We are hosting a large-scale pitch contest titled "TechGALA CROSSBORDER Startup Showcase." This contest provides a platform for Japanese startups aiming for overseas markets and global startups targeting the Japanese market. We are widely inviting startups with innovative ideas and technologies that align with the five themes of TechGALA to change the world. Discover new partnerships and market expansion opportunities in Nagoya, the heart of Japan. Don't miss this chance to create the future together.
About
Pitch Contest Overview
- Date and Time
- Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 12:40-15:40
- Location
- Chunichi Hall, Nagoya
- Details
- Finalists will deliver a 5-minute pitch, followed by comments from the judges and an award ceremony.
Please note that pitches must be conducted in English.
Presenters
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Tadashi Kubo
AC Biode, Co-Founder & CEO
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Takeharu Kondo
Acompany Co., Ltd., Chief Research and Development Officer
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Ronald Yu
Autopass Inc, Founder & CEO
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Vivart Rangari
Choira, CEO & Founder
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Oleg Grauberger
IANUS Simulation GmbH, Innovationmanager
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Yuki Kitsukawa
MAP IV, Inc., CEO
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Akiko SEGAWA
Preferred Computational Chemistry, Inc. (PFCC), Head of Business Strategy
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Jungho Lee
Smartsound Corporation, CEO
-
Kristine White
Spornado, CEO
-
Julien PASCAL
Fairmat, Head of Sales
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Dr. Carmit Yadin
DeviceTotal, Founder and CEO
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Phenikaa-X JSC.
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Onoma AI
-
JOYCLE
-
Human Life CORD Japan Inc.
-
Baobab,Inc
Tadashi Kubo
AC Biode
Co-Founder & CEO
Decomposing mixed plastic and organic waste at 200 ℃ into monomers and hydrogen
双日にて12年間、アフリカ・中南米向けの機械、プラント、再エネ等の営業・ファイナンスを担当、途中ブラジルに駐在。退職後英国に留学し、CTO水沢と共同で、日本と英国にて起業(AC Biodeは2社目の起業)、ルクセンブルグも含め展開、現在に至る。英国Cambridge大学、米MIT、欧州宇宙機関ESA、韓国ComeUp等の国内外ピッチコンテスト30件で優勝。英国Cambridge大学院経営学修士(MBA)、慶應義塾大学環境情報学部卒。元アマチュアボクシングフェザー級全日本3位
Takeharu Kondo
Acompany Co., Ltd.
Chief Research and Development Officer
Confidential computing platform for the AI-powered future
名古屋工業大学 情報工学科を卒業。在学中に深層学習や画像処理の研究を行いながら、Acompanyを共同創業。セキュアマルチパーティ計算エンジン「QuickMPC」の開発を主導。現在は研究開発部門の責任者を務めるとともに、海外事業開発を推進している。
Ronald Yu
Autopass Inc
Founder & CEO
Seamless Mobility Future for Drivers /ドライバーのためのシームレスなモビリティの未来
余致緯（Ronald Yu）は、未来のモビリティ体験を形作ることに情熱を注ぐ実践者です。「Autopass」の創設者として、車両決済やスマートモビリティの革新的なソリューションを専門としています。これまでに「Parkinglot App」や「GetAlfred App」などのアプリを成功裏に開発し、日常の移動における課題を的確に解決してきました。ユーザー主導の革新を理念に掲げ、技術とサービスをシームレスに統合し、車両所有者が未来の都市をより快適に移動できる環境を創出しています。
Vivart Rangari
Choira
CEO & Founder
AI & 5G powered platform for seamless music creation & collaboration.
