All Eyes on Startups

Kyushu's largest pitch contest
to discover and grow the next generation of startups

StartupGo!Go! The Pitch

October 10, 2025 (Fri) @ONE FUKUOKA CONFERENCE HALL

Win a 1 Million Yen Grand Prize!
A Launchpad for Seed-Stage Startups

A Pitch Stage Exclusively for Seed-Stage Startups: "StartupGo!Go! The Pitch"

"StartupGo!Go!" is a premier startup event that attracts investors and innovators from all Japan and around the world, including VCs and angel investors focused on seed and early-stage startups, as well as corporate representatives seeking collaboration.
Now in its 12th edition, the event embraces the theme 'All Eyes on Startups,' taking a startup-first approach to creating meaningful matchmaking opportunities.

Many past participants have secured funding and strategic partnerships through this event.
The event is also part of the selection process for NICT’s “Entrepreneur Expo.”

We look forward to seeing ambitious startups ready to take on the world!

※This year, the event will be held simultaneously with the "FFG Future Conference(FFGみらいの会議)" event hosted by the Fukuoka Financial Group.

Only for startups with less than 100 million yen in total funding

We're looking for startups with bold, innovative ideas that challenge industry norms.

Match with 20 + venture capital firms and corporates

Meet leading investors and industry experts ready to invest in or collaborate with you — and take your business to the next stage.

Winner's prize: 1 million yen

The winning team will receive a 1 million yen cash prize, along with access to key resources and growth support.

Opportunities to connect with corporates

In addition to the grand prize, multiple corporate awards will be presented too — offering chances to engage with major companies and explore potential collaborations.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Total fundraising must be under 100 million yen as of June 20, 2025(includes convertible notes and stock acquisition rights; excludes debt financing)
  • Pre-seed to early-stage startups (pre-incorporation is acceptable)
  • No restriction on founding year
  • Open to startups worldwide
  • Must be able to attend the in-person StartupGo!Go! event in Fukuoka on October 10, 2025

Schedule

Application Open

Friday, June 20, 2025

Application Deadline

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Please submit all application documents by 23:59 Japan time.

First Round Screening Results

Late August 2025

Selected startups that passed the document screening will be contacted individually

Semi-Final Pitch

October 10, 2025 | 10:00–14:00 (Tentative)

Held at the event venue. Startups will pitch in groups (Blocks A, B, C).
Pitch: 3 min | Q&A: 3 min | Language: Japanese or English Ten finalists will be selected.

Final Pitch

October 10, 2025 | 17:00 (Tentative)

The 10 Finalists will deliver a final pitch.
Pitch: 5 min | Q&A: 5 min | Language: Japanese or English

Awards Ceremony & Networking

October 10, 2025 | 19:00 (Tentative)

Announcement of winners and corporate awards, followed by networking with fellow participants, investors, and partners.

Prizes & Opportunities

Grand Prize

¥1,000,000

Several corporate awards will also be presented.

All semi-finalists will gain the opportunity to connect with over 20 venture capital firms and business partners, opening doors for funding and collaboration.

Application process

1

Entry registration

Click the Apply Now button and complete the online registration form.

2

Create entry sheet

We will send an official application form to your email. Please fill it out following the provided format.

3

Submit entry sheet

Please submit the completed application form by 23:59 (Japan time) on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. Please note that applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

4

First screening (Document Review)

Entries will be reviewed, and results will be emailed in late August.
Successful applicants will proceed to the semi-final pitch on October 10. More details will follow.

ENTRY

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us via this email. We’re happy to help! email.

Judge VC

Entry registration

Please register using the form below. The secretariat will contact you later with details about the document screening process.

Company Name
Name of the person in charge
email
Are you currently fundraising?