Applications are now open for IVS2026 LAUNCHPAD, one of Japan’s most prominent startup pitch competitions, scheduled to take place on July 3 during the IVS2026 conference in Kyoto. The winning startup will receive a prize of up to ¥10 million through the Startup Kyoto International Award, presented in collaboration with Kyoto Prefecture.

Launched in 2007, IVS LAUNCHPAD has become a major gateway for early-stage startups in Japan. Over the past two decades, more than 5,000 startups have applied to participate. Among past finalists, over 60 companies have achieved exits, while more than 100 startups have raised over ¥1 billion, highlighting the event’s role in accelerating high-growth ventures.

Selected finalists will pitch their products to a panel of investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders in a six-minute presentation, competing for recognition and support.

The competition is open to startups worldwide, provided they can demonstrate a working product. Applications close on April 21, with the final pitch event taking place at ROHM Theatre Kyoto.