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PITCH SHOWDOWN

Delivered by

Co-organised by

Japan Entry

The Japan Program is the local entry pathway for Japan-based startups applying to the Global Pitch Showdown.

Selected startups receive structured support, pitch coaching, and the opportunity to compete in a Japan semi-final. Top teams will advance to the final at the MedTech Actuator Showcase in Osaka, where they will pitch alongside international finalists for ¥5 million.

Apply Now

Information session

PITCH SHOWDOWN

Delivered by

Co-organised by

Japan Entry

The Japan Program is the local entry pathway for Japan-based startups applying to the Global Pitch Showdown.

Selected startups receive structured support, pitch coaching, and the opportunity to compete in a Japan semi-final. Top teams will advance to the final at the MedTech Actuator Showcase in Osaka, where they will pitch alongside international finalists for ¥5 million.

Apply Now

Information session

PITCH SHOWDOWN

Delivered by

Co-organised by

Japan Entry

The Japan Program is the local entry pathway for Japan-based startups applying to the Global Pitch Showdown.

Selected startups receive structured support, pitch coaching, and the opportunity to compete in a Japan semi-final. Top teams will advance to the final at the MedTech Actuator Showcase in Osaka, where they will pitch alongside international finalists for ¥5 million.

Apply Now

Information session

Overview

Pitch in Osaka. Build your global network.

The Japan Program is designed for Japan-based health startups ready to sharpen their pitch, strengthen their international market story, and connect with the global health innovation ecosystem.

Through a supported local pathway, 10 selected startups will receive practical guidance, commercialisation expertise, and pitch preparation ahead of a semi-final event in Osaka. Three selected startups will advance to the Global Pitch Showdown at the MedTech Actuator Showcase, where they will pitch to investors, corporates, and ecosystem leaders for the chance to win ¥5 million.

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.

Program journey

1
Local Seminar

110 selected founders take part in pitch coaching and preparation sessions led by MedTech Actuator mentors, OCCI and program partners, designed to help them communicate clearly with international investors, partners, and ecosystem audiences.

1
Local Seminar

110 selected founders take part in pitch coaching and preparation sessions led by MedTech Actuator mentors, OCCI and program partners, designed to help them communicate clearly with international investors, partners, and ecosystem audiences.

1
Local Seminar

110 selected founders take part in pitch coaching and preparation sessions led by MedTech Actuator mentors, OCCI and program partners, designed to help them communicate clearly with international investors, partners, and ecosystem audiences.

2
Japan Semi-Final

10 startups pitch in English at the Japan semi-final, with the three top teams selected to pitch in Global Pitch Showdown.

2
Japan Semi-Final

10 startups pitch in English at the Japan semi-final, with the three top teams selected to pitch in Global Pitch Showdown.

2
Japan Semi-Final

10 startups pitch in English at the Japan semi-final, with the three top teams selected to pitch in Global Pitch Showdown.

3
Global Pitch Showdown

Three Japanese finalists pitch live at the MedTech Actuator Showcase in Osaka alongside international finalists, competing for the grand prize and gaining exposure to global health ecosystem leaders.

3
Global Pitch Showdown

Three Japanese finalists pitch live at the MedTech Actuator Showcase in Osaka alongside international finalists, competing for the grand prize and gaining exposure to global health ecosystem leaders.

3
Global Pitch Showdown

Three Japanese finalists pitch live at the MedTech Actuator Showcase in Osaka alongside international finalists, competing for the grand prize and gaining exposure to global health ecosystem leaders.

4
Optional Ecosystem Immersion

Finalists have the opportunity to join additional activities across Osaka and the Kansai region, including site visits, partner introductions, and market-entry discussions.

4
Optional Ecosystem Immersion

Finalists have the opportunity to join additional activities across Osaka and the Kansai region, including site visits, partner introductions, and market-entry discussions.

4
Optional Ecosystem Immersion

Finalists have the opportunity to join additional activities across Osaka and the Kansai region, including site visits, partner introductions, and market-entry discussions.

Important Dates

Apply
Applications open 17 June - 31 July, 11:59pm JST
Information session
21 July, 5pm JST (online)
Register here
Onboarding workshops
Late August (online)
Local seminar and semi-final
3 September, 10-4pm and 5-8pm JST (Osaka)
Global Pitch Showdown Final
6 October, 5-8pm JST (Osaka)
Ecosystem Immersion
5 - 9 October (Osaka)

Eligibility

Who should apply

The Japan Program is for Japan-based startups building the future of health. Startups should be working in areas MedTech, BioTech and HealthTech.

Applicants should be:

  • Based in Japan

  • Seed to Series B stage

  • An incorporated company

  • Developing a scalable health innovation

  • Ready to pitch in English or prepare for an international audience

  • Interested in global growth, partnerships, investment, or market expansion

Apply today

To apply for the Global Pitch Showdown, complete the short application form and upload your pitch deck. Shortlisted applicants will be notified of the outcome in early August.

Apply now

Apply today

To apply for the Global Pitch Showdown, complete the short application form and upload your pitch deck. Shortlisted applicants will be notified of the outcome in early August.

Apply now

International Entry

Apply today

To apply for the Global Pitch Showdown, complete the short application form and upload your pitch deck. Shortlisted applicants will be notified of the outcome in early August.

Apply now

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