TECH OSAKA AWARD 2027
Manchester REGIONAL Round
FROM MANCHESTER TO OSAKA
Ready to introduce your technology and business to companies and investors in Japan?
The Manchester Regional Round of Tech Osaka Award 2027 will select three startups to advance to the Final Round in Osaka. We welcome applications from startups in the UK and around the world that can pitch in person in Manchester.
Explore your next business opportunities in Osaka
Turning a sister-city partnership into business opportunities
The City of Osaka and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority established a sister-city partnership in September 2025. Building on this relationship, Venture Café Manchester will host a regional round of Tech Osaka Award 2027 at its Thursday Gathering. The round will connect startups from the UK and around the world with companies and investors in Osaka and Kansai to support their expansion into Japan.
Tech Osaka Award 2027 is an English-language pitch competition held as part of Tech Osaka Summit 2027. Taking place on 26–27 January 2027 in Osaka’s Umekita district, the Summit brings together startups, companies, investors, universities, research institutions, government bodies and support organisations from Japan and overseas.
KEY DATES
About the round
What is Tech Osaka Award?
Tech Osaka Summit 2027 is the flagship event of Innovation Osaka — Osaka’s global open innovation conference, connecting startups, enterprises, and investors from across Japan and the world. The centerpiece is the Tech Osaka Award, a pitch contest that identifies breakthrough startups with global potential and connects them with leading Japanese companies and investors.
The contest runs in two stages. The Manchester Regional Round, operated by Venture Café Tokyo in partnership with Venture Café Manchester, is one of a select number of regional rounds worldwide. Three finalists from Manchester advance to the Osaka Final Round on 27 January 2027, where they compete on a national stage for the Grand Prize and access to Japan’s innovation ecosystem.
Venture Café Tokyo is a partner operator of Tech Osaka Award 2027, managing the Manchester track on behalf of Innovation Osaka.
Why Apply
Your gateway to Japan
Access to Japan Market
Connect directly with Japanese enterprises, investors, and government bodies actively seeking global startup partnerships. Osaka’s innovation ecosystem is one of Asia’s most active entry points.
Prize Money & Recognition
The Grand Prize is JPY 2,000,000. Finalists gain national visibility in Osaka with media coverage and direct exposure to Japan’s top corporates and VC community.
Global Network, Local Start
Pitch in Manchester to a panel with deep Japan–UK connections. Venture Café Tokyo and Venture Café Manchester bring together entrepreneurs, mentors, and ecosystem partners on both sides.
3 Benefits and support terms
3
Places advancing to the
Osaka Final
¥2M
Grand Prize
JPY 2,000,000
Travel for
Finalists to Osaka
Who Should Apply
Eligibility criteria
- Operate in one of the following fields: Bio/Life Sciences and Healthcare, Green Tech, or Digital.
- Be at the seed or early stage.
- Have been founded within the past 10 years.
- Aim to expand globally.
- Have proprietary technology, a distinctive service, or an original business model.
- If based outside Japan, have an existing presence or business activities in Japan or the Kansai region, or intend to establish or expand them there.
- Be able to deliver a pitch and answer questions in English.
- Be able to attend the Manchester Regional Round in person and pitch on Thursday, 12 November 2026. Online participation is not permitted.
- Be able to attend the Final in Osaka in person and pitch on Wednesday, 27 January 2027 (Japan time).
- Participate in only one of the selection tracks described under “Selection Tracks” below.
Event details
Manchester REGIONAL Round
Pitch Contest
12 Nov 2026, Thursday
Format
In Person, Manchester, UK
Venue
To be announced by 1 Nov 2026
How to Prepare for Manchester Regional Round
Application Steps
- Check the eligibility requirements, in-person event dates and Manchester Regional Round application guidelines (see below)
- Prepare your company and business information and English pitch deck
- Complete your submission through the dedicated Manchester form
* Applications close at 23:59 UK time (BST) on Thursday 22 October 2026
Information Checklist
Company and business
Company name, website, year founded, sector and business stage
Technology and growth
English business / pitch summary, distinctive strengths and key achievements
Reason for applying
Motivation and track record of, or plans for, expansion into Japan or Kansai
Presenter and contact
Presenter name and role, contact information and availability to attend in person
Materials
English pitch deck. The form will specify the file format, size limit and submission method.
Confirmations and consent
Selection track, guidelines, photography and information use, and personal information handling
Application Open
Apply for the Manchester REGIONAL Round
The application window is 1–22 October 2026. Read the guidelines before applying. All applications must be submitted in English.
- Complete the online application form
- Attach your pitch deck (PDF)
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply from outside the UK
Yes. Recruitment focuses on the UK, but startups based anywhere in the world may apply. If shortlisted, you must pitch in person in Manchester on 12 November and meet all other eligibility requirements.
Can I take part online
No. In-person pitching is required in Manchester. If you advance to the Osaka Final Round, you must also pitch there in person.
Can I apply without an existing presence in Japan
Yes. You may apply if you have a track record of, or an intention to, expand into Japan or Kansai or establish a presence there, provided you meet the other eligibility requirements.
Can I enter both selection tracks
No. Applicants may undergo selection through only one track. Startups based outside Japan may apply directly through the general open-call track and are not required to participate in an overseas regional round. To switch tracks, contact the Secretariat.
Is travel and accommodation support available
Airfare support of up to JPY 250,000, including tax, and three hotel nights are planned for startups advancing to Osaka. In-person pitching is required, and airfare is reimbursed after the event. Costs of attending the Manchester round are expected to be borne by participants. See “Travel and accommodation support for Osaka” for details.
Does qualifying in Manchester include a cash prize
No cash prize is awarded for qualifying in Manchester. Selected startups will compete for the Osaka awards alongside finalists from the general open-call track.
*Disclaimer: Manchester Preeliminary Round operated by Venture Café Tokyo in partnership with Venture Café Manchester .