#Japan #Startup Ecosystem #Shibuya #SHIBUYA QWS #QWS STARTUP AWARD

Introduction

In an exciting development for budding entrepreneurs, the QWS STARTUP AWARD 2026 is set to take place on March 5, 2026, at SHIBUYA QWS, located on the 15th floor of the Shibuya Scramble Square complex. This pitch award aims to support startups and facilitate their innovative journey.

Event Overview

The QWS STARTUP AWARD is designed for seed and pre-seed startups that are either registered or plan to register by January 2026. Applicants from various business sectors, regardless of their business age, product availability, or funding history, are encouraged to participate.

• - Pre-entry Period: September 3, 2025 – October 14, 2026
• - Entry Period: October 15, 2025 – January 13, 2026
• - Special Website: QWS STARTUP AWARD 2026

What is QWS STARTUP AWARD?

Hosted by SHIBUYA QWS, a co-creation facility that encourages diverse interactions leading to novel ideas and businesses, this pitch award aims to propel startups towards their next innovative leap. Since its opening in November 2019, QWS has supported over 420 startups and projects, providing unique programs aimed at creating new social value. The QWS STARTUP AWARD has been running since 2022 and focuses on startups that generate innovations beyond conventional business growth metrics.

This initiative is characterized by not only the organizer's support but also by the unified stance of judges and partners, ensuring participating startups gain the resources, support, and opportunities they need to take their next step.

Key Features of QWS STARTUP AWARD 2026

• - Esteemed Jury: Only experienced judges, including angel investors, will comprise the final jury, focusing on creating new societal value, not just business outcomes.
• - Advertising Prize: The grand prize winner will receive advertising opportunities valued at 2 million yen, including placements on large screens around Shibuya Station and the Shibuya Scramble Square skyscraper.
• - Business Alliances: Participants will have a chance to forge connections with QWS member companies and municipalities, providing potential collaboration and pilot project opportunities.

Awards and Judging Process

• - Awards Include: QWS Grand Prize and QWS Excellence Award, along with sponsor prizes.
• - Grand Prize Includes:

- 1 million yen in activity support funds
- Special advertising package (2 million yen value)
- 6-month membership to SHIBUYA QWS

• - Excellence Award: 200,000-yen support funds and 3-month membership to SHIBUYA QWS.

Schedule and Judging Process

• - Timeline:

- Entry begins: October 15, 2025
- Entry closes: January 13, 2026
- Document screening results: January 30, 2026
- Second screening: February 4-12, 2026
- Final screening: March 5, 2026

• - Judging Steps:

- First screening (document review)
- Second screening (online interviews)
- Final pitch (5-min presentation with Q&A) at the venue.

Notable Judges

The judging panel will feature a variety of esteemed individuals from the entrepreneurial world:
1. Toshiki Abe - CEO of Ridilover.
2. Shigeru Urushihara - Chairman of Urushisystems Inc.
3. Mari Sakuramoto - CEO of Cochet.
4. Daisuke Sunakawa - CEO of Smart Round Inc.
5. Eiko Matsumura - Serial Entrepreneur and Angel Investor.
6. Kunihisa Miyamoto - Founder of Net Marketing.
7. Toshiyuki Yamamoto - Founder of Chatwork.
8. Chichau Ryu - President of Sunny Side Up.

This powerful panel exemplifies the partnership and commitment to nurturing the startup ecosystem through their diverse backgrounds and insights.

QWS as a Startup Hub

Since its inception, SHIBUYA QWS has been providing a platform for diverse interactions, supporting startups and projects in creating unprecedented social value. With numerous successes and innovations emerging from this vibrant ecosystem, QWS continues to pave the way for future entrepreneurs.

For more details, visit the SHIBUYA QWS homepage or check out the Annual Report 2024.