The finalists for “XTC (Extreme Tech Challenge) JAPAN 2026,” the Japanese preliminary for the world’s largest deep tech competition, have been announced. This year saw a record-breaking number of applications, with a remarkable surge in Taiwanese startups. In an unprecedented result, a total of six Taiwanese companies have been selected as finalists and presenters. This highlights the exceptionally high regard for Taiwanese technology in the Japanese market and signals the accelerating formation of a “Japan-Taiwan Alliance” as Asia’s premier deep tech hub.
Strong Presence of Taiwanese Startups: The Selected Innovator
Approximately 90% of this year’s selected companies are spin-offs from universities or research institutions. Among them, the following high-profile Taiwanese companies will take the stage:
- CancerFree Biotech (精準生技 / Taipei Medical University spin-off): Ex-vivo anti-cancer drug sensitivity testing technology using Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC).
- iQnite: Presenting at the “Flash Pitch” stage as a promising startup from Taiwan.
- Taiwan Ruomei Technology Corp. (若美科技): Selected as a presenter to showcase next-generation technologies.
Additionally, in the Corporate Reverse Pitch segment, representatives from world-leading Taiwanese corporations and investors will participate to drive the integration of the Japan-Taiwan ecosystem:
- LITE-ON Technology Corporation (光寶科技)
- Mighty Net (邁特電子)
- CDIB Capital Innovation Advisors (中華開發)
Why Taiwanese Companies are Choosing Japan as a Strategic Global Hub
Taiwan’s top-tier tech talent is increasingly selecting Japan as the “first step” for global expansion due to three strategic reasons:
- A Stable Business Environment with Shared Values: As a nation sharing liberal democratic values and the rule of law, Japan is a trusted partner for Taiwanese companies, offering strong Intellectual Property (IP) protection and a stable financial hub.
- Synergy between Japan’s “Materials & Research” and Taiwan’s “Manufacturing & Implementation”: By combining Japan’s excellence in materials, equipment, and fundamental research with Taiwan’s unparalleled manufacturing speed and implementation capabilities, a complementary relationship is established to lead the global market.
- Supply Chain Resilience and Geopolitical Stability: In response to shifting global geopolitical dynamics, Asian talent and enterprises are redefining Japan as a “Safe Harbor” for innovation in Asia—a venue for long-term investment with high predictability.
March 3 (Tue) “XTC JAPAN 2026” Event Overview & Press Invitation
This competition will be held on the main stage of “JAPAN Innovation Day 2026 (JID),” an event drawing thousands of business leaders. It serves as a frontline demonstration of how the vision of “Restoring National Strength through Technology” is being realized at the private sector level.Admission: Free
Details: https://jid-ascii.com/
Online Attendance: Zoom
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center Hamamatsucho Hall (JID 2026 Main Stage)
1-7-1 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Google map)
Event Program (Tentative):
10:00 – Opening
10:20 – Keynote Speech: Mr. Andreas Schwarzenbrunner (Head of Industrial Tech and Partner at Speedinvest, Europe’s largest VC)
11:00 – Finalist Pitch Stage
12:50 – Unblocking the potential: Japan x Taiwan Cross-border Flash Pitch by Plug and Play Japan
13:40 – XTC JAPAN 2026 Award Ceremony
18:30 – Networking Reception (Finalists invited free of charge)
Venue: MIDORI.so NAGATACHO 2F (2-5-3 Hirakawacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
Media Inquiries & Press Registration
XTC JAPAN Steering Committee Secretariat (c/o Gaiax Co., Ltd.)
Email: pr@gaiax.com