About
TEDxInnovationU 2026 — Intergenerational Innovation is our blueprint for bridging generations through storytelling, mentorship, and bold ideas rooted in Tokyo’s innovation ecosystem.
Intergenerational Insight
Hear ideas that unite the curiosity of youth with the wisdom of experience.
Community First
Volunteer-driven teams creating a stage for local innovators with global relevance.
Immersive Production
Live talks, performances, and activations crafted to spark dialogue long after the event.
Made in Tokyo
A multicultural hub connecting universities, startups, and civic partners across Japan.
12+
Speakers
500+
Attendees
8
Hours
1
Day
TEDxInnovationU 2026 — Intergenerational Innovation
TEDxInnovationU is an independently organized TEDx event licensed by TED Talks LLC. Our 2026 edition, Intergenerational Innovation, is a meeting ground where live talks, performances, and immersive experiences invite youth and elders to co-create solutions for the future.
“This is not just a talk event — it’s a meeting ground where ideas, people, and perspectives converge.”
Date
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Time
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location
Minato City Industrial Promotion Center, Tokyo • 港区立産業振興センター
Live Experiences
A full slate of live speakers, performances, and interactive activations that connect generations.
Idea Exchange
Networking lounges, break discussions, and reception events designed to bridge disciplines.
Community Impact
A catalyst for Tokyo’s innovators, linking academia, entrepreneurship, design, and technology.
What is TED & TEDx?
TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design—global conferences where the world’s most innovative minds share ideas. TEDx brings that mission to local communities, empowering volunteers to curate events that amplify emerging voices while meeting TED’s standards of storytelling and production.
TED vs TEDx
Global events curated by the TED organization
Features world-renowned speakers and large productions
Centralized, international audience
High-budget, corporate production
Locally organized under TED’s license
Showcases emerging voices and community innovators
Local, university, and regional focus
Volunteer-driven, idea-driven
95%
Attendee satisfaction rate
2,500+
Volunteer hours contributed
45+
New collaborations formed annually
30+
Social media mentions per event
130+
Average attendees per event
Intergenerational Innovation
We live in a time of accelerating change—yet the generational gap remains a critical challenge. Our 2026 theme explores how mentorship, storytelling, and co-creation between age groups can unlock enduring solutions.
Core Objectives
- •Inspire participants to rethink how innovation happens across generations.
- •Create an environment where ideas are not confined to age, background, or discipline.
- •Enable meaningful human connections through discussion, creativity, and mutual respect.
Core Focus Areas
Age-Inclusive Design
Designing technology, spaces, and services that welcome every generation.
Mentorship Models
Building systems where experience meets fresh ideas through reciprocal learning.
Digital Literacy
Bridging the digital divide with empathy-driven education and access.
Co-Creation
Fostering partnerships that unite youth energy with seasoned expertise.
Speaker Spotlight
We welcome voices that bridge generations with insight, empathy, and boldness—from technologists and educators to community leaders and artists.
Ideal Speakers
- •Entrepreneurs and technologists
- •Artists and educators
- •Social innovators and policymakers
- •Community leaders and researchers
Talk Formats
- •Big Ideas
- •Tech Demos
- •Personal Stories
- •Issue-Focused Talks
- •Artistic Performances
Organizer Spotlight
Meet the driving force behind TEDxInnovationU—Dr. Joe Hug, a polymath who bridges academia, business, and community innovation.
Lead Organizer
Dr. Joe Hug
TEDx Organizer · Professor at iU University, Tokyo, Japan
“Education; business; entrepreneurship; and life—these are the arenas where I strive to spark curiosity and resilience.”
About
Business adviser • Mentor • Change agent • Educator • Entrepreneur • Event planner • Investor • Project manager • Social entrepreneur
Areas of Expertise
Business, Digital Transformation, Education, Entrepreneurship, Japanese Culture, Leadership, Startups, Organizational Change
Bio
🎤 TEDx Lead Organizer | 🧠 Polymath | 💪 Startup Mentor | 🪽 Angel Investor. A retired military veteran leveraging emergency medicine experience in academia and business. Researcher of “Hidden Champions” and Japan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, full-time professor, and managing director providing strategic advisory and executive education for multinationals across Japan.
