February 3rd - 6th 2026
What is Next Kitchen 2026?
Started in 2023, Next Kitchen 2026 is a tailored mentoring and business-matching program for Foodtech startups worldwide that are looking to expand into Japan, beginning in Kobe – the City of Gastronomy.
Organized by JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), Hyogo Prefecture, and Kobe City, the program is part of a Japanese government initiative.
In partnership with Pasona Inc. and CROSSBIE GmbH, it connects Foodtech startups with leading Japanese corporations to foster sustainable food solutions.
Whether it’s transforming eating habits, promoting healthier diets, or improving systems and logistics, we believe we can shape the future of food together.
The program takes place on Feb 3rd - 6th, 2026, and applications are open now. It’s truly a kitchen for the next wave of food innovation.
What’s on the menu?
Insight sharing
By experts on Japanese market entry
Facility tour
Visit Japanese food production facility
1-to-1 matching
With food businesses in Japan
Demo day
Pitch to meet key stakeholders
Timeline
What we are looking for
Your business aligns with our objectives and addresses food industry issues.
1.
Social impact
You have a passion and determination to develop business in Japan.
2.
Launch in Japan
Your business fits the needs of local authorities and other stakeholders effectively.
3.
Market fit
Your business has a clear plan, and your product or service is not subject to Japan’s import restrictions.
4.
Feasibility
Your business already has traction (e.g., revenue, funding, or users) and can maintain service standards while scaling up.
5.
6.
Scalability
Team
Your management team has a clear vision, strengths and fascination for leveraging food tech to solve social challenges.
Our alumni
As a food tech company, the NEXT KITCHEN 2023 program was everything we needed to explore the Japanese food culture and industry, uncover market opportunities, and establish strong partnerships for a successful market entry.
— Deniz Ficicioglu, Co-Founder of BettaF!sh
It was a worthwhile experience. The companies for 1:1 meetings were well chosen. We are already discussing collaboration with Japanese companies to diversify our product portfolio & enter the East Asian market successfully.
— Dr. MBA Neena Gupta-Biener, Co-Founder of VIFFFF
A truthful deep dive into Japanese food culture. I couldn't have imagined a better programme.
— Bruno Scocozza, Co-Founder of Esencia Foods
Program partners
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Why is this happening in Kobe?
Kobe is known worldwide for its famous beef, but this culinary city offers much more. It has rich farming and fisheries, and it's also the world's top exporter of sake. No wonder food lovers call it "The Kitchen of Japan."
However, as we rethink our consumption today, a question comes up: How can we make our local food more sustainable?
With your creativity, we believe we can build a strong ecosystem that promotes sustainability while enjoying the best food.
The Kobe Ecosystem
Designated by the government of Japan as a
Top startup city
Population
5.4 million
Number of foreign affiliates