Call for Applications for Tohoku-based ICT Startup Pitch Event: 'SPARK!TOHOKU2026 Startup Pitch'

The SPARK!TOHOKU Executive Committee, which includes H-Tas Co., Ltd., a company supporting social innovation through regional problem-solving and co-creation, is holding the 'SPARK!TOHOKU2026 Startup Pitch' and is accepting entries from aspiring entrepreneurs.

'SPARK!TOHOKU2026 Startup Pitch' is a pitch event for students and young entrepreneurs held through the collaboration of local governments, universities, companies, and financial institutions in Tohoku to create and foster ICT startups from the region.

This year, it will be held on Saturday, September 5, at the Sendai International Center Exhibition Hall as a side event of 'DATERAISE!2026,' a global startup event hosted by Sendai City.

The event consists of two categories: the Student Category and the Young Entrepreneur Category. The winner of the top prize in each category will gain the right to participate in the 'Entrepreneur Koshien' (Student Category) or 'Entrepreneur Expo' (Young Entrepreneur Category), national-scale pitch events hosted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) and the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT).

Applications are open until Friday, July 17, with participants selected after a document review. Support, including mentoring and brush-up seminars, will be provided.

In addition to receiving mentoring from the NICT ICT Mentor Platform, winners of the top prize (NICT Award) and other prizes, such as the Tohoku Bureau of Telecommunications Director-General Award and the Sendai Mayor's Award, will be recognized.