Startup Contest Applications Now Open Co-hosted Event at "engawa KYOTO"
The Manufacturing Entrepreneurship Promotion Council is calling for participation in the "Monozukuri Hardware Cup 2020" pitch contest for hardware-developing startups (application deadline: December 31).
The Council was established in September 2016 to translate the growing momentum for promoting startups that leverage Japan's renowned "monozukuri" (manufacturing) expertise to create new businesses into concrete action.
Meanwhile, the "Monozukuri Hardware Cup 2020" is the Japanese qualifying round for the "Hardware Cup 2020 Finals," a hardware startup-focused business plan contest held annually in Pittsburgh, USA since 2015. While the past three editions were held in Osaka City, this year marks the first time it will be held in Kyoto City.
The "2019 Finals," held this past May, saw participation from six teams across the United States and six teams from around the world. The winning team was awarded the right to receive $50,000 in investment as a supplementary prize. For startups considering expansion into the U.S., this contest holds significant importance as it attracts attention from media and investors.
The Japan Qualifiers will be held on February 13, 2020. Applicants who pass the document screening will give presentations and exhibit at booths in a special venue at Kyoto Research Park. The winner will receive the right to pitch at the "2020 Finals" (Pittsburgh, USA). Second and third place winners will be granted booth exhibition space during the event period and meetings with investors. Additionally, as supplementary prizes, partial travel expenses to participate in the U.S. finals will be awarded to each.
Co-hosted event with "engawa KYOTO"
On the second day of the contest, the 14th, a "Speed Dating" session will be held at "engawa KYOTO." This is a business co-creation hub established by Dentsu Inc. in Kyoto's Shijo Karasuma area to support innovation by individuals, companies, and society. Here, startups can receive consultations and mentoring from sponsor companies, investors such as venture capitalists, and manufacturing experts.
Following the session, a networking reception will provide an opportunity for contest participants and experts from various fields to interact.
Additionally, a concurrent event, the "ULTRA Workshop" (hosted by CrossTech Management, co-hosted by Darma Tech Labs and Kyoto Prototyping Network), will be held. This two-day, one-night program involves business co-creation with professionals from various fields, including hardware, software, and services, to tackle challenges faced by clients.
Was this article helpful?
Share this article
