About
Startup Elevate: A Global Venture Capital & Startup Deep-tech Funding Platform
Our Pitch
Hosted by OIST Innovation and Lifetime Ventures, Startup Elevate is a 2-day invitation-only conference designed to connect visionary entrepreneurs with strategic investors—fostering the kind of relationships that move ideas toward global impact.
Set on the campus of the Okinawa Institute of Science & Technology, the event centers on high-potential startups in the healthcare and sustainability sectors—bringing together those building the future and those ready to help fund it.
A Curated Experience
Startup Elevate is not a mass gathering—it's a purposeful environment where every attendee is selected for alignment, ambition, and potential to contribute meaningfully.
What to Expect
Fundraising pitch opportunities
Direct mentorship from seasoned investors
Poster presentations and project showcases
Focused networking with VCs, investors, and OIST stakeholders
Who It's For
Startups Will Gain
Exposure to investors and funding opportunities
Strategic guidance from experienced mentors
New partnerships and cross-sector insight
A launchpad into Japan's innovation ecosystem
Investors Will Gain
Curated access to startups solving real-world problems
A front-row seat to bold, early-stage innovation
Collaboration with fellow investors and researchers
Deeper understanding of Japan's emerging startup landscape
How It Works
With OIST's world-class research campus as the backdrop, Startup Elevate is more than a conference—it's a spark for lasting partnerships. Here, capital meets purpose, and ambition finds momentum.
Conference Structure
Sessions & Topics
Sessions, pitch sessions, panel sessions, poster sessions & networking sessions.
Day One
Healthcare
Focus Areas
Drug Discovery / Biotech / Bioinformatics / Neurotech / Medical Devices / Digital Health / Preventive Medicine & Longevity
Talk Session
Healthcare Innovation Talks
Expert-led discussions and presentations on industry trends, challenges, and opportunities
Pitch Session
Healthcare Startup Pitches
10 selected startups present their solutions to potential investors and partners
Poster Session
Healthcare Innovation Exhibition
Exhibition-style presentations for all 50 participating startups
Networking Session
Healthcare Connections
Structured and casual time to connect with investors, partners & entrepreneurs
Day One
Sustainability
Focus Areas
Energy / Materials / Mobility / AgriTech / FoodTech / Carbon Capture / Maritime & Marine / Aquaculture
Talk Session
Sustainability Solutions Talks
Expert-led discussions and presentations on industry trends, challenges, and opportunities
Pitch Session
Sustainability Startup Pitches
10 selected startups present their solutions to potential investors and partners
Poster Session
Sustainability Solutions Exhibition
Exhibition-style presentations for all 50 participating startups
Networking Session
Sustainability Collaborations
Structured and casual time to connect with investors, partners & entrepreneurs
Additional Events
Conference Structure
Mentor VCs & Guest Judges
The Venue
Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), located on a lush, scenic campus in Okinawa, Japan, is the setting for this exclusive conference. Surrounded by ocean views and subtropical nature, OIST offers a world-class research environment that makes it an inspiring place to connect, create, and collaborate.
As a graduate university known for cutting-edge science and innovation, OIST is the ideal venue to host Startup Elevate, bringing together global venture capitalists and ambitious startups in a space designed for meaningful exchange. Beyond its exceptional facilities, the peaceful and striking setting adds a unique energy to this focused, high-impact gathering.
Last year's conference
Startup Elevate 2024 Highlights
Step into the atmosphere of last year’s conference with a glimpse at the people, pitches, and moments that made it memorable. These photos capture the energy, collaboration, and innovation that define the Startup Elevate experience.
Elevate with Us
Join us September 29 & 30, 2025 for two days of connection, inspiration, and momentum. Startup Elevate brings together bold startups and strategic investors to spark new ideas and move innovation forward.