SusHi Tech Challenge 2027
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Quick Answer
Startup pitch contest in Tokyo with a JPY 10 million (about ₹63 lakh) grand prize. Apply online with a pitch deck by 18 December 2026; semifinals and final are in person.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- SusHi Tech Tokyo
- Application deadline
- 41d — 18 Dec 2026
- Location
- International
About this competition
Live final in person. You enter online with a pitch deck, but the semifinal and final are pitched live at Tokyo Big Sight on 20–21 May 2027. The official page does not say who pays for travel; the JPY 300,000 booth fee is waived for the 20 semifinalists.
SusHi Tech Challenge 2027 is a startup pitch contest run by the SusHi Tech Tokyo Executive Committee, part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's SusHi Tech Tokyo event. The grand prize is JPY 10 million (about ₹63 lakh). The entry is made online with a pitch deck and the application deadline is 5:00 p.m. JST on 18 December 2026 (about 1:30 p.m. IST).
What the program offers
The grand prize winner receives JPY 10 million. The organisers also plan special awards: from the 20 semifinalists, companies independently selected by corporate partners may receive special awards (planned, so not yet confirmed). Selected companies may be invited to exhibit or speak at Tokyo Metropolitan Government-related events and may be featured in publicity channels. The 20 semifinalists get to pitch to participating venture capital firms and large corporations at the venue, get networking opportunities with the judges, and have the JPY 300,000 booth exhibition fee waived, among other benefits. This is prize money, not equity: the page describes a pitch contest prize and does not mention any ownership stake.
Who can apply
The contest is themed around "realizing sustainable cities through high technology" (Sustainable High City Tech, or SusHi Tech). The 2027 focus theme is "Reimagine the Future of Humanity with AI", organised around Work, Living and Being, with example fields such as physical AI, quantum, smart city, resilience, longevity and drug discovery. To qualify, a startup must have a new technology or business model with growth potential, have an existing product or service, and have a business that fits the SusHi Tech concept. It must also be able to take part in the pitch contest at the venue on both event days and to exhibit at a booth on all three event days. The page says other requirements may also apply, so read the application guidelines PDF.
Last year more than 800 startups from around the world applied. The page does not name a country or incorporation restriction, so an India-based startup is not excluded on the face of the page; the English-language process (all materials, pitches and communication are in English) suits Indian teams. It is best for startups with a working product that can show a social or economic impact in cities. It is not for idea-stage teams without a product.
How to apply
- Read the Application Guidelines (PDF) on the official page.
- Prepare a pitch deck in English.
- Fill in the online application form and attach the deck before 5:00 p.m. JST on Friday, 18 December 2026.
- Applications open on Friday, 2 October 2026.
How applications are judged and what happens next
The first screening reviews applications and pitch decks in January to February 2027. Applications are then reviewed on the basis of pitch videos, and 20 startups are selected for the semifinals, scheduled for March 2027. The semifinal is on Thursday, 20 May 2027 and the final on Friday, 21 May 2027, both at Tokyo Big Sight, West Halls 1 to 4 and other areas. Judging looks mainly at social impact, economic impact, potential for global expansion and presentation skills.
About the organiser
The SusHi Tech Tokyo Executive Committee runs the SusHi Tech Tokyo event and its pitch contest. The page says the winner may be invited to Tokyo Metropolitan Government-related events and that last year's contest drew more than 800 startups from around the world.
Things to check before you apply
- The semifinal and final pitches and the booth are in person at Tokyo Big Sight. The page does not say who pays for travel, accommodation or the booth for semifinalists beyond waiving the JPY 300,000 booth fee, so budget for the trip and confirm with the secretariat.
- The page does not say how the prize is paid or in which currency, nor whether a Japanese company must be set up. Ask the secretariat before you rely on the prize.
- A practical tip: the first screening is based on the deck alone, so lead with the product, the city problem it solves and early proof of impact.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
Prizes & Awards
What You Get
The grand prize winner receives JPY 10 million (about ₹63 lakh). Special awards from corporate partners are planned for companies among the 20 semifinalists. Semifinalists also pitch to investors and large corporations, meet the judges and have the JPY 300,000 booth fee waived.
- Disbursement
- Lump Sum
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications and pitch decks are reviewed from January to February 2027. Pitch videos are then reviewed and 20 startups go to the semifinal on 20 May 2027, and the final is on 21 May 2027. Judging looks at social impact, economic impact, potential for global expansion and presentation skills.
Application Process
- 1
Apply online
Submit the form with your pitch deck by 18 December 2026.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can enter SusHi Tech Challenge 2027?
Startups with a new technology or business model with growth potential, an existing product or service, and a business that fits the idea of sustainable cities through high technology. They must be able to pitch and exhibit at the venue in Tokyo.
Can Indian startups apply for SusHi Tech Challenge?
The official page names no country restriction and says more than 800 startups from around the world applied last year. It also says other requirements may apply, so check the application guidelines PDF.
How much is the prize?
The Grand Prize winner receives JPY 10 million, about ₹63 lakh. Special awards chosen by corporate partners are planned among the 20 semifinalists, but amounts are not given.
What is the deadline?
Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. JST on Friday, 18 December 2026, which is about 1:30 p.m. IST. Applications open on 2 October 2026.
Is the prize equity or a grant?
The page describes a contest prize and does not mention equity or any ownership stake.
What do I need to submit?
The online application form with your pitch deck attached. All materials, pitches and communication are expected to be in English.
Do I have to travel to Tokyo?
Yes for the 20 semifinalists: you must pitch at the venue on both event days and exhibit at a booth on all three days. The page does not say who pays for travel, so ask the secretariat.
Is it free to enter?
The page does not mention an entry fee. It says the JPY 300,000 booth exhibition fee is waived for the 20 semifinalists.
When are the results announced?
First screening is in January to February 2027 and the 20 semifinalists are selected around March 2027. The semifinal is on 20 May 2027 and the final on 21 May 2027.
How are entries judged?
Mainly on social impact, economic impact, potential for global expansion and presentation skills.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
