Robotics x AI and Enterprises- How Startups and Japanese Corporates Can Work Together and Go Global

Robotics x AI and Enterprise How Startups and Japanese Corporates Can Work Together and Go Global Short Description (Luma preview) A panel discussion bringing together robotics founders, Japanese enterprises, and investors to explore how they can collaborate effectively and scale globally. Date & Time February 16 (Monday)5:00 pm – 8:00 pm About This Event Japan is home to world-class robotics companies and global manufacturing leaders. At the same time, many global-minded robotics startups struggle to navigate partnerships with large Japanese enterprises — while corporates are eager to work with startups but face internal processes, procurement challenges, and cultural gaps. This panel discussion brings together founders, enterprise leaders, investors, and media voices to explore: Where the biggest gaps actually areWhy collaboration often stallsWhat successful startup–enterprise partnerships really look likeHow robotics and AI companies can expand globally with Japanese partners The goal is to create an honest, practical conversation that helps both sides learn how to work together — and win globally. What You’ll Learn How robotics startups can partner with Japanese enterprisesWhat corporates look for when working with startupsHow procurement and pilots really workHow successful joint projects are structuredHow Japanese companies can support global expansionHow AI is accelerating robotics innovation Format 🎤 Panel discussion + Q&A + networkingBeginner-friendly, practical, and focused on real experiences. Speakers & Panelists Moderator/speaker Tim Romero — The host of Disrupting Japan Podcast, serial entrepreneur, investor Panelists Denislav Metodiev — Head of Corporate Strategy & Development, YanmarFelix von Drigalski— CTO, MujinAveek Das — Co-founder & CTO, Guide Robotics (Final speaker confirmations coming soon.) Agenda 5:00 pm – Doors open 5:50 pm – Opening & greetings Venue sponsor Antler Japan's 5 minutes pitchOrganizer greeting — Kaori Rei Host of AI Founders' Mindset Podcast / Community3 minutes pitch by Nick Hafner the co-founder CEO of Refined Robotics (Antler Japan alumni) Event sponsor welcomeQuick panelist introductions 6:10 pm – Panel discussion 6:30 pm – Audience Q&A 6:50 pm – Networking 7:50 pm – Wrap-up & venue closing prep8:00 pm – Venue closes Who Should Attend Robotics and AI startup foundersEngineers and product leadersJapanese enterprise innovation teamsCorporate venture armsInvestors interested in roboticsAnyone curious about startup–enterprise collaboration Hosted by Kaori ReiAI Founders’ Mindset / CommunityConnecting founders, enterprises, and investors across Japan and globally. Organizing hackathons for AI builders with corporations. Our podcast has 100k subscribers. Venue Sponsor: Antler Japan About Antler Antler is where founders come to go further, faster. Antler is the world’s most active early-stage investor, backing exceptional people at the very start of their journey and supporting them from inception to scale. Across 30 cities worldwide, including New York, San Francisco, London, Berlin, Bangalore, Singapore, Seoul, and Sydney, the firm helps founders remove the barriers to building by connecting them with world-class peers, validating business models, and providing initial capital. For founders who go on to build breakout companies, Antler Elevate, the firm’s flagship, emerging growth fund invests beyond the early stages. To date, Antler has backed more than 1,600 startups globally across a wide range of industries and technologies with the goal of backing more than 6,400 by 2030. Antler Japan is now accepting founder applications for its 6th Inception Program which will begin on May 11, 2026. https://www.antler.co/residency/japan https://www.facebook.com/Antler.Japan https://x.com/AntlerJapan