are outpacing traditional methods, aspiring entrepreneurs no longer need a strong background in IT to turn their ideas into impactful realities.
With partnerships between Red Bull, Microsoft, and AMD, Red Bull Basement equips participants with essential resources, such as AI tools, mentoring, and a platform for global exposure. The program aims to foster creativity, drive innovations, and help new creators and entrepreneurs make a sustainable impact in their industries. The newly updated application process includes cutting-edge AI technology, a fresh, user-friendly interface supporting nine languages, alongside a unique AI application tool designed to assist users in shaping their ideas into viable projects efficiently. Moreover, applicants can enjoy a seamless experience directly through their smartphones.
Japan Finals and Prominent Judges
The Japan Finals will showcase various talented individuals, including Rui Ueda, a prominent Red Bull Athlete and entrepreneur who established his own company. Ueda will be among the esteemed judges identifying the Japanese representative to compete at the World Finals taking place in June at Stanford University in the United States. Notably, the winning team will also receive $100,000, marking the first time that such a substantial prize is awarded, aimed at evolving their business into a successful endeavor.
A Glimpse of Red Bull Basement
Red Bull Basement is a global incubator program that leverages mentoring and AI tools to assist students and first-time entrepreneurs in transforming innovative ideas into tangible products. In 2024 alone, the initiative received over 110,000 applications from 39 countries worldwide, where the most promising concepts received support for realization through various partnerships.
Highlighting Past Success Stories
Among the notable successes from the program,
Audvice, the 2019 winner from Austria, developed an AI-driven private podcasting platform tailored for professionals in HR and education. They garnered multi-million dollar investments and secured partnerships with global brands. Similarly, the Filipino team
Soj Gamayon, which triumphed during the
Red Bull Basement 2024 held in Tokyo, accelerated their agritech business idea through networking with global partners and mentors in Silicon Valley, drawing significant attraction on a worldwide scale.
Event Details and Participation Guidelines
Eligibility: Participants must be 18 years of age or older and available to attend the World Finals at Stanford University from June 1 to June 3, 2026.
Application Process: Teams can participate solo or in pairs, submitting innovative ideas aimed at solving social or environmental issues via the official application form. Participants will have the chance to utilize AI tools for idea refinement and feedback directly on the website.
Application Dates: January 19, 2026 - April 30, 2026.
Visit the official site for the application form:
Red Bull Basement Application
Schedule:
1.
May 2 - May 4, 2026: Video Selection - Teams that pass the document review will submit a video presenting their project idea.
2.
May 17, 2026: Japan Finals at STATION Ai in Aichi - Finalists will present their project ideas before the judges.
3.
May 18 - May 30, 2026: Development period for the winning team from the Japan Finals.
4.
June 1 - June 3, 2026: World Finals at Stanford University, where national finalists from over 40 countries will gather to present their innovative ideas and receive mentoring from industry experts.
Rui Ueda: Profile of a Trailblazer
Rui Ueda made a mark in the trail running community by becoming the youngest with a record victory at Japan's prestigious Hasetsune Cup in 2014. He continued to break barriers by participating in international races, securing a second-place finish at the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc CCC (101km) in 2016 and winning the Youth World Championships combined event. In 2019, he achieved the remarkable feat of ranking first in the global standings for the
MIGU RUN SKYRUNNER WORLD SERIES. In addition to his achievements as an athlete, he founded
Mountain Frontier, Inc. in 2020, launching the original D2C gear brand
Ruy, showcasing his ability to generate value and innovate in both athletic and business landscapes.
For more information about Red Bull and this initiative, please visit
www.redbull.com.