Sapporo, Hokkaido – February 22-26, 2026 – Shake H served as a premier conference gathering ecosystem builders, founders, and investors, fostering insights and dialogue on the future of innovation. As a global startup summit from Hokkaido, a rapidly emerging hub for technology and innovation, the conference served as a meeting point for Japanese innovators and Southeast Asian ecosystem leaders to lay the groundwork for long-term, cross-border collaboration.
A highlight of this conference was the session bridging Hokkaido and Southeast Asia, titled “Unlocking Southeast Asia: A Gateway for Japanese/Hokkaido Startups”, which explored the strategic potential for Hokkaido-based startups to expand into the ASEAN market. Panelists explored the region’s investment landscape and market attractiveness, offering practical approaches for foreign companies to navigate entry through partnership models and ecosystem engagement. The session aimed to provide insights designed to foster sustainable, cross border growth between Hokkaido and Southeast Asia.
Drawing from his experience building TechShake as a cross-border platform connecting Japan and Southeast Asia, Kotaro Adachi, CEO and Co-Founder of TechShake, shared practical insights on how startups from Japan and Hokkaido could effectively navigate the ASEAN market. He further detailed strategies for establishing strong partnerships and outlined the essential steps for these companies to position themselves for successful regional expansion.
Joined by fellow ATLAS co-founding member, Cong-Thang Huynh, Co-Founder and Chairman of InnoLab Asia, unpacked the practical realities of ASEAN market entry, moving beyond theory to focus on execution through localized partnership models.
From the stage, Huynh reflected on the necessity of prioritizing relevance over perfection and noted that speed is a defining factor for competitiveness in the region. He further advocated for a “land first, then expand” approach, emphasizing that credibility earned through validated pilot projects and ecosystem integration ultimately opens more doors than marketing alone.
Shake H 2026 served as a catalyst for high-impact dialogue between Japanese innovators and Southeast Asian ecosystem leaders. These interactions established a vital foundation for sustainable cross-border alliances, bridging the gap between Hokkaido’s innovation and the expansive ASEAN market. Through these discussions and connections, the conference cultivated a solid foundation in building long-term regional cooperation.
