At the recent IVS2026, a landmark panel discussion brought together senior defense officials and pioneering deep-tech representatives. The session highlighted a dramatic shift in Japan’s national security paradigm: a rapidly strengthening partnership between the Ministry of Defense (MOD) and the startup ecosystem. Moderated by Mr. Iwasaki, the panel featured Mr. Kaida, Director of the Technology Strategy Section at the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA), alongs

Generative AI has advanced rapidly in recent years, with adoption expanding across the business world. However, many companies remain at the experimental stage, having merely “tried out” AI without fully integrating it into their workflows or generating a clear return on investment. One company attracting attention for offering a concrete solution to this challenge is VCAT.AI, a Korean startup specializing in AI solutions for marketing content creation. The company provides c

Japan is currently facing an unprecedented demographic shift, often depicted in the media as an impending economic and social crisis. With a shrinking workforce and a rapidly growing elderly population, the sustainability of the nation's healthcare and social security systems is frequently called into question. However, a panel of pioneering entrepreneurs and clinical leaders argues that this demographic challenge is actually the gateway to a massive global business opportuni