KOZAROCKS PITCH AWARD 2026
OVERVIEW

From Okinawa to the World, and from the World to Okinawa.

Okinawa is a gateway connecting Asia and Japan. This pitch award highlights the front line of cross-border innovation, where overseas startups take their first steps into the Japanese market and Okinawa-based startups launch toward the world.

Name KOZAROCKS PITCH AWARD 2026
Theme Crossing Borders from Okinawa
Organizer KOZAROCKS 2026 Executive Committee
Co-host Okinawa Prefecture
Date Saturday, July 11, 2026, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Venue Lagoon KOZA, Okinawa City
WHO SHOULD APPLY

Target Startups

We welcome startups that fall into either of the following categories.

Overseas Startups / 5 companies planned

Overseas Startups Targeting Japan Market Entry

Target region: Startups based anywhere in Asia

  • Startups seeking partnerships or PoC opportunities with Japanese companies
  • Startups looking for Japanese partners or investors
  • Startups preparing for Japan market entry
  • Pitch language: English or Japanese
Okinawa Startups / 5 companies planned

Okinawa-based Startups Targeting Overseas Expansion

Target region: Startups with a base in Okinawa Prefecture

  • Startups considering overseas expansion or PoC opportunities in Asia
  • Startups looking for overseas sales channels or investors
  • Startups aiming to expand into global markets
  • Pitch language: English

Travel and accommodation expenses are generally not covered by the organizers.

Limited flight support for the Taipei–Naha route may be available for selected Taiwan-based startups through sponsor support. This support is subject to final confirmation, limited availability, and individual eligibility. Details will be shared with eligible applicants.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Selection Criteria

Applications will be reviewed based on the following criteria.

GROWTH

Growth Beyond Markets

  • Global growth potential
  • Market potential
  • Potential for expansion in Asia
OKINAWA FIT

Connection with Okinawa's Industries

  • Synergy with Okinawa
  • Connectivity with local industries
UNIQUENESS

Distinctive Business Potential

  • Distinctiveness of technology or business model
  • Potential for open innovation
TIMELINE

From Application to Pitch Day

2026.5.29 FRI

Call for Entries Open

Applications open through the entry form.

2026.6.12 FRI

Application Deadline

Submit the required information by the deadline.

2026.6.16 TUE

Screening Results Announcement

Applicants will be notified of the screening results.

TBD

Pitch Deck Submission

Selected applicants will receive the submission schedule individually.

2026.7.11 SAT

Pitch Event

Saturday, July 11, 2026, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM / Lagoon KOZA, Okinawa City.

AWARDS

Awards

COMING SOON

Award details for 2026 will be announced on this page once confirmed.

2025 WINNERS

At KOZAROCKS PITCH AWARD 2025, multiple awards recognized the potential of cross-border businesses.

KOZAROCKS AWARD

Logipeace Pte. Ltd."Shipeace" Logistics DX Platform

GxPartners AWARD

AmbiiMultilingual medical access support connecting foreign visitors and medical institutions in Japan

ResorTech AWARD

AmbiiMultilingual medical access support connecting foreign visitors and medical institutions in Japan

Special Prize by OIST Innovation

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JUDGES

Judges

COMING SOON

Judges will be announced on the official website once confirmed.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply through the form.

Please submit the required information using the application form below.

Application Form https://forms.gle/ejBNxNwYNJNZgy1Z9
PRIVACY POLICY

Handling of Application Information

Personal information submitted through the application form will be used solely for screening, result notification, event-related communications, and sharing with relevant parties involved in the event. If you have any questions, please contact the organizing team below.

CONTACT

KOZAROCKS PITCH AWARD 2026 Organizing Team

yasuda@koza.rocks / kanemura@koza.rocks