[Calling for Startups] Pitch Elevate 2026

We are now accepting applications from healthcare and deep-tech startups for the OIST-Lifetime Pitch Elevate 2026, a VC-mentored pitch competition for idea-stage to seed/early-stage startups. The competition will take place as part of the OIST-Lifetime Startup Elevate 2026 on November 4 and 6 at OIST.

As this is a highly competitive pitch competition, not all applicants will be selected. However, if you are a local startup based in Okinawa or a spin-out from PARKS, you may still have the opportunity to present at a dedicated local startup pitch event held alongside the main program.

We encourage all eligible local startups to apply and look forward to receiving your applications.

Click here to open the application form

What is OIST-Lifetime Pitch Elevate?

Pitch Elevate is the centerpiece of OIST-Lifetime Startup Elevate, an invitation-only off-site conference for entrepreneurs and investors who aim to co-create world-class startups from their early stages. The promising startups selected through this open call will be mentored by mentors and will come to the event with their business plans and pitches further refined.

Click here to learn more about OIST-Lifetime Startup Elevate

Benefits

1. Mentoring
All entrepreneurs and startups who passed the screening process will be interviewed by investors and Lifetime Ventures members to help them prepare for the pitch as well as refine their business strategy.

2. Acceleration  
We will provide mentoring to a limited number of entrepreneurs who have entered the program in the early stage of the application process. Mentoring Board composed by Lifetime Ventures and other top investors will work with them for several weeks, supporting them from business plan review and preparation of pitch deck.

3. Matching
One week prior to the event, an 1-on-1 online matching session is held with all of the mentor VCs with healthcare and sustainability expertise. Startup entrepreneurs and mentor VCs will be matched one week prior to the Startup Elevate event. Investors will give detailed advice to the entrepreneurs to be ready for the pitch event on April 25-26th.

4. Finance Support
The entrepreneurs will have a chance to pitch or present for funding to the potential investors during the Startup Elevate event. The entrepreneurs will get the support in fundraising through this event regardless of the investment from Lifetime Ventures or startup program participation at OIST.

Qualifications

・Seed/early-stage healthcare/sustainability startups that are currently seeking funding and have raised less than ¥500 million in equity to date.
・Applicants must be able to participate in the entire two-day program (including the pitch at the venue on-site on the day of the event).
*We welcome applications at idea stage/ pre-incorporation.
*Please note that presentations will be given in English at the event.

How to Apply

Apply from the application form below by August 31 (Mon), 11:59pm JST.

Click here to open the application form

Qualifications

・Seed/early-stage healthcare/sustainability startups that are currently seeking funding and have raised less than ¥500 million in equity to date.
・Applicants must be able to participate in the entire two-day program (including the pitch at the venue on-site on the day of the event).
*We welcome applications at idea stage/ pre-incorporation.
*Please note that presentations will be given in English at the event.