IVS2026 Expands Referral Ticket Free Quota from 3,000 to 6,000 Due to High Demand; No Free Coupons This Year

IVS2026, one of Japan's largest startup conferences, will be held from July 1 (Wed) to July 3 (Fri), 2026, with Miyako Messe, ROHM Theatre Kyoto, and Hotel Okura Kyoto as the main venues. The 'IVS PASS,' which can be obtained for free via the referral system introduced this year, reached its initial limit of 3,000. Due to high demand, the free quota has been expanded to 6,000. Additionally, as no free coupons will be distributed this year, participants must purchase a pass once the free quota is filled. To allow more people to participate in IVS2026, the free quota for the IVS PASS (regular price 39,800 JPY, tax included) has been increased to 6,000. Unlike previous years, no free coupons will be distributed. Once the referral quota is reached, participation will require a paid pass. The referral ticket system operates on '4S,' the official participant platform. Recipients of a referral code can obtain a pass for free until the quota is reached and will receive two additional referral codes to share. This chain of 'Receive -> Participate -> Refer' expands the network based on trust. Referral codes are held by 'Founders'—IVS staff, official side-event organizers, speakers, and funding partners. If you wish to attend, try reaching out to those who might hold a code. You can also earn a referral ticket by organizing an official side event. The 'IVS Family Tree' allows you to visualize your invitation network, helping you identify who to meet or connect with at the venue. This feature is exclusive to attendees. Furthermore, a 'Founder Ranking' will be released to honor those who have created the deepest and widest chains of trust. The ranking is based on the total number of people connected through the chain. This is not just a competition of numbers, but a testament to the quality of connections. The same referral functionality is available for side events on 4S, fostering high-quality, psychologically safe environments. The 4S platform also handles matching, side-event management, and check-ins. Note: Each person can refer up to two people. Referral rights are not granted to those who purchase passes through general sales. IVS2026, themed 'Japan is Back,' will feature two areas: the 'IVS' area for the general startup community and the 'IVS CORE' area (by invitation only) at Hotel Okura Kyoto for decision-makers. IVS2026 is organized by the IVS KYOTO Executive Committee (Headline Japan, Kyoto Prefecture, and Kyoto City).