Growth

Global pitch showdown

Pitch in Osaka. Go global.

The Global Pitch Showdown invites bold founders building the future of health to pitch on a global stage, compete for a major cash prize, and plug directly into one of the world's leading health innovation ecosystems.

Overview

Founders: Pitch, win, and grow in Japan

Organised by MedTech Actuator — Asia Pacific's health venture catalyst — the Global Pitch Showdown brings together high-potential startups from around the world to compete, connect, and expand.

Organised by MedTech Actuator — Asia Pacific's health venture catalyst — the Global Pitch Showdown brings together high-potential startups from around the world to compete, connect, and expand.

Organised by MedTech Actuator — Asia Pacific's health venture catalyst — the Global Pitch Showdown brings together high-potential startups from around the world to compete, connect, and expand.

Finalists pitch live in Osaka in front of hundreds of global health ecosystem leaders, investors, and partners, with one startup awarded a major non-dilutive cash prize.

Finalists pitch live in Osaka in front of hundreds of global health ecosystem leaders, investors, and partners, with one startup awarded a major non-dilutive cash prize.

Finalists pitch live in Osaka in front of hundreds of global health ecosystem leaders, investors, and partners, with one startup awarded a major non-dilutive cash prize.

Alongside the pitch competition, finalists take part in a curated immersion experience designed to unlock real opportunities in Japan's healthtech ecosystem.

Alongside the pitch competition, finalists take part in a curated immersion experience designed to unlock real opportunities in Japan's healthtech ecosystem.

Alongside the pitch competition, finalists take part in a curated immersion experience designed to unlock real opportunities in Japan's healthtech ecosystem.

What's included:

Major cash prize

A significant award for the winning startup

Major cash prize

A significant award for the winning startup

Major cash prize

A significant award for the winning startup

Travel support

Finalists receive support to attend the in-person final

Travel support

Finalists receive support to attend the in-person final

Travel support

Finalists receive support to attend the in-person final

Global stage

Pitch live at the MedTech Actuator Showcase in Osaka

Global stage

Pitch live at the MedTech Actuator Showcase in Osaka

Global stage

Pitch live at the MedTech Actuator Showcase in Osaka

Investor & ecosystem access

Connect with investors, corporates, and partners

Investor & ecosystem access

Connect with investors, corporates, and partners

Investor & ecosystem access

Connect with investors, corporates, and partners

Phases

A 3 step pathway from selection to showcase, designed to help startups build traction, visibility, and strategic connections in Japan.

A 3 step pathway from selection to showcase, designed to help startups build traction, visibility, and strategic connections in Japan.

A 3 step pathway from selection to showcase, designed to help startups build traction, visibility, and strategic connections in Japan.

1
Semi-finals

Following application, selected startups are invited to compete in a semi-final round.

Japan-based startups pitch through a local in-person semi-final International startups pitch through an online semi-final

A small number of top teams are selected to advance to the global final in Osaka.

2
Global pitch final (Osaka)

Finalists pitch live at the MedTech Actuator Showcase in Osaka, in front of hundreds of global health ecosystem leaders, investors, and partners.

This is the headline moment — where startups compete for the grand prize and gain high-profile international exposure.

3
Immersion experience

Finalists take part in a curated multi-day immersion across Osaka and the Kansai region, designed to accelerate market entry and build meaningful connections.

This includes:

  • Investor & Partner Access Curated meetings, including investor sessions and ecosystem introductions

  • Site Visits

  • Exposure to hospitals, manufacturers, and innovation hubs

  • Market Insights Practical guidance on entering and operating in Japan

  • Ecosystem Integration

  • Direct connection into one of Asia's leading biomedical corridors

Eligibility

We're looking for bold founders building the future of health
Open to:
  • Startups in MedTech, HealthTech, BioTech, or Digital HealthStage - Seed to Series B

  • Companies from seed to Series B stage

  • Founders based in Japan or globally

  • Teams with international ambition and readiness to scale

Applications are assessed on innovation, impact, team strength, and global potential.

Entrance pathways

Startups can enter through one of two streams:

Japan-based startups

Apply via a local program pathway with structured support and a domestic semi-final

Japan-based startups

Apply via a local program pathway with structured support and a domestic semi-final

Japan-based startups

Apply via a local program pathway with structured support and a domestic semi-final

International startups

Apply via the global open call with a short video and pitch deck

International startups

Apply via the global open call with a short video and pitch deck

International startups

Apply via the global open call with a short video and pitch deck

Both pathways lead to the same outcome: pitching live in Osaka at the MedTech Actuator showcase.

International Applications Opening Soon

From early-stage ideation to international expansion, MedTech Actuator Singapore supports founders ready to accelerate health innovation. Reach out to learn more.

International Applications Opening Soon

From early-stage ideation to international expansion, MedTech Actuator Singapore supports founders ready to accelerate health innovation. Reach out to learn more.

International Applications Opening Soon

From early-stage ideation to international expansion, MedTech Actuator Singapore supports founders ready to accelerate health innovation. Reach out to learn more.