Recruitment of Startups to Participate in "ASIA-PACIFIC AGRI-FOOD INNOVATION SUMMIT"

CIC Catalyst APAC (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Denise Medlenka) is recruiting domestic startup companies engaged in food tech to exhibit at the "ASIA-PACIFIC AGRI-FOOD INNOVATION SUMMIT," as part of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' "FY2025 Commissioned Project for Supporting Overseas Expansion of Businesses Utilizing Japan-originated Food Tech." This project provides support for exhibiting at this event, as well as opportunities for matching with overseas companies, investors, and partners seeking new business models. Startups aiming for global business expansion are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. ■ About ASIA-PACIFIC AGRI-FOOD INNOVATION SUMMIT Date November 11 (Wednesday) to November 13 (Friday), 2026 Location Singapore Overview A summit held as a key event of the Singapore International Agri-Food Week (SIAW) in partnership with Temasek and the Singapore Food Agency. 800 Senior Leaders (top-tier individuals with decision-making power and strong influence within companies and organizations) from agribusiness, food and ingredient brands, government, funds, and charities will gather, bringing together the most promising agri-food startups from within and outside the Asia-Pacific region. Organizer Rethink Events ■ Main Support Content Support Details ・Exhibition cost subsidy ・Participant pass (up to 1 person) ・Pre-market research support ・Panel and exhibit creation support ・Matching support with local companies ・Implementation of matching events with local companies and VCs in collaboration with local accelerators, etc. *A "Japan Pavilion" will be set up for 12 Japanese startups. Each company will have one cocktail table in a 15x5 feet space. All expenses other than those listed above are the responsibility of the participant. Examples: Transportation costs for exhibits, food and beverages, local transportation costs, etc. Application Requirements Applicants must be corporations that meet all of the following requirements: ・Japanese food tech businesses located in Japan (founded within approximately 20 years, aiming for rapid growth like a startup). ・Stage: Seed to Series B. ・Considering overseas business expansion or fundraising, and capable of business negotiations in English. ・A member of the Food Tech Public-Private Council, or has completed the application for membership. ・Compliance: Must not fall under any of the following: 　・Persons who have received a decision to commence bankruptcy proceedings and have not been reinstated. 　・Persons listed in each item of Article 32, Paragraph 1 of the Act on Prevention of Unjust Acts by Organized Crime Group Members (Act No. 77 of 1991). 　・Businesses and corporate entities that do not violate public order and morals as stipulated in Article 90 of the Civil Code. If there are many applications, selection will be based on the content of the application form. If false information is provided in the "Application Form," the application will be invalidated, and participation in this exhibition will be refused. Personal information provided may be shared with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and business-related parties for business consignment. Please be aware that public information such as company names may be disclosed regarding the implementation of the exhibition. Recruitment Slots 12 companies How to Apply https://forms.office.com/r/dbBVJVgj8C *If it is difficult to attach a link to your pitch deck within the form, please send it directly to the inquiry email address below. Selection Method Document screening will be conducted based on the application content, and selected companies will be contacted individually. Evaluation Criteria ① Team members' expertise, network, and language skills Whether the core team for implementing the plan is in place, whether it is a competitive team, and whether they have the language skills for overseas expansion. ② Growth potential of products, technologies, and services Whether they possess high technical capabilities, whether the technology is novel and competitively superior, whether the intellectual property necessary to utilize the technology is secured, and whether the target market size is large. ③ Adaptability to overseas markets Whether the currently handled technologies, services, and products are competitive in overseas markets. ④ Intention to expand into global markets Whether they have the intention to expand their business not only in Japan but also in overseas markets. ⑤ Sustainability of business model Whether they have a revenue model that allows for continuous operation and scale-up in the local market even after overseas expansion. Application Deadline June 12 (Friday), 2026, 23:59 Other Notes ・Expenses incurred by applicants for applying are the responsibility of the applicants. As a general rule, no application fees or other payments are required to be paid to the secretariat.