Idea Worth Spreading
Versatile leader and strategic consultant championing knowledge-sharing between global business and Japan’s next generation of innovators.
My TED Story
From humble beginnings to immigrant veteran to professor—Dr. Joe continues learning while empowering youth through shared ideas and community building.
Hidden Talents
Database programming, Wing Chun Kung Fu, emergency and disaster medicine, and a deep love for philosophy, quantum math, and astrophysics.
Venue & Production
Hosted at the Minato City Industrial Promotion Center (港区立産業振興センター), a conference-grade facility designed for high-impact storytelling and inclusive experiences.
Organizing Team
TEDxInnovationU is produced by an all-volunteer team spanning strategy, design, production, and community engagement—working hand-in-hand with TIU Impact Next.
Licensee & Lead Organizer
Dr. Joe Hug
joe.hug@i-u.ac.jp
Co-Organizer
Prof. Taro Matsumura
Executive Producer
Amarsanaa Buyankhishig “B”
Event Manager
Saw Wai Yan Htet “Saw”
Head of Design
Hajam Prashant
Audio & Visual
Atsugu Sato (NextTek)
MediaAlpha
Blackmagic Design Inc.
Finance
Maya Takashima
Volunteers
Amarasama Nomintengeru “Nomin”
Masaya Murakami
Branding & Web
Farhan Morshed
Irfan Faisal (TIU)
Social Media
Poe Ei Ei Aung “Poi” (Facebook)
Thidar Soe “Alice” (Instagram)
Pwint Phyu Lei Naing “Juliet” (TikTok)
Zhoidik Pavel (Twitter/X)
Design & Venue
KC Yojana
Amarie Teo (University of Tokyo)
Sanika Parge (Waseda University)
Alice Saito
Lamin Htetphyo “Larry”
Aye Nyeinkhine “Kai”
Risako Harada
Sponsors & Audience Experience
Hlaing Ya Min New “Yamin”
Kaung Zarni Hein “Cow”
Myat Yadanar Tin “Tin Yu”
Yudai Yokoyama
Curation Team
Min Thiha Aung “T-ha”
Supporting Organizations
We are grateful to the partners who help amplify local voices with global relevance.
Experience the Day
Every element is designed to invite conversation, collaboration, and reflection across generations.
- Seamless check-in and reception experience with branded touchpoints.
- Interactive lounge spaces to spark dialogue during breaks.
- Networking areas and sponsor showcases connecting disciplines and generations.
- Photo walls and merchandise moments that capture the TEDx spirit.
- Reception party and post-talk discussions to keep ideas circulating.
Safety & Care
The wellbeing of attendees, speakers, and staff remains paramount throughout planning and execution.
- Follow intercom instructions and posted evacuation routes during fire or earthquake alerts.
- Security and volunteer staff are trained to identify suspicious behavior—event credentials must be worn at all times.
- Report medical emergencies immediately; onsite teams coordinate first aid and professional support.
Fostering Cross-Generational Dialogue
TEDxInnovationU is a collaboration between youth and elders, students and mentors. It is where curiosity meets wisdom, creating shared knowledge, mutual respect, and new models of innovation.
“Innovation happens when the curiosity of youth meets the wisdom of experience.”
A Stage for Japan’s Innovators
Our platform spotlights students, researchers, creators, and leaders shaping Japan’s future. Talks are professionally produced, recorded, and shared globally—extending impact far beyond event day.
Each TEDxInnovationU talk becomes part of a permanent digital archive, continuing conversations in classrooms, workplaces, and online communities.
Community Collaboration
We thrive on the passion of organizers, volunteers, and contributors. Teams spanning logistics, design, speaker curation, and media create a rich experience rooted in community spirit.
Collaborators include Tokyo International University faculty and students, local innovators, cultural organizations, and supporters such as the Austrian Embassy Commercial Section, Tokyo.
Join the Movement
Be part of a global-local movement of ideas, learning, and connection—whether as a speaker, volunteer, or attendee.
Experience a day of inspiration, storytelling, and vision—and see how ideas transcend generations.
Contact & Media
For press kits, partnership inquiries, or participation requests, reach out to the organizing team.