Over 100 Investors and Corporations from Japan and Abroad to Serve as Judges for "GRIC PITCH 2026" - Startup Applications Now Open

FOR STARTUPS, INC. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Yuichiro Shimizu; COO: Yukiko Tsunehida; hereinafter referred to as FOR STARTUPS), which develops growth industry support services, announced today the opening of applications for "GRIC PITCH" (to be held on November 6), a pitch contest for Japanese startups aiming to challenge global markets, as part of the "GRIC2026" conference, one of Japan's largest growth industry conferences scheduled for November. Eighteen companies will be selected from the applicants to present, with the announcement of the selected companies scheduled for mid-October 2026.

The pitch will be conducted primarily in English and streamed globally. Winning companies will be offered opportunities to support their global expansion, such as participation in overseas events and international networking.

Pitch Themes and Application Overview

This year's "GRIC PITCH" will recruit presenting companies based on the "17 Strategic Fields" designated by the government, under the following three themes:

Theme 1: AI & ROBOTICS Including AI, advanced robotics, quantum technology, IoT, etc.

Theme 2: FRONTIER TECH Including space, national security, cybersecurity, satellites, rockets, space transportation, orbital utilization, precision machinery, etc.

Theme 3: GROWTH SECTOR Including biotechnology, healthcare, content, GX, advanced medicine, autonomous driving/mobility, supply chain, food tech, non-IT industries, etc.

【Application Overview】

Application Period

July 1, 2026 (Wed) - August 31, 2026 (Mon) 23:59

Pitch Language

English *This is a change from last year.

Eligibility

Startup companies registered in Japan

Application Requirements

Startups falling under the pitch themes above

Results Announcement

Around mid-October 2026

Presentation Date

November 6, 2026 (Fri)

Participation Fee

Free

Details & Application Form

Opportunities Provided by GRIC PITCH

"GRIC PITCH" offers a variety of prizes, including the "GRAND PRIZE" awarded to the company that receives the highest evaluation based on the common evaluation criterion "Japan to Global" across all themes, as well as the "GO GLOBAL PRIZE" selected by each partner (※).

※Specific details of each prize and additional awards will be announced sequentially.

Winning companies will be provided with opportunities to support their global expansion, such as:

- Opportunities to participate in overseas events and programs - Networking with international investors and entrepreneurs - Various awards from sponsoring companies

Furthermore, past presenting companies have reported outcomes such as creating connections with investors, securing funding opportunities, and utilizing the event for recruitment and public relations.

Over 100 Investors and Corporations from Japan and Abroad to Participate as Judges

Last year, approximately 30% of the over 120 judges were from overseas. This year as well, venture capital (VC) firms, CVCs, major corporations, and renowned investors and executives from around the world, including Asia and Europe, will gather to support Japanese startups in their global endeavors.

This year, over 100 judges, including VCs, investors, and corporations from Japan and abroad, are expected to participate.

GRIC PITCH 2026 Judges (Partial Excerpt)

"GRIC PITCH 2026" Judges (Partial Excerpt, Order Irrelevant)

Koichi Maruo (Representative Director, Major7th)

Masanao Matsumoto (General Partner & Co-founder, WiL)

Kazuhiko Nakamaru (Executive Officer, Chief Business Development Officer, Mizuho Financial Group)

Michiko Kato (Woven Capital / TIP CIO, Partner / CEO)

Julien Mialaret (Operating Partner, Eurazeo)

Voices from Past Award-Winning Presenters

[GRIC2025 "GRAND PRIZE/THEME AWARD: UPRISING DIGITAL" Winner]

"GRIC was a valuable opportunity to meet investors, corporations, and entrepreneurs from Japan and abroad, and to present our company's technology and vision. I sincerely hope that all challengers will make the most of this stage and achieve their next great leap and business growth."

Miga Mizunuma Chief Operating Officer (COO), Craif Inc.

[GRIC2025 "THEME AWARD: CLIMATE TECH & RESILIENCE" Winner]

"The encounters with diverse investors and industry professionals, as well as the feedback received during the pitch, have helped to refine our business. Even if the results are not immediately apparent, the seeds sown will surely sprout. I encourage everyone to give it their all."

Yuta Nojiri Representative Director & CEO, LINEA INNOVATION Inc.

[GRIC2025 "THEME AWARD: FRONTIER TECH" Winner]

"Receiving the award allowed us to establish connections with judges and various investors who attended, which subsequently led to funding opportunities. Furthermore, the pitch video remains as an asset that we can effectively utilize for recruitment. I wholeheartedly support those who will be challenging this year."

Ryōhei Kobayashi Representative Director & CEO, ElevationSpace Inc.

Interviews with Presenting Companies Now Available We have published an interview with Craif Inc., a presenting company at last year's GRIC PITCH. Please take a look at the behind-the-scenes story of their challenge to the world.

▶ Interview Article Here

GRIC2026 Event Overview

Free Participation Registration

- Event Name: GRIC2026

- Date & Time: November 4 (Wed) Online broadcast 10:00-18:00* (tentative)

November 5 (Thu) Online broadcast 10:00-18:00* (tentative)

November 6 (Fri) Shibuya Hikarie & Partial Online broadcast 10:00-19:00* (tentative)

*The above content is subject to change without notice.

- Venue: Hybrid event (Online: EventHub, Offline: Shibuya Hikarie 9F)

- Participation Fee: Free

- Official Website: GRIC2026

- Social Media Hashtag: #GRIC2026

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‍[Sponsorship Opportunities]

We are currently seeking sponsor companies to partner with us in revitalizing the startup ecosystem. If you are interested in receiving detailed materials and sponsorship plans, please feel free to contact us at the inquiry address below.

Sponsorship Inquiries

【FOR STARTUPS, INC. Overview】

Company Name: FOR STARTUPS, INC.

Representative: Representative Director CEO Yuichiro Shimizu, Representative Director COO Yukiko Tsunehida

Established: September 1, 2016

Business Activities: Growth industry support services

Stock Code: 7089 (Listed on Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market)

Location: Azabudai Hills Mori JP Tower 31F, 1-3-1 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo

https://forstartups.com/

FOR STARTUPS builds a "growth industry support platform" that includes human resource support for startups as its core, along with database management, community building, funding support, and exit support, providing various services to support startups and challengers.