ヴィヴァート・ランガリ、共同創業者兼CEO、Choira
SINE IIT Bombayの起業家であり、認定音楽プロデューサーであり、スタンフォードSeed Sparkの卒業生として、AIと5Gを用いて音楽を革新するというChoiraの使命を推進しています。
Oleg Grauberger
IANUS Simulation GmbH
Innovationmanager
deep tech made in germany digital twins, simulations & Ai tech
学士号および修士号（物理学）。ミーレ＆Cie KGのテクノロジーマネージャー。技術スカウティングとプロジェクトリーダーシップ。ディープテックスケールアップIANUSのイノベーションマネージャー。物理学応用と研究コラボレーションを推進。
Yuki Kitsukawa
MAP IV, Inc.
CEO
From 3D Data to Value: Unlocking the Potential of 3D Data with MAP IV
株式会社マップフォー 代表取締役。
名古屋大学大学院情報科学研究科情報システム学専攻修了。
専門は自動運転システムにおける3次元地図および位置推定技術。自動運転OSS「Autoware」の初期開発メンバーとして活躍。2016年、自身の研究成果を社会実装するために株式会社マップフォーを設立。
Akiko SEGAWA
Preferred Computational Chemistry, Inc. (PFCC)
Head of Business Strategy
Matlantis: High-performance atomistic simulator
東京大学卒業、化学工学とイノベーションマネジメントを専攻。コンサルティング後、Preferred Networksに参加し、PFCCとして知られる新素材事業を推進。現在はMatlantisのPFCCにおける世界的な拡大を推進しています。
Jungho Lee
Smartsound Corporation
CEO
A New Paradigm Shift in Healthcare with AI Stethoscope
医療/医療業界で12年。清華大学卒業。KAIST MBA
受賞歴：
グローバルヘルスケアイノベーション賞
保健福祉大臣賞
科学技術情報通信大臣賞
Kristine White
Spornado
CEO
Spornado Early Alert System for Crop Disease
クリスティンは、室内真菌汚染サンプリングで20年以上の経験があります。環境工学企業で大規模な事業部門や技術チームを管理する彼女のリーダーシップは、小規模プロジェクトから今日の会社へとSpornadoを導いてきました。
Julien PASCAL
Fairmat
Head of Sales
化学業界および航空宇宙業界での豊富な経験を持つ営業マネージャー。交渉、営業管理、事業開発における高いスキルを有する。複合材料の修士号を取得した、優れた営業のプロフェッショナル。
Dr. Carmit Yadin
DeviceTotal
Founder and CEO
カルミット・ヤディン博士は、20年以上の経験を持つ世界的なサイバーセキュリティの専門家であり、デバイスセキュリティを専門としています。シンガポールを拠点とするDeviceTotalの創設者兼CEOとして、エージェントレスのリスク管理を可能にするAI駆動型プラットフォームを開発し、この分野を革新しました。
Comming Soon
Phenikaa-X JSC.
Comming Soon
Comming Soon
Onoma AI
Comming Soon
Comming Soon
JOYCLE
Comming Soon
Comming Soon
Human Life CORD Japan Inc.
Comming Soon
Comming Soon
Baobab,Inc
Comming Soon
Judges
Antti Sonninen
Takeoff Tokyo Co-founder, CEO
Antti Sonninen
Takeoff Tokyo Co-founder, CEO
Antti is the main organizer of Takeoff Tokyo, the place for internationally ambitious entrepreneurs. Originally from Finland, Antti came to Japan 10+ years ago first bringing the Angry Birds game here as the company’s first country director. Antti has also worked on several projects bridging the tech communities of Japan and the rest of the world, most notably as co-founder and CEO of Slush Tokyo.
Takeshi Isaku
Managing Executive Officer, Chief Innovation Officer, Musashi Seimitsu Industry Co., Ltd. Head of Musashi Innovation Lab Clue.
Takeshi Isaku
Managing Executive Officer, Chief Innovation Officer, Musashi Seimitsu Industry Co., Ltd. Head of Musashi Innovation Lab Clue.
Spent 18 years stationed in the U.S. after joining Musashi, primarily responsible for sales to automotive OEMs. Returned to Japan in 2010 and oversaw group-wide sales before taking charge of new business development as Chief Innovation Officer in 2019. Established joint ventures such as MusashiAI, 634AI (Israel), and Waphyto, actively leading business expansion as a board member.
