【Now accepting applications for Global Pitch Competition participants!】 Global Startup Event will be held on October 9 & 10, 2024 in Fukuoka City!

Fukuoka City will be hosting a Global Startup Event that will bring more than 2,000 startups, VCs and others from around the world to Fukuoka!
Last year the event was held as "ASCENSION2023" and over 1,500 visitors from around the world attended the two-day event, where 14 startups from 7 countries and regions competed in the pitch competition.
Once again this year, we are calling for challengers for the Asia Next Unicorn Award, a global pitch competition to discover the next generation of unicorn companies!
The startups selected to take the stage at the competition will receive a free booth to exhibit at the event, as well as support in matching with VCs and corporations!
This is an excellent opportunity to network with overseas leading VCs, so don't miss out and apply for the competition!

Event Overview

Dates

　October 9 (Wed) and 10 (Thu), 2024

Location

　Daimyo Garden City
　Fukuoka Growth Next
　GrowthⅠ
Daimyo Conference
　（2-6-11 Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City）

　Pitch competition, Sessions, Booth exhibition, Business meetings, Networking

Number of participants

　Approximately 2,000 people (to be expected)

Global Pitch Competition Application Guidelines

Eligibility

Startups that have raised a cumulative total of 100 million yen (equivalent) or more　(about 10 - 15 startups will be shortlisted);
Either based in Fukuoka, receiving VC investment in Fukuoka, working with Fukuoka-based companies, or seeking to do any of the above;　
Already have a product launched or have a demonstrable prototype;
Will be able to cooperate with Fukuoka City's promotions, events, questionnaires, etc.

Language

　English

Judges

　VCs from the U.S., Asia, Europe and Japan (TBD)

Award

1 million yen prize for the winner

Judging Criteria

- Startups that have the potential to grow into a unicorn within 3 years;
- Have a business presence or plan to do business in Asia, including Japan.

Participation Benefits

Free booth to exhibit at the event & admission pass
Allowance equivalent to travel expenses to Fukuoka City
Matching support with VCs and corporations in Fukuoka City

How to Apply

　Please click below and fill in the application form.
　https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hXrzPeBcpB1GIUM4J7wYqcfUsnvA94DsJRV6uRKQ9lQ/edit

Application Deadline

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Notification of Result

　Selection results will be notified by late August after screening.

Contact

Global Startup Support, Startup Promotion Department
Fukuoka City Government
Attn: Ms. Nakashima/ Mr. Kuramitsu
Email：globalstartup@city.fukuoka.lg.jp

〒810-8620 福岡市中央区天神1丁目8番1号 [地図・福岡市役所へのアクセス]
代表電話：092-711-4111
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