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Pitch Contest

TechGALA Global Startup Showcase 2026

TechGALA will host a pitch contest titled TechGALA Global Startup Showcase 2026. This contest provides a platform for Japanese startups aiming for overseas markets and global startups targeting the Japanese market to showcase their potential. Discover new partnership opportunities and market expansion possibilities in Nagoya, the heart of Japan.
Don't miss this chance to build the future together.

Application Form Here

Judges

James Kwan

Jumpstart Executive Chairman

Keisuke Goda

University of Tokyo Professor

Murat Aktihanoglu

Remarkable Ventures / Managing Partner

Oscar Ramos

Managing General Partner at Orbit Ventures & Venture Partner at SOSV

Takeshi Isaku

Musashi Seimitsu Industry Co., Ltd. Managing Executive Officer, Chief Innovation Officer Representative, Musashi Innovation Lab Clue

Yohei　Sawayama

Coral Capital Founding Partner

Yukiko Kato

SBI Investment Co., Ltd. Director & Executive Officer, Head of Corporate Venture Capital Department

Yuriko Gibo

Japan's Impact Consortium Chairperson

Selection Process

Early September to Early November

Startup Application Period
We are seeking startups aligned with TechGALA's theme from a wide range of fields both domestically and internationally.

Early to mid-November

Document screening and speaker selection
We will select 15 companies from the applicants to advance to the finals after document screening.

Early December to mid-January

Presentation Refinement
The 15 companies advancing to the finals will be assigned dedicated mentors to refine their presentations before the main event.

Late January

Pitch Contest Finals
We will hold a pitch contest in Nagoya and select the grand prize winner from among 15 companies.

Application Guidelines

Date and Time / Venue

Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 12:40 PM - 4:00 PM

Nagoya, Chunichi Hall & Conference

Purpose

・Attracting overseas startups to the region and promoting business collaboration and investment among local startups.

・Strengthening ties between the Aichi, Nagoya, and Hamamatsu regions and overseas startup ecosystems.

・Creating opportunities for local startups to expand overseas.

Application Requirements

・Companies founded within the last 20 years that possess innovative technologies or business models and aim for rapid growth.

・Businesses operating in one of the following five fields: “MOBILITY,” “SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT,” “MATERIAL,” “LIFE SCIENCE / WELL-BEING,” or “ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY.”

・Be able to deliver a pitch in English.

Prize

Grand Prize: ¥1,000,000
Additional Prizes: Concierge-assisted corporate matching support and media coverage on the event day are planned.

*Prize details are subject to change.

Application Form Here