Free Booth Exhibition Slots Now Available for Startup World Cup 2026 Kyushu Regional Entrants!

The Startup World Cup is an excellent opportunity for fundraising and new business collaboration, as participants from various backgrounds, including venture capital firms, operating companies, startups, and support organizations from across the country gather for the event.

Last year's regional tournament garnered significant attention, with approximately 2,000 attendees participating both on-site and online, and extensive coverage by numerous media outlets.

Therefore, for this year's competition, it has been decided to offer free booth exhibitions for Kumamoto-based startups to hold business negotiations and individual consultations with event attendees, alongside the pitching companies of the Kyushu Regional.

Booth applications are accepted on a strictly first-come, first-served basis and require prior entry into the Kyushu Regional. Startups wishing to exhibit are encouraged to apply for both the Kyushu Regional and the booth exhibition as soon as possible.

* Scene from the 2025 Kyushu Regional (Held on May 23, 2025)

Booth Overview

Cost: Free

Opening Hours: Wednesday, August 26, 2026, 10:00-17:00

Location: Kumamoto Castle Hall 2F Entrance Lobby

Number of Exhibitors: Approximately 10 companies * The 10 Kyushu Regional finalists will also be exhibiting.

Selection Method: First-come, first-served

Conditions: 1) Must be a startup or similar entity active in Kumamoto. 2) Must have already entered the Startup World Cup 2026 Kyushu Regional.

Application Method: After entering the Kyushu Regional, please apply via the form below.

* Booth Exhibition Application Form: https://logoform.jp/form/TGU5/1628600

* As slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, Kumamoto City will contact you regarding your exhibition status after submission.

Entry to the Kyushu Regional

Cost: Free

Application Deadline: Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Number of Selections: 10 companies

Screening Method: Document screening by the organizer

Application Method: Please apply from the URL below (Entry is free).

* Kyushu Regional Application Form: Kyushu Regional | Startup World Cup

About the Startup World Cup

The Startup World Cup is a highly attractive competition for startups. Qualifiers are held in over 130 countries and regions worldwide, and the winner of the world final in San Francisco can receive an investment prize of approximately 150 million JPY. Furthermore, participating in the tournament allows startups to build connections with world-class investors and entrepreneurs. (For details, please see the URL below.)

https://www.city.kumamoto.jp/kiji00369236/index.html

Startup World Cup 2026 Kyushu Regional Overview

Event Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Time: 13:00-17:00 (Planned)

Venue: Kumamoto Castle Hall, Civic Hall (3-40 Sakuramachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City)

Organizer: Pegasus Tech Ventures Co., Ltd.

Co-organizer: Kumamoto City

Spectator Application: Please apply from the designated link.

An early bird discount is available until Tuesday, June 30, 2026, allowing attendees to purchase the regular 3,000 JPY ticket for 2,000 JPY. (Free for students. Please bring your student ID on the day of the event.)

Responsible Department / Contact Information

8th Floor, Kumamoto City Hall Main Building, 1-1 Tetorihoncho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City 860-8601

Kumamoto City Economic Tourism Bureau, Industry Department, Startup and New Industry Support Division

Phone: 096-328-2392 (Direct) Email: kigyoushinsangyou@city.kumamoto.lg.jp