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PITCH SHOWDOWN

Delivered by

Co-organised by

Global Pitch Showdown: Pitch in Osaka. Go Global.

Compete this October for ¥5 million and connect into the global health innovation ecosystem.

Japan Entry

International Entry

PITCH SHOWDOWN

Delivered by

Co-organised by

Global Pitch Showdown:
Pitch in Osaka.
Go Global.

Compete this October for ¥5 million and connect into the global health innovation ecosystem.

Japan Entry

International Entry

Overview

What is the Global Pitch Showdown?

Global Pitch Showdown is an international pitch competition to help ambitious health startups launch onto a global stage.

Open to startups from Japan and around the world, selected finalists will take part in a week-long immersion across the Kansai region, connecting with leaders, partners, and opportunities across one of Japan’s most dynamic health innovation ecosystems.

The competition culminates in a live final at the MedTech Actuator Showcase in Osaka, Japan. One winning startup will receive ¥5 million, presented by OCCI. 

Global Pitch Showdown is partnering with Global Startup Expo 2026.

Delivered by

Co-organised by

Cash Prize

One winner takes home ¥5 million, presented by OCCI.

Cash Prize

One winner takes home ¥5 million, presented by OCCI.

Cash Prize

One winner takes home ¥5 million, presented by OCCI.

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.

Travel Support

Finalists receive support to attend the final in Osaka.

Travel Support

Finalists receive support to attend the final in Osaka.

Travel Support

Finalists receive support to attend the final in Osaka.

Local Market Immersion

Opportunities across the Kansai biomedical innovation corridor.

Local Market Immersion

Opportunities across the Kansai biomedical innovation corridor.

Local Market Immersion

Opportunities across the Kansai biomedical innovation corridor.

Entrance Pathways

Two pathways. One global stage.

The Global Pitch Showdown supports high-potential health startups from application through to international exposure in Osaka.

Startups apply through one of two entry streams, with selected teams progressing to a semi-final and top startups advancing to the Global Pitch Showdown at the MedTech Actuator Showcase in Osaka.

Japan Entry

For startups based in Japan, this pathway offers a local route to the Global Pitch Showdown in Osaka.

10 selected startups will join a pitch development program, including an in-person seminar and semi-final held in Osaka in early September. Three startups from the Japan stream will advance to pitch at the MedTech Actuator Showcase in October.

Japan Entry

Japan Entry

For startups based in Japan, this pathway offers a local route to the Global Pitch Showdown in Osaka.

10 selected startups will join a pitch development program, including an in-person seminar and semi-final held in Osaka in early September. Three startups from the Japan stream will advance to pitch at the MedTech Actuator Showcase in October.

Japan Entry

Japan Entry

For startups based in Japan, this pathway offers a local route to the Global Pitch Showdown in Osaka.

10 selected startups will join a pitch development program, including an in-person seminar and semi-final held in Osaka in early September. Three startups from the Japan stream will advance to pitch at the MedTech Actuator Showcase in October.

Japan Entry

International Entry

For startups based outside Japan, this pathway is open through the global stream.

10 selected startups will compete in an online semi-final, with four finalists invited to Osaka for the Global Pitch Showdown at the MedTech Actuator Showcase. Finalists will also take part in a tailored Kansai immersion, exploring opportunities across Japan's health innovation ecosystem.

International Entry

International Entry

For startups based outside Japan, this pathway is open through the global stream.

10 selected startups will compete in an online semi-final, with four finalists invited to Osaka for the Global Pitch Showdown at the MedTech Actuator Showcase. Finalists will also take part in a tailored Kansai immersion, exploring opportunities across Japan's health innovation ecosystem.

International Entry

International Entry

For startups based outside Japan, this pathway is open through the global stream.

10 selected startups will compete in an online semi-final, with four finalists invited to Osaka for the Global Pitch Showdown at the MedTech Actuator Showcase. Finalists will also take part in a tailored Kansai immersion, exploring opportunities across Japan's health innovation ecosystem.

International Entry

Eligibility

Who should apply

We are looking for bold founders building the future of health.
The program is open to startups in MedTech, HealthTech, or BioTech.

Applicants should be:

  • Seed to Series B stage

  • An incorporated company

  • Building a scalable health innovation

  • Ready to engage with international markets

  • Interested in Japan as a growth, partnership, or market-entry opportunity

Apply for the Global Pitch Showdown

Choose the entry stream that matches your location and take the first step toward pitching live in Osaka this October.

Japan Entry

International Entry

Apply for the Global Pitch Showdown

Choose the entry stream that matches your location and take the first step toward pitching live in Osaka this October.

Japan Entry

International Entry

Apply for the Global Pitch Showdown

Choose the entry stream that matches your location and take the first step toward pitching live in Osaka this October.

Japan Entry

International Entry

The Global Pitch Showdown and MedTech Actuator Showcase are co-organised by OCCI and the Global Startup Expo 2026.