#Japan #Tokyo #Food Tech #CIC Catalyst #Agri-Food Summit

Startups Needed for ASIA-PACIFIC AGRI-FOOD INNOVATION SUMMIT

CIC Catalyst APAC, headquartered in Minato City, Tokyo, led by CEO Denise Medrlenka, is calling for applications from domestic startups focused on food technology to participate in the upcoming ASIA-PACIFIC AGRI-FOOD INNOVATION SUMMIT. This initiative is part of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ project aimed at supporting Japanese food tech businesses in expanding overseas. Selected startups will not only receive support to showcase their products but will also have opportunities to connect with international companies, investors, and potential collaborators seeking innovative business models.

About the ASIA-PACIFIC AGRI-FOOD INNOVATION SUMMIT

The summit, which will be held in Singapore from November 11 to 13, 2026, is a significant event organized in collaboration between Temasek and the Singapore Food Agency. This summit will be a key highlight of the Singapore International Agri-Food Week (SIAW), gathering approximately 800 senior leaders from the food and agribusiness sectors, including brands, government bodies, investment funds, and charitable organizations. Among them, promising agri-food startups from across the Asia-Pacific region are expected to showcase innovative solutions and products.

Support Provided

CIC Catalyst APAC will offer several types of support for participating startups:

• - Exhibition Cost Subsidy: Assistance in managing exhibiting expenses.
• - Participant Pass: Coverage of one participant's entry fee.
• - Market Research Support: Preliminary research to help participants understand the market.
• - Panel and Display Support: Assistance in creating display materials and presentations.
• - Local Matching Support: Opportunities for startups to connect with local businesses and VCs in the region.
• - Collaboration Events: Organization of matching events in collaboration with local accelerators to foster partnerships.

Additionally, a "Japan Pavilion" will be set up featuring 12 startups from Japan, with designated space and furnished cocktail tables for each participant.

Important Notice

It is essential to note that any expenses beyond those mentioned will be the participants' responsibility, including transport costs for display items, meals, and local transportation.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for participation, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• - Be a Japan-based food tech business established within the last 20 years, aiming for rapid growth akin to a startup.
• - Operating at a stage between Seed to Series B funding.
• - Interested in expanding overseas and capable of conducting business discussions in English.
• - Be a member of, or have applied to join, the food tech public-private council.
• - Comply with relevant legal standards, including not being under bankruptcy proceedings or associated with organized crime in any manner.

Application Details

The application process requires startups to fill out an online form available at Application Link. If there are issues attaching pitch documents, please send them directly to [email protected].

Selection Process

Submissions will be reviewed, and successful applicants will be notified individually. Selection criteria include team expertise, product viability, adaptability to overseas markets, intentions for global market entry, and sustainability of business models post-expansion.

Application Deadline

All applications must be submitted by June 12, 2026, at 23:59.

Additional Notes

Applicants should be aware that all costs incurred during the application process are their responsibility, with no fees owed to the organizing committee. It's imperative that application content is complete and accurate to secure evaluation. Failure to comply can result in disqualification, and all provided information may be shared with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries for operational purposes.

We invite all eligible startups focused on food tech to take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect with influential industry leaders at the ASIA-PACIFIC AGRI-FOOD INNOVATION SUMMIT.

Conclusion

The ASIA-PACIFIC AGRI-FOOD INNOVATION SUMMIT promises to be a pivotal platform for startups eager to explore international markets and forge partnerships aimed at innovation in the food tech sector. Don’t miss your chance to showcase your startup on this global stage!