What is the Grand Pitch?
The “Grand Pitch 2026: BEYOND” pitch contest, organized by TechGALA,
has welcomed participants from various countries and regions over its first two editions, supporting the creation of new businesses in Central Japan.
For this third edition, we are once again calling for entries from players with innovative ideas and technologies that can change the world, aligned with TechGALA’s five themes.
Furthermore, in addition to welcoming a distinguished panel of judges, we are strengthening initiatives to create “connections that will change the future” with investors and corporate venture capital (CVC) firms.
New collaborative efforts will dynamically take shape right here.
Don’t miss this opportunity—let’s build the future together.
Grand Pitch 2026: BEYOND
Now Accepting Applications
Applications for the first round of screening for Grand Pitch 2026: BEYOND are now being accepted.
We look forward to receiving your ideas that will connect with the world, spark new collaborative efforts, and change your future!
Application Deadline: Friday, September 18, 2026
Awards &
Supports
In addition to the prize money, the unique networking opportunities offered by “TechGALA”
—where you can meet future partners and investors—will propel your venture to the next level.
Winner (1st Place)
¥1,000,000 Cash Prize
We are awarding this grant to provide business funding to help you take the next step.
Media Coverage
We provide support for media exposure, including through TechGALA media partners and various other media outlets.
and more…
Companies Advancing to the Finals
(Top 15 Companies)
Mentoring Support in Preparation for the Actual Event
In preparation for the final round of judging, experts and entrepreneurs will help participants refine their pitches right up until the event begins.
Matchmaking Support with Partner Companies
We will provide priority invitations for business meetings with open innovation partners at the TechGALA Speed Business Matching Event and offer matching support on the day of the event.
Exhibition Rights at the Demo Booth
You can set up a dedicated exhibition booth within the TechGALA venue to directly showcase your company’s products and services to attendees.
and more…
Judges
-
Shuji Honjo
Managing Director, Honjo International / Visiting Professor, Tama Graduate School of Business
-
Emily Wu
Darwin Venture Management
Partner -
Isaku Takeshi
Musashi Seimitsu Industry Co., Ltd.
Cheif Innovation Officer
- Additional judges will be announced sequentially. Please stay tuned!
Guidelines
- Date and Location of the Finals
-
Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 2:30 PM – 5:50 PM
Aichi, Nagoya
- Only finalists who have passed the document screening and finalists who pass the selection rounds will pitch live on stage.
- Target Companies
-
Startups that have been in business for less than 20 years and have a product or service that has reached MVP status or higher
- To accommodate companies that require an R&D period—such as university-spinoffs and deep-tech firms—we have broadened the eligibility criteria to include companies that have been in business for less than 20 years.
- Five Target Business Sectors
-
The business must fall under one of the following categories.
- MOBILITY
- SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT
- MATERIAL
- LIFE SCIENCE / WELL-BEING
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
- Language and Orientation Requirements
-
Since this program is designed with global evaluation and business negotiations in mind, applicants must be able to deliver their entire pitch presentation in English.
- Japan-based startups aiming to expand into overseas markets or secure funding from overseas venture capital firms
- Overseas-based startups aiming to make a full-scale entry into the Japanese market or pursue co-creation with domestic companies
Judging
Criteria
Business Impact
Clarity of the revenue model and growth potential in the market.
Does the company have a clear revenue model? Furthermore, can it be expected to achieve sustainable and explosive business growth?
Social Impact
Is the resolution of social and environmental issues integrated into the business model?Does the model provide a mechanism with the economic viability to address social issues in the target sector (in terms of its contribution to ESG and the SDGs)?
Innovation
(Novelty/Innovativeness)
Technological superiority and unique innovation that redefine existing markets.Does the company possess unique innovation and an overwhelming competitive advantage through its proprietary technology and unique business model?
Market Potential
(Global/Japanese Markets)
Is the target market large enough? Furthermore, for startups based in Japan, is the roadmap for “expanding overseas” realistic and concrete? For startups based overseas, is the roadmap for “entering the Japanese market” realistic and concrete?
Feasibility
Is the product generating early traction at an MVP level or higher? Also, does the core team (management and technical staff) possess the strength to overcome global uncertainties and and successfully execute the business plan?
Potential for Co-Creation with Central Japan
By collaborating with Central Japan’s world-class manufacturing industries and ecosystem*, is there potential to generate significant synergies and opportunities for proof-of-concept (PoC) testing for both parties? Alternatively, even if not limited to those specific fields, is there potential to attract investment to Central Japan?
- Transportation、Machinery・Robotics、Chemicals、Materials、Electronics
Selection process
First Round of Screening
Application Period
You can apply using the form.
Second Round of Screening
Document Screening and Announcement of Speakers
From among the applying companies, 15 will be selected to advance to the finals following a document screening process.
Refinement & Pre-Matching Support
The 15 companies advancing to the finals will be assigned dedicated mentors to help them refine their presentations before the event.
Pitch Contest Finals
(2:30 PM–5:50 PM)
We’ll take the stage at Real Stage in Nagoya. The winning company will be selected from among 15 finalists.
- The application deadline is subject to change without notice.
Grand Pitch 2026: BEYOND
Now Accepting Applications
Applications for the first round of screening for Grand Pitch 2026: BEYOND are now being accepted.
We look forward to receiving your ideas that will connect with the world, spark new collaborative efforts, and change your future!
Application Deadline: Friday, September 18, 2026