As Head of Clue, involved in launching and accelerating internal ventures, as well as driving innovation from regional initiatives. As CVC Director, executed over 15 investments in startups and venture capital firms in Israel, Silicon Valley, Canada, Japan, and other regions, promoting Open Innovation. Currently focusing on expanding Green Tech businesses in Africa through investments in startups in Kenya and Ethiopia.
As Head of Clue, involved in launching and accelerating internal ventures, as well as driving innovation from regional initiatives. As CVC Director, executed over 15 investments in startups and venture capital firms in Israel, Silicon Valley, Canada, Japan, and other regions, promoting Open Innovation. Currently focusing on expanding Green Tech businesses in Africa through investments in startups in Kenya and Ethiopia.
Keiko Usami
bp Japan, Head of Hydrogen - Japan
Keiko Usami
bp Japan, Head of Hydrogen - Japan
Keiko has been taking the role as Head of Hydrogen Japan at Oil Major since Dec 2022 after her career in Mitsubishi Corporation. After joining Mitsubishi in 1993, she was assigned to automotive distribution business. Since 2000, has been dedicated to business development in various fields including lithium-ion battery manufacturing, sales of grid scale stationary battery energy system. During her role of being seconded in 2016 to Mitsubishi International GmbH in Germany as GM of Environmental Business and assigned as Head of Environmental R&D Office after coming back to Japan in 2019, she had a chance to cover Hydrogen and other environmental related businesses. A thought on The 100 Year-Life led her to a challenge to open a new chapter to work for an global oil measure.
Inspired by her father as an engineer, she is a believer of technical innovation makes the world change and wish to promote Japanese technology to help change the world better.
Keiko holds bachelor degree in Economy from University of Tokyo (1993)
Inspired by her father as an engineer, she is a believer of technical innovation makes the world change and wish to promote Japanese technology to help change the world better.
Keiko holds bachelor degree in Economy from University of Tokyo (1993)
Eyal Agmoni
Founder, Chartered Group CEO, Chartered Investment Managers
Eyal Agmoni
Founder, Chartered Group CEO, Chartered Investment Managers
Chartered Group is a private equity with global operations in seven countries (Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Germany, Thailand, Luxembourg and Israel). Investment interest consist of four major groups: (1) Investment Banking, (2) Credit, Real Estate, (3) Hospitality and (4) Technology. With approximately 35 years of alternative investment experience Chartered Group engages in various businesses in Japan through its portfolio companies. In terms of start-up investments, the company manages several deep tech-focused funds and has invested approximately USD 400 million.
Michiko Kato
Woven Capital Partner
Michiko Kato
Woven Capital Partner
Michiko Kato is a partner at Woven Capital, the growth stage fund of Toyota, where she led Woven Capital’s investments globally in Nuro, Ridecell, WHILL, Enecoat Technologies. She also serves as an independent director at HENNGE and Excite Holdings.
Prior to joining Woven Capital, Michiko was CFO at ABEJA. She also worked on various investment and financing deals at leading investment firms such as Unison Capital, International Finance Corporation and Morgan Stanley.
Prior to joining Woven Capital, Michiko was CFO at ABEJA. She also worked on various investment and financing deals at leading investment firms such as Unison Capital, International Finance Corporation and Morgan Stanley.
Atsushi Suzuki
Marubeni Corporation General Manager of the Chubu branch
Atsushi Suzuki
Marubeni Corporation General Manager of the Chubu branch
Marubeni Corporation General Manager of the Chubu branch
Joined the Marubeni Corporation in 1987. He specializes in the automotive, finance, and mobility fields. He has been stationed overseas for a total of 18 years in Belgium, Sweden, the United States, and India. In this process, he has a wealth of experience in overseas M&A and new business launches. In 2019, he was appointed General Manager of Southwest Asia and President of Marubeni India Company in New Delhi. Since 2022, he has been the General Manager of the Chubu branch. Influenced by India's start-up ecosystem, Innovation Lab Agora was opened in September 2023 as a base for new business creation and co-creation. Currently, the total number of Agora members exceeds 1,000, and business among members is continuously being born. At the same time, as a visiting professor at Nagoya University, he supports university-launched ventures and advises local start-up Kurofune.
