#USA #Los Angeles #Plug and Play #Alibaba.com #CoCreate Pitch

Plug and Play and Alibaba.com Unite for CoCreate Pitch 2026

In an exciting development for entrepreneurs worldwide, Plug and Play has teamed up with Alibaba.com for the much-anticipated CoCreate Pitch 2026. This collaboration promises to elevate the entrepreneurial experience by providing a robust platform for innovation through artificial intelligence (AI). The competition is set to take center stage during the CoCreate Summit, culminating in live finals held in Los Angeles on September 9-10, 2026, and in London on November 19-20, 2026. The event will also feature newly launched regional competitions in Asia-Pacific, demonstrating a commitment to fostering entrepreneurship across diverse regions.

A New Era for Entrepreneurship

The CoCreate Pitch competition, which launched in the U.S. and Europe in 2025, is evolving by integrating AI technologies to redefine the landscape of global trade from traditional business-to-business (B2B) models to more dynamic agent-to-agent (A2A) commerce. At the core of this transformation is Alibaba.com's innovative enterprise AI tool, Accio, designed specifically to aid entrepreneurs in efficiently sourcing, launching, and scaling their businesses with significantly lower operational overhead.

Entrepreneurs interested in participating can now register for CoCreate Pitch through Accio. This platform features an advanced CoCreate Pitch Agent that assists applicants in developing structured pitch proposals along with actionable business strategies. Liz Wang, the global head of commercial strategy at Alibaba.com, highlights that, “CoCreate Pitch has always focused on providing entrepreneurs with real-stage opportunities and substantial resources.” She further emphasizes how AI is reshaping business creation and scaling, with tools like Accio empowering entrepreneurs to concentrate on building what the world truly needs.

The Role of Plug and Play

As the comprehensive partner for this competition, Plug and Play is set to lead the entire process of sourcing, selection, and delivery for CoCreate Pitch 2026. Drawing upon two decades of experience in nurturing startups, Plug and Play will tap into its vast network of corporate supporters, venture capitalists, and mentors to attract a diverse array of entrepreneurs, startups, and SMEs across the U.S., Asia, and Europe.

Seena Amidi, EMEA managing director at Plug and Play, underlines their foundational belief that exceptional entrepreneurs can emerge from any corner of the globe. This belief is what drives their partnership with Alibaba.com for CoCreate Pitch, as they strive to discover hidden talents and provide access to resources, including investments of up to $1M, to facilitate the launch of groundbreaking ideas at the intersection of AI and global commerce.

Competition Tracks

CoCreate Pitch 2026 encompasses three distinct competition tracks, catering to a wide range of entrepreneurs:

• - General SMEs Track: Designed for established small and medium businesses aiming to scale.
• - 0-to-1 Startup Track: Targeting founders who are turning nascent ideas into tangible products using Accio Work.
• - Student Track: Open to current students innovating and pitching products that promise to shape the future.

During the finals in Los Angeles and London, 20 finalists will present their ideas live, judged by an esteemed panel comprised of industry leaders and investors. The stakes are high, with a prize pool exceeding $1M. Winners at each site will receive cash awards of $200,000, $100,000, and $50,000 for the first, second, and third place, respectively, while the remaining finalists will take home $10,000 each. Details regarding prizes for the new Asia-Pacific regional competition will be revealed in due time.

Application Process

Entrepreneurs eager to take part in the CoCreate Pitch 2026 competition can now register at alibabacocreate.com. This initiative stands as a beacon of opportunity for those ready to make their mark in the world of AI-driven business innovation.

About Plug and Play

Plug and Play operates as a pioneering innovation platform that connects startups and corporations with venture capitalists, universities, and government entities. Established in Silicon Valley, the organization spans over 60 locations and 25 industries, offering a holistic approach to corporate innovation and startup acceleration. Plug and Play has facilitated investments in numerous successful enterprises, including Dropbox, Honey, and PayPal, solidifying its role as a leader in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

About Alibaba.com

Founded in 1999, Alibaba.com emerged as a frontrunner in global B2B e-commerce. Spanning across more than 200 countries and regions, it provides businesses with essential tools to reach a global marketplace. As part of the Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group, Alibaba.com focuses on enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of business transactions online.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Plug and Play and Alibaba.com for CoCreate Pitch 2026 is poised to redefine the entrepreneurial landscape by fostering innovation, supporting emerging businesses, and paving the way for groundbreaking ideas to flourish.