for Startups, Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director & CEO: Yuichiro Shimizu; Representative Director & COO: Yukiko Tsuneda), a company dedicated to supporting high-growth industries, has opened applications for GRIC PITCH, the startup pitch competition to be held as part of GRIC2026, one of Japan's largest conferences for the innovation ecosystem, scheduled for this November.
The competition is open to Japan-based startups with ambitions to expand into global markets. Following a competitive selection process, 18 startups will be chosen to present on stage. The selected companies are expected to be announced in mid-October 2026.
All pitches will be delivered primarily in English and livestreamed to a global audience. Winning startups will also gain access to opportunities that support international expansion, including participation in overseas events and global networking programs.
Pitch Themes & Application Overview
This year's GRIC PITCH invites startups in industries aligned with the Japanese government's 17 Strategic Priority Sectors, organized under the following three themes:
Theme 1：AI & ROBOTICS
Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Robotics, Quantum Technologies, IoT, and related fields
Theme 2：FRONTIER TECH
Space, Defense, Cybersecurity, Satellites, Rockets, Space Transportation, In-Orbit Services, Precision Engineering, and related fields
Theme 3：GROWTH SECTOR
Biotechnology, Healthcare, Content, Green Transformation (GX), Advanced Medical Technologies, Autonomous Driving & Mobility, Supply Chain, FoodTech, Non-IT Industries, and related fields
【Application Details】
Application Period
July 1, 2026 – August 31, 2026 (11:59 PM JST)
Pitch Language
English
Please note that English is now the official pitch language beginning this year.
Eligibility
Startups incorporated in Japan
Requirements
Applicants must operate in one of the pitch themes listed above.
Announcement of Selected Startups
Expected in mid-October 2026
Pitch Date
November 6, 2026
Participation Fee
Free of charge
For application details and the online application form: HERE
Opportunities Through GRIC PITCH
In addition to the GRAND PRIZE, awarded to the startup receiving the highest overall evaluation based on the common judging criterion of "Japan to Global," GRIC PITCH will also present several awards, including the GO GLOBAL PRIZE, selected by partner organizations.*
*Further details regarding award benefits and additional prizes will be announced at a later date.
Winning startups will receive opportunities such as:
Participation in overseas events and international programs
Networking with global investors and entrepreneurs
Awards and support provided by sponsoring companies
Past participants have also reported tangible outcomes, including new investor connections, fundraising opportunities, and long-term recruitment branding through their recorded pitch presentations.
More Than 100 Investors and Corporate Leaders to Join as Judges
Last year, more than 120 judges participated, with approximately 30% joining from outside Japan. This year, GRIC PITCH will once again bring together leading venture capital firms, corporate venture capital investors, major corporations, and prominent investors and business leaders from across Asia, Europe, and other regions to support the global ambitions of Japanese startups.
More than 100 judges from venture capital firms, investment institutions, and corporations in Japan and overseas are expected to participate.
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■ 「GRIC PITCH 2026」Featured Judges (Partial List)
Koichi Maruo, CEO, Major7th
Masataka Matsumoto, General Partner & Co-founder, WiL
Kazuhiko Chuman, Executive Officer CBDO, Mizuho Financial Group
Michiko Kato, CIO & Partner, Woven Capital / TIP; CEO
Julien Mialaret, Operating Partner, Eurazeo
Voices from Previous Award Winners
GRIC2025 GRAND PRIZE / THEME AWARD: UPRISING DIGITAL
"GRIC provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with investors, corporations, and entrepreneurs from Japan and around the world while sharing our technology and vision.
I sincerely hope this year's participants make the most of this platform and use it as a springboard for their next stage of growth."
ーCraif, Inc. Mika Mizunuma, COO
GRIC2025 THEME AWARD: CLIMATE TECH & RESILIENCE
"The connections we made with investors and industry leaders, along with the feedback we received during our pitch, significantly sharpened our business strategy.
Even if the results are not immediate, the seeds you plant here will grow. Give it everything you've got."
ーLINEA Innovations Yuta NOJIRI, Co-Founder, CEO
GRIC2025 THEME AWARD: FRONTIER TECH
"Winning the award enabled us to build relationships with judges and investors, which later contributed to our fundraising efforts.
Having our pitch video available has also become a valuable recruitment asset. I wholeheartedly encourage everyone taking on the challenge this year."
ーElevationSpace Inc. Ryohei Kobayashi, Co-Founder / CEO
Featured Founder Interview Now Live!
We've published an interview with Craif Inc., one of last year's GRIC PITCH participants. Discover the story behind the company's journey to the global market and its expansion into the U.S.
GRIC2026 Event Information
Registration: HERE
Event: GRIC2026
Schedule
November 4 (Wed): Online | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (JST)*
November 5 (Thu): Online | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (JST)*
November 6 (Fri): Shibuya Hikarie & Online | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (JST)*
*Schedule is subject to change without prior notice.
Format
Hybrid (Online via EventHub / In-person at Shibuya Hikarie 9F)
Admission
Free
Official Website: GRIC2026
Official Hashtag: #GRIC2026
【Sponsorship Opportunities】
We are currently welcoming sponsor companies that share our commitment to strengthening the startup ecosystem. If you would like to receive sponsorship materials or discuss partnership opportunities, please contact us using the inquiry information below.
【About for Startups, Inc.】
Company Name: for Startups, Inc.
Representative Directors:
Yuichiro Shimizu, Representative Director & CEO
Yukiko Tsuneda, Representative Director & COO
Established: September 1, 2016
Business: Growth Industry Support Services
Stock Code: 7089 (Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market)
Head Office:
31F, Azabudai Hills Mori JP Tower
1-3-1 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
for Startups, Inc. provides a comprehensive platform that supports the growth of startups through talent acquisition, startup databases, community building, funding support, and exit support. By offering a broad range of services, the company helps entrepreneurs and startups accelerate their growth and global success.
