France-Japan Deep Tech Strategic Forum

France–Japan DeepTech Strategic Forum 2026 AI, Defense, Cybersecurity & Industrial Sovereignty Hosted by La French Tech Tokyo, in partnership with Alta Ares, Scrum Ventures, and Tokyu Land Corporation. As AI, cybersecurity, defense, and geopolitics increasingly converge, France and Japan have a unique opportunity to build deeper strategic and technological cooperation. The France–Japan Strategic Tech Forum 2026 will bring together leading entrepreneurs, investors, corporations, policymakers, and experts from both countries to discuss how France and Japan can strengthen their technological and industrial sovereignty—and where we should collaborate to lead rather than follow. Through keynote presentations, two high-level round tables, and dedicated networking, the forum will explore emerging opportunities across AI, cybersecurity, defense and dual-use technologies, as well as cross-border investment, commercial partnerships, and joint innovation. Program 16:30 — Registration & Networking 17:00 — Opening Remarks Sophie Meralli, Co-President, La French Tech Tokyo Victoire Solly and Hadrien Canter, Alta Ares Ken Varhama, Scrum Ventures The opening will include an introduction to La French Tech Tokyo and an overview of the French startup ecosystem. 17:45 — Keynote Speaker to be announced. Round Table 1 — AI, Defense and Japan’s Own Moment Japan is entering a new phase in the development of its defense, dual-use, and strategic technology ecosystem. What capabilities should Japan prioritize, and how can cooperation with France accelerate innovation, investment, and industrial partnerships? Confirmed participants: Akira Igata, Professor, Tama Graduate School of Business, Moderator Gen Tsuchikawa, former CEO of Sony Ventures Victoire Solly, Chief of Staff Alta Ares Jean-Luc Alfonsi, Managing & Representative Director Airbus Helicopters Sergiy Korsunsky,  Former Ambassador of Ukraine to Japan Additional speakers will be announced shortly. Round Table 2 — Cybersecurity and AI As AI becomes increasingly central to both economic competitiveness and national security, how can France and Japan collaborate on cybersecurity, trusted technologies, and resilient digital infrastructure? Confirmed participants: Filigran, a leading French cybersecurity company and member of the French Tech ecosystem, Maya Toda, Country Manager Constella Security Japan, Nobuo Miyamura, Representative Director & CEO Additional speakers and the detailed discussion topic will be announced shortly. 20:15 — Networking Continue the conversation over drinks and connect with founders, investors, corporate leaders, and policymakers from the French and Japanese ecosystems. 21:00 — Closing Who Should Attend? This forum is designed for: French startups and scaleups developing their presence in Japan Japanese startups interested in France and the European market AI, cybersecurity, defense, deeptech, and dual-use companies French and Japanese corporations seeking technology and commercial partnerships VC and CVC investors exploring cross-border investment opportunities Government, academic, and ecosystem representatives Members of the La French Tech Tokyo community Join us for a rare gathering at the intersection of technology, investment, geopolitics, and industrial strategy—and help shape the next chapter of France–Japan cooperation. Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026Venue: Sakura Deeptech Shibuya, how to get thereFormat: Keynote, panel discussions and networkingOrganized by: La French Tech Tokyo × Alta Ares × Scrum Ventures × Tokyu Land Corporation The program and speaker lineup are subject to change.