Call for Entries: Startup World Cup 2026 Kyushu Regional Pitch Contest!

Pegasus Tech Ventures (Headquarters: San Jose, California, USA; CEO: Anis Uzzaman) is proud to announce the 'Startup World Cup 2026' Kyushu Regional, co-hosted by the City of Kumamoto and supported by local governments, financial institutions, universities, and regional enterprises across Kyushu and Okinawa. The event will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Kumamoto Castle Hall.

Kyushu Regional Pitch Contest Application: https://www.startupworldcup.io/kyushu-app

The Kyushu Regional will take place on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Kumamoto Castle Hall, with an expected audience of approximately 2,000 participants, both in-person and online.

The Kyushu Regional has already received over 200 applications from startups, including local innovators across the Kyushu region. Last year's Kyushu Regional was won by Toymedical Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kumamoto Prefecture; CEO: Hidenori Takeshita), a company developing proprietary 'salt offset technology' and related products, who advanced to the global finals.

Benefits of Applying to the Kyushu Regional Pitch Contest:

① In addition to the champion's prize of approximately ¥150 million, all applicants have access to over ¥150 million in sponsor awards and a chance to win up to ¥300 million in investment prizes.

② Opportunity to network with world-class investors and entrepreneurs, enabling business partnerships and fundraising.

③ Maximum marketing impact through media coverage and feature articles in top-tier Japanese media outlets.

④ [First 10 applicants] A 1-minute presentation slot on the main stage.

⑤ [First 30 applicants] Free exhibition booth to directly promote to attendees and investors.

We welcome applications from startups aiming to innovate locally and scale globally from Kyushu.

2025 Kyushu Regional Representative: Toymedical Co., Ltd.

Kyushu Regional Overview:

Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Venue: Kumamoto Castle Hall

Address: 3-40 Sakura-machi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture 860-0805

Organizer: Pegasus Tech Ventures

Official Website: https://www.startupworldcup.io/kyushu-regional

Apply for the Pitch Contest Here

About the Startup World Cup:

The Startup World Cup is the world’s largest pitch competition, featuring regional qualifiers in over 130 countries and regions, bringing together innovative startups from around the globe. Each year, more than 30,000 startups apply worldwide. Regional champions advance to the global final in San Francisco, USA, competing for a $1 million (approximately ¥150 million) grand prize.

In 2025, Japan’s regional qualifiers were held in Tokyo, Kyushu, and Tohoku, attracting over 8,000 participants including major corporations, investors, and media, both on-site and online. For startups aiming to scale, this event offers a unique opportunity for fundraising, partnerships, and marketing. Additionally, a special ¥150 million investment prize pool is available exclusively for Japanese regional qualifiers, giving every applicant a chance to secure funding.

About Pegasus Tech Ventures:

Pegasus Tech Ventures is a venture capital firm headquartered in Silicon Valley, USA, backed by LP investments from over 40 global corporations. The firm has invested in over 300 startups across the U.S., Japan, and Southeast Asia. In Japan, it has invested in publicly listed companies such as Money Forward, Metaps, AirTrip, Monster Lab, and AI CROSS, as well as high-growth startups including Mujin, SkyDrive, Terra Motors, Unifa, FiNC Technologies, Life is Tech, and WizWe. Pegasus supports portfolio companies in international expansion, strategic partnerships, and fundraising. For more information, visit the link below.

*The above-listed portfolio companies do not necessarily represent all of Pegasus' investments.

https://ja.pegasustechventures.com/

Contact:

Pegasus Tech Ventures

Contact: Ayaka Unno

Email: unno@pegasusventures.com

Phone: +81-3-6417-4570