideas that I can apply to my own business.
It was a wonderful session that gave me valuable insights into starting a business. Thank you so much!

Highlights from Go Global hub#1

About Go Global Hub

Go Global Hub is a global business platform established by the Startup Lady Association in 2025 to connect entrepreneurs, companies, investors, and other stakeholders from Japan and around the world and create opportunities for new businesses and co-creation.

The platform connects Japanese entrepreneurs and companies seeking to expand internationally with overseas entrepreneurs, companies, and investors interested in the Japanese market, providing opportunities for practical knowledge sharing, networking, and business matching.

Going beyond simple networking, Go Global Hub aims to create opportunities for new businesses, partnerships, and international expansion through dialogue and collaboration among participants.

What’s Next

This year, Go Global Hub will host a series of four events centered around co-creation, problem-solving, and business matching. Through each event, participants will deepen their connections and collaboration, with the goal of creating new business opportunities.

  • ​Vol.1｜Discover — Learn about global challenges and connect
  • ​Vol.2｜Co-create — Build business ideas across borders
  • ​Vol.3｜Validate — Test ideas from the perspective of overseas markets, companies, and investors
  • ​Vol.4｜Partner — Move toward concrete collaboration, PoCs, business partnerships, and global expansion
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