First-ever Youth Pitch to be held at Startup World Cup 2026 Kyushu Qualifiers this year! Seeking entries from elementary to high school and technical college students!
The "Startup World Cup 2026 Kyushu Qualifiers" will be held on August 26, 2026, at Kumamoto Castle Hall. As a regional preliminary for one of the world's largest business contests, this year will feature the inaugural Youth Pitch for elementary to high school and technical college students. The entry deadline is June 30.
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It has been decided that the Kyushu Qualifiers for the "Startup World Cup," the world's largest business contest, which saw passionate pitches last May, will be held again this year on Wednesday, August 26, at Kumamoto Castle Hall.
Furthermore, this year's Kyushu Qualifiers will host the first-ever Youth Pitch for elementary to high school and technical college students.
We are also looking forward to entries from startups, in addition to the Youth Pitch entries.
The entry deadline for both is Tuesday, June 30.
■ What is "Startup World Cup"?
Startup World Cup holds preliminaries in over 130 countries and regions worldwide. The winner of the global finals in San Francisco receives an investment prize of approximately 150 million yen. Participating in the competition also offers startups a highly attractive opportunity to build connections with globally active investors and entrepreneurs.
■ About the Youth Pitch
There are no restrictions on the business plan fields for application. From solving social issues to creating new value, such as healthcare/welfare, regional revitalization, SDGs, and technology utilization, all genres are welcome. We are seeking ideas that will open up the future, armed with creativity and passion.
Teams or individuals who win the domestic qualifiers will be invited to the global finals held in San Francisco on Friday, November 6. The travel expenses and accommodation fees for up to two presenting students and one supervisor from their team will be covered by the organizing committee, and free tickets to the Startup World Cup Global Finals will be provided.
"It would be interesting if I could do this," "I want to realize this kind of society" —
That pure desire to "try it" is the first step to moving the world.
We sincerely look forward to your applications.
■ Event Overview
Event Name: Startup World Cup 2026 Kyushu Qualifiers
Date: Wednesday, August 26, Reiwa 8 (2026)
Method: Hybrid (On-site participation + Online streaming)
Venue: Kumamoto Castle Hall Civic Hall (3-40 Sakuramachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City)
Participation Fee: 3,000 yen (Early bird price 2,000 yen until June 30)
*Entry for pitching is free.
■ How to apply for Startup Entry
Please apply from the URL below.
https://www.startupworldcup.io/kyushu-regional
■ Department in charge / Contact
Kumamoto City Economic and Tourism Bureau, Industry Department, Startup and New Industry Support Division
1-1 Tetorihonmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, 860-8601 (Kumamoto City Hall Main Building 8F)
Phone: 096-328-2392 (direct)
Email: kigyoushinsangyou@city.kumamoto.lg.jp
Furthermore, this year's Kyushu Qualifiers will host the first-ever Youth Pitch for elementary to high school and technical college students.
We are also looking forward to entries from startups, in addition to the Youth Pitch entries.
The entry deadline for both is Tuesday, June 30.
■ What is "Startup World Cup"?
Startup World Cup holds preliminaries in over 130 countries and regions worldwide. The winner of the global finals in San Francisco receives an investment prize of approximately 150 million yen. Participating in the competition also offers startups a highly attractive opportunity to build connections with globally active investors and entrepreneurs.
■ About the Youth Pitch
There are no restrictions on the business plan fields for application. From solving social issues to creating new value, such as healthcare/welfare, regional revitalization, SDGs, and technology utilization, all genres are welcome. We are seeking ideas that will open up the future, armed with creativity and passion.
Teams or individuals who win the domestic qualifiers will be invited to the global finals held in San Francisco on Friday, November 6. The travel expenses and accommodation fees for up to two presenting students and one supervisor from their team will be covered by the organizing committee, and free tickets to the Startup World Cup Global Finals will be provided.
"It would be interesting if I could do this," "I want to realize this kind of society" —
That pure desire to "try it" is the first step to moving the world.
We sincerely look forward to your applications.
■ Event Overview
Event Name: Startup World Cup 2026 Kyushu Qualifiers
Date: Wednesday, August 26, Reiwa 8 (2026)
Method: Hybrid (On-site participation + Online streaming)
Venue: Kumamoto Castle Hall Civic Hall (3-40 Sakuramachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City)
Participation Fee: 3,000 yen (Early bird price 2,000 yen until June 30)
*Entry for pitching is free.
■ How to apply for Startup Entry
Please apply from the URL below.
https://www.startupworldcup.io/kyushu-regional
■ Department in charge / Contact
Kumamoto City Economic and Tourism Bureau, Industry Department, Startup and New Industry Support Division
1-1 Tetorihonmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, 860-8601 (Kumamoto City Hall Main Building 8F)
Phone: 096-328-2392 (direct)
Email: kigyoushinsangyou@city.kumamoto.lg.jp