#United States #Los Angeles #Alibaba.com #Magic Johnson #CoCreate Pitch

Alibaba.com Unveils Expert Judge Panel for CoCreate Pitch 2026

On August 13, 2026, Alibaba.com, a prominent name in global B2B e-commerce, announced a lineup of five distinguished judges for the highly anticipated U.S. final of its innovative competition, CoCreate Pitch 2026. This competitive event is designed to highlight enterprising entrepreneurs leveraging technology to push boundaries in product development.

The Event and Its Significance

Scheduled to take place in Los Angeles on September 9-10, the U.S. final is the culmination of extensive searching, where 20 finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their AI-integrated products and business concepts before a panel of esteemed judges, competing for a part of the impressive $1 million prize pool. Drawn from over 39,000 global applicants, the finalists have demonstrated creativity and innovation in harnessing AI for their business ideas.

Meet the Judges

The panel includes:

• - Marcus Lemonis: The well-known TV personality and entrepreneur, who hosts the show The Fixer, brings not only his expertise in business turnarounds but also an extensive background in investing in various sectors.
• - Barry Poznick: As the Executive Producer of the renowned show Shark Tank, Poznick’s vast experience in recognizing valuable business concepts will be invaluable for prospective entrepreneurs.
• - Everette Taylor: The CEO of Kickstarter, he has successfully overseen a platform that empowers creators and entrepreneurs to fund innovative projects, making him ideally suited to evaluate new ventures.
• - Shiza Shahid: Co-founder of Our Place, she brings a wealth of entrepreneurial experience in building consumer brands, understanding market trends, and fostering community engagement.
• - David Rogier: Founder of MasterClass, Rogier’s insights into educational entrepreneurship and brand scalability will provide finalists with critical insights into resonating with audiences.

Keynote Address by Magic Johnson

The event will begin with an inspirational keynote speech by NBA legend Magic Johnson, who has transitioned from sports to a successful business career. His address, titled Make It Real: How to WIN in Business, is expected to motivate and inspire young entrepreneurs to translate their ambitious ideas into successful businesses.

Focus on AI in Entrepreneurship

The competition reflects a notable trend in entrepreneurship: an increasing reliance on AI. Recent analysis indicates that approximately 62% of founders actively utilizing AI tools focus on developing physical products. This growing enthusiasm for AI technology signifies a shift in how new businesses are conceptualized and executed.

An Ecosystem for Entrepreneurs

In addition to the pitches, CoCreate 2026 will feature over 200 exhibiting businesses from diverse sectors, including technology, health, and consumer goods. This platform provides a unique opportunity for budding entrepreneurs to connect with key service providers that can offer vital support in areas such as logistics and financial services, ultimately helping them establish and grow their global presence.

Join the Revolution

For those excited about the ongoing transformation in global e-commerce and innovation, CoCreate Pitch 2026 offers a front-row seat to the future of entrepreneurship. Attendees can secure their tickets to witness history in the making at www.alibabacocreate.com/us/get-tickets.

About Alibaba.com

Founded in 1999, Alibaba.com stands at the forefront of B2B e-commerce, enabling connections between buyers and suppliers across over 200 countries. With a mission to help businesses thrive in the global market, Alibaba.com continues to innovate and evolve the commerce landscape, empowering entrepreneurs and bridging global trade gaps.