WARP Graduate Pitch Night: A New Era for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
On July 7, 2026, the Tokyo Innovation Base in Chiyoda, Tokyo, was transformed into a hub of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit as TIMEWELL hosted the "WARP AI-Driven Development Entrepreneur Pitch Night." This event provided a platform for twelve graduates of the WARP program to showcase their business ideas to potential investors, including VCs, CVCs, local government representatives, and corporate executives.
The WARP program is known for nurturing AI talent and empowering aspiring entrepreneurs to leverage artificial intelligence in their startups. With participants from diverse backgrounds, including non-engineers and liberal arts graduates, the program aims to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and actionable business models.
A Night of Innovation
The event featured 12 pitches, each lasting 3 to 4 minutes, where graduates presented their unique projects. Notable ideas included a dating training app, a platform for booking marine activities, business support for home care services, personalized education for children with developmental challenges, direct e-commerce for agricultural products, and SaaS solutions for disability welfare organizations.
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation by Tamaki Hiroi, the founder of "JAMP in," an English home-stay matching service allowing users to experience a homestay culture without traveling abroad. Thanks to the audience's votes, Hiroi took home the top prize of 100,000 yen to further support her venture.
"It’s inspiring to see graduates who had no prior coding experience launch successful products in just a few months post-training. The pitch night showcased their growth and confidence in front of industry veterans," said Ryuta Hamamoto, CEO of TIMEWELL.
The Significance of WARP
WARP is a hands-on training program designed by TIMEWELL to teach participants about startup creation and acceleration using generative AI. Participants typically have no prior programming experience, with a majority hailing from the humanities. They gain experience in utilizing AI development tools like "Claude Code" to cover aspects from business model design to web application implementation.
Since its inception, more than 360 students have completed the program, leading to the establishment of over 15 startups by graduates. Several of these ventures have gained recognition in government-backed support programs and acceleration initiatives.
Upcoming Opportunities
As the WARP program continues to expand its influence, the next cohort, labeled “WARP ENTRE Phase 7,” is already in the works. Starting on July 22, 2026, this program is available at no cost to participants under 39 years old with a passion for entrepreneurship or an interest in acquiring engineering skills. Applications are currently open until July 12, 2026.
This program promises to be an exciting opportunity for those looking to engage with the latest AI technologies and gain hands-on experience in the entrepreneurial landscape.
For more details and to apply, please visit the provided link.
Looking Ahead
TIMEWELL is committed to leveraging the insights gained from the development of autonomous AI agents to refine the WARP program, ensuring that graduates possess the skills required to start and grow businesses in today’s digital economy. The company intends to maintain its support for alumni through continuous networking events and pitch competitions, fostering connections with investors and business leaders.
In conclusion, the future looks bright for both WARP graduates and the wider community of aspiring entrepreneurs in Japan, driven by innovative thought and technology.