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How Startup Elevate Works

The Process

Discover how OIST-Lifetime Startup Elevate works from application to participation. The journey differs slightly for startups and investors, but both paths lead to meaningful connections and opportunities.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.

Audience at the Startup Elevate event seated in a large, modern auditorium with curved lighting, raising their fists in unison toward a presentation screen that displays the words “Startup... → Elevate!”
Audience at the Startup Elevate event seated in a large, modern auditorium with curved lighting, raising their fists in unison toward a presentation screen that displays the words “Startup... → Elevate!”
Audience at the Startup Elevate event seated in a large, modern auditorium with curved lighting, raising their fists in unison toward a presentation screen that displays the words “Startup... → Elevate!”

Journey Timeline

1

Application Period

June 1 - July 31, 2025

Founders submit applications; investors are invited

Application Period

Founders submit applications; investors are invited

2

Review & Selection

Shortly after application period ends

All startup applications undergo a thorough document examination to identify promising candidates in healthcare and sustainability sectors.

Review & Selection

All startup applications undergo a thorough document examination to identify promising candidates in healthcare and sustainability sectors.

3

Interview Screening

Early August 2025

Shortlisted startups are invited for online interviews to further evaluate their potential and determine final participants.

Interview Screening

Shortlisted startups are invited for online interviews to further evaluate their potential and determine final participants.

4

Pitch Circut & Matching

One week before the event

Selected startups engage in a mentoring program (Pitch Circuit) with expert VCs to refine their pitches and business strategies. Entrepreneurs are matched with mentor VCs who share expertise in their field.

Pitch Circut & Matching

Selected startups engage in a mentoring program (Pitch Circuit) with expert VCs to refine their pitches and business strategies. Entrepreneurs are matched with mentor VCs who share expertise in their field.

5

The Conference

September 29 & 30, 2025

Selected startups engage in a mentoring program (Pitch Circuit) with expert VCs to refine their pitches and business strategies. Entrepreneurs are matched with mentor VCs who share expertise in their field.

The Conference

Selected startups engage in a mentoring program (Pitch Circuit) with expert VCs to refine their pitches and business strategies. Entrepreneurs are matched with mentor VCs who share expertise in their field.

For Startups

Early-stage startups in healthcare & sustainability

OIST-Lifetime Startup Elevate offers a unique opportunity for seed/early-stage healthcare and sustainability startups seeking funding and strategic partnerships.

Mentoring sessions with experienced investors

Mentoring sessions with experienced investors

Mentoring sessions with experienced investors

Pitch opportunities to qualified investors

Pitch opportunities to qualified investors

Pitch opportunities to qualified investors

1-on-1 matching with mentor VCs

1-on-1 matching with mentor VCs

1-on-1 matching with mentor VCs

Funding support regardless of investment outcome

Funding support regardless of investment outcome

Funding support regardless of investment outcome

For Investors

VCs and angel investors seeking innovation

Connect with promising startups developing cutting-edge solutions in healthcare and sustainability. Benefit from a curated selection of ventures with global potential.

Access to pre-screened, high-potential startups

Access to pre-screened, high-potential startups

Access to pre-screened, high-potential startups

Opportunity to mentor emerging entrepreneurs

Opportunity to mentor emerging entrepreneurs

Opportunity to mentor emerging entrepreneurs

Networking with other strategic investors

Networking with other strategic investors

Networking with other strategic investors

Connection to Japan's innovative research ecosystem

Connection to Japan's innovative research ecosystem

Connection to Japan's innovative research ecosystem

Key Dates

Key Dates

June 1, 2025

Application Opens

June 1, 2025

Application Opens

July 31, 2025

Application Deadline

July 31, 2025

Application Deadline

Early September, 2025

Interview Period

Early September, 2025

Interview Period

September 29 & 30, 2025

Conference Dates

September 29 & 30, 2025

Conference Dates

Already know you're in?

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Already know you're in?

Apply to join Startup Elevate 2025

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Already know you're in?

Apply to join Startup Elevate 2025

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Brought to you by

We are a seed-stage venture capital firm, backing world-class entrepreneurs in deeptech for human and planetary health.

Partner of Okinawa Institute of Science & Technology

A palm tree with a sunset

Learn More

Brought to you by

We are a seed-stage venture capital firm, backing world-class entrepreneurs in deeptech for human and planetary health.

Partner of Okinawa Institute of Science & Technology

A palm tree with a sunset

Learn More

Brought to you by

We are a seed-stage venture capital firm, backing world-class entrepreneurs in deeptech for human and planetary health.

Partner of Okinawa Institute of Science & Technology

A palm tree with a sunset

Learn More

Brought to you by

We are a seed-stage venture capital firm, backing world-class entrepreneurs in deeptech for human and planetary health.

Partner of Okinawa Institute of Science & Technology

A palm tree with a sunset

Learn More

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.

Join Startup Elevate 2025

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.

Join Startup Elevate 2025

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About

Structure

Process

Sessions

Contact

Lifetime Ventures

Lifetime Ventures © 2025

Privacy Policy

About

Structure

Process

Sessions

Contact

Lifetime Ventures

Lifetime Ventures © 2025

Privacy Policy

About

Structure

Process

Sessions

Contact

Lifetime Ventures

Lifetime Ventures © 2025