Joined the Marubeni Corporation in 1987. He specializes in the automotive, finance, and mobility fields. He has been stationed overseas for a total of 18 years in Belgium, Sweden, the United States, and India. In this process, he has a wealth of experience in overseas M&A and new business launches. In 2019, he was appointed General Manager of Southwest Asia and President of Marubeni India Company in New Delhi. Since 2022, he has been the General Manager of the Chubu branch. Influenced by India's start-up ecosystem, Innovation Lab Agora was opened in September 2023 as a base for new business creation and co-creation. Currently, the total number of Agora members exceeds 1,000, and business among members is continuously being born. At the same time, as a visiting professor at Nagoya University, he supports university-launched ventures and advises local start-up Kurofune.
Yumi Goda
MUFG Innovation Partners Co., Ltd. Strategic Investment Div. Senior Associate
Yumi Goda
MUFG Innovation Partners Co., Ltd. Strategic Investment Div. Senior Associate
Joined MUIP for Strategic Investment Division since July 2022. Prior to MUIP, Yumi worked for Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) where she was enrolled in corporate sales for the first few years and then open innovation activities with startup company for new business development department. After working for SMBC, Yumi joined a startup company developing an urban model theme park as a founding member and experienced the launch of a museum in the entertainment area. Currently, she covers the US investment at MUIP.
Event Overview
Content Theme
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MobilityThe Mobility Revolution
Beyond Boundaries -
Sustainable EnvironmentAchieving a Sustainable Global
Environment -
MaterialMaterial Innovation -
Strengthening Global Industry -
Life Science / Well-beingPioneering Innovations in Life
Sciences and Well-being -
Advanced TechnologyHarmony with Technology -
Industrial Innovation and Social Transformation
Eligibility Criteria
- Target Participants
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- 1. Japanese startups aiming for overseas markets
- 2. Global startups targeting the Japanese market
- Prizes and Awards (Tentative)
- Prize money 1,000,000 yen
Special meetings with decision-makers from major corporations Support for expanding into overseas or Japanese markets
Participation in side events celebrating the best and most outstanding awards
Access to VIP parties
- Category for Each Theme (Example)
- 1.Automotive
new mobility, logistics and distribution, space-related (space environment, space exploration and space equipment), etc.
2.Energy
lifestyle (food, clothing, housing), etc.
3.Semiconductor
materials, manufacturing, precision machinery, etc.
4.Medical,healthcare
biotechnology, prevention, care,etc.
5.Robotics
Communications, IoT, XR, Security, Blockchain, EC, AI, Sharing, Matching, Drones, R&D, Apps, DX, SaaS, etc.
FAQ
- Q.
- Is it mandatory to pitch in English?
- A.
- Yes, you are required to pitch in English on the day of the event. If you are concerned about your English skills, you may incorporate pre-recorded videos into your pitch.
- Q.
- Can I apply without a recommender?
- A.
- Yes, you can apply without a recommender.
- Q.
- Can I apply even if I am considering overseas expansion but have no achievements yet?
- A.
- Yes, you can apply even if you currently have no achievements in overseas expansion. Please include your strategy for international expansion in your application documents.
Collaboration Programs
At TechGALA, we also implement collaborative programs with various organizations.
A business plan contest originating from Aichi, aiming to create the next generation of unicorns, will be held within TechGALA as Season 3.
Move to external site
MAKERS OASIS 2025
A grand networking event to share the joy of “making”Featuring electronics workshops, Hebocon (robot competition), and exhibit booths by DIY inventors.
Coming Soon
