Leading deep-tech innovator Danu Robotics, co-founded by Xiaoyan Ma, won the regional round of the global Pitch2Tokyo competition, earning the opportunity to represent Edinburgh at Venture Café Global Gathering in Tokyo on 19 February.
Danu Robotics develops AI-driven robotic waste sorting systems that increase recycling rates, reduce contamination, lower landfill dependence, and cut carbon emissions. Their technology improves operational efficiency, enhances worker safety, and supports circular economy initiatives globally.
“At Venture Café, we are dedicated to connecting innovators to make things happen, and Danu Robotics is acting on this vision for the planet. Their robotic solutions offer a direct answer to the global climate crisis. Showcasing them in Tokyo underlines Edinburgh’s role in engineering a sustainable future" - Claudia Cavalluzzo, Director of Venture Café Edinburgh.
The flagship event of Venture Café Global Institute, Global Gathering brings together innovation community builders and industry experts from across the world. Each Venture Café sends its top local startup to compete in the Pitch2Tokyo, akin to a ‘World Cup of Innovation’, spotlighting regional ingenuity on a global stage and fostering friendly, high-stakes competition between ecosystems.
Founded in 2009, Venture Café Global Institute is the world’s leading innovation ecosystem activator on a mission to build thriving communities with local roots and global reach. Through its signature Thursday Gatherings, Venture Café connects more than 100,000 startup founders, investors, researchers and other innovators each year in cities across the globe. Its mission is simple: connecting innovators to make things happen.
Venture Cafe Edinburgh opened in November 2025 in partnership with the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) and is based at Edinburgh Futures Institute.
