Innovative Entrepreneurs Compete for $400,000 at Alibaba.com's CoCreate Europe Event

Alibaba.com's CoCreate Europe Event: A Platform for Innovation

On November 14, 2025, the first CoCreate Europe event will take place in London, organized by the renowned B2B e-commerce platform, Alibaba.com. This exciting event, set against the bustling backdrop of the city's entrepreneurial spirit, will be marked by a highlight: the CoCreate Pitch competition. With a remarkable prize pool of $400,000, this competition aims to spotlight innovative product ideas from emerging entrepreneurs across Europe.

Led by esteemed judges, including Rio Ferdinand, the legendary Manchester United footballer turned entrepreneur, and Sara Davies, a well-known broadcaster and investor, this event is expected to foster creativity and collaboration among startups. The competition will consist of 30 finalists, chosen to present their concepts live before the judging panel, which also features crowdfunding expert Everette Taylor, CEO of Kickstarter. Together, they will select ten winners, each of whom will receive up to $20,000 in prizes, while the grand prize winner will secure a whopping $200,000 to further develop their innovative product.

Promoting Entrepreneurial Spirit

Rio Ferdinand, who has transitioned from a successful sports career to becoming a notable businessman, expressed his enthusiasm for the role of a judge. He stated, "On the pitch, I learned the value of ambition, fresh ideas, and determination. Those qualities have guided me in my business career as well. I look forward to sharing my experiences and supporting the next generation of product-based startups in Europe."

Alongside Ferdinand, Sara Davies brings years of experience identifying and nurturing promising business ideas. She shared her excitement about judging the competition, noting, "There is significant untapped potential among Europe’s entrepreneurs, and I'm eager to hear new product ideas and help kickstart innovative businesses."

The Essence of CoCreate Europe

CoCreate Europe marks Alibaba's expansion of its previously established CoCreate event format, which has seen tremendous success in Las Vegas since 2023. This new European chapter is designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), providing a unique platform for collaboration, networking, and growth.

Kuo Zhang, President of Alibaba.com, emphasized the significance of this event, stating, "We are excited to welcome SMEs from across Europe to participate in CoCreate Europe, a gathering of like-minded innovators and industry leaders. This event aims to create a vibrant sourcing ecosystem and offer insights into Alibaba's cutting-edge toolset, supplier network, and AI sourcing capabilities."

What to Expect

The CoCreate Europe program will include various informative sessions focusing on critical business topics. Themes will revolve around cost reduction, building resilient supply chains, and leveraging AI for growth. Attendees can expect to gain insights into navigating industry trends that will shape the coming years. Additionally, numerous networking opportunities will connect entrepreneurs with sourcing professionals, investors, and influencers.

One of the standout features of the event will be the access all participants will receive to Alibaba’s extensive resources, including verified suppliers across 76 industry categories and over 200 million product listings. Such capabilities are designed to streamline the sourcing process and empower SMEs to grow confidently and effectively.

How to Join

Tickets for CoCreate Europe are now available on the official website Alibaba CoCreate, where attendees can choose from various admission levels. This inaugural event promises to be an unforgettable experience, filled with opportunities for learning and growth.

With the combination of expert judges, substantial prizes, and an engaging agenda, Alibaba.com's CoCreate Pitch competition at the CoCreate Europe event stands to shine a spotlight on promising innovations and empower the next wave of entrepreneurs in Europe. This occasion not only celebrates creativity but also exemplifies the collaborative spirit that drives businesses forward in today’s competitive landscape.