StartupElevate

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How Startup Elevate Works

The Process

Learn how Startup Elevate connects promising startups with world-class investors from application to impact. Whether you’re a founder or investor, the journey is tailored to maximize collaboration and outcomes.

Held at the Okinawa Institute of Science & Technology (OIST), Startup Elevate focuses on high-potential ventures and funders in healthcare and sustainability, uniting those building the future with those ready to 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

On a rolling basis

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

Review & Selection

All startup applications undergo a thorough screening 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 & Mentoring

A few weeks 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 & Mentoring

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

Startups pitch, connect, and showcase their work. Investors meet curated founders and explore strategic collaboration.

The Conference

Startups pitch, connect, and showcase their work. Investors meet curated founders and explore strategic collaboration.

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

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

Networking with other top investors in health and sustainability

Networking with other top investors in health and sustainability

Networking with other top investors in health and sustainability

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

June-September, 2025

Screening & Interview Period

June-September, 2025

Screening & Interview Period

September 29 & 30, 2025

Conference @ OIST, Okinawa

September 29 & 30, 2025

Conference @ OIST, Okinawa

Ready to elevate?

Apply to join Startup Elevate 2025

Ready to elevate?

Apply to join Startup Elevate 2025

Ready to elevate?

Apply to join Startup Elevate 2025

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

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

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

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

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.

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.