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 top investors, fostering high-impact relationships that bring breakthrough ideas to 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 a purposeful environment where every attendee is selected for alignment, ambition, and potential to contribute meaningfully to elevate the deeptech startup ecosystem in Japan.
What to Expect
Fundraising pitch opportunities
Direct mentorship from seasoned investors
Poster presentations and project showcases
Focused networking with VCs, investors, and corporates
Who It's For
Startups Will Gain
Direct exposure to top investors
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 an intimate space to start 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
Panel Sessions
Healthcare Panels
Expert-led discussions and presentations on industry trends, challenges, and opportunities
Pitch Session
Healthcare Startup Pitches
7 selected startups present their solutions to potential investors and partners
Poster Session
Healthcare Innovation Exhibition
Exhibition-style presentations for >20 participating startups
Networking Session
Healthcare Connections
Structured and casual time to connect with investors, partners & entrepreneurs
Day Two
Sustainability
Focus Areas
Energy / Materials / Mobility / AgriTech / FoodTech / Carbon Capture / Maritime & Marine / Aquaculture
Panel Session
Sustainability Panels
Expert-led discussions and presentations on industry trends, challenges, and opportunities
Pitch Session
Sustainability Startup Pitches
7 selected startups present their solutions to potential investors and partners
Poster Session
Sustainability Solutions Exhibition
Exhibition-style presentations for >20 participating startups
Networking Session
Sustainability Collaborations
Structured and casual time to connect with investors, partners & entrepreneurs
Additional Events
Conference Structure
Mentor VCs & Guest Judges
Hiroaki Kobayashi
The University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners (UTEC) Partner
Hiroko Kimura
Fast Track Initiative, Inc. Principal
Hiroyuki MISAWA, Ph.D.
MIYAKO Capital Co.,Ltd. Director, Partner
Katsuya Hashizume
Beyond Next Ventures Inc. Executive Director / Partner
Yukako Yokota
One Capital Partner
Yutaro Kasai
Angel Bridge Inc. General Partner
Asumi Ota
D4V (Design for Ventures) Partner
Masahiro Sameshima
ANRI General Partner
Michael Matsumura
Scrum Ventures Partner
Shiraishi, Itaru
Energy & Environment Investment, Inc. Venture Partner
Tatsuya Nakamura
Globis Capital Partners Principal
Tomoko Numata
JAFCO Group Co., Ltd. Chief Capitalist
Yuki Kuwabara
JIC Venture Growth Investments Co., Ltd. Venture Capitalist
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.
Sponsors & Partners
Sponsors & Supporting Organizations
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VC Partners
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LP Partners
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Corporate Partners
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Academia / Accelerator / Professional Partners
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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.