#Japan #Tokyo #Polar Bear Pitching #Takagi Building #Oulu City

Polar Bear Pitching Tokyo: A Unique Startup Event

On December 23, 2025, the innovative startup pitching competition, Polar Bear Pitching Tokyo, will take place at BIRTH LAB in Minato, Tokyo. This exciting event is the Japanese qualifier for the globally recognized Polar Bear Pitching event that originated in Oulu, Finland. Under the management of Takagi Building Co., Ltd., we are inviting startups and sponsoring organizations to participate.

The Spirit of Finland’s Startup Ecosystem

Finland is renowned for its robust startup ecosystem, with Oulu being one of the key cities fostering this growth. Known as an “education city,” Oulu boasts that over a third of its population holds a degree, blending education and technology to drive sustainable development.

Polar Bear Pitching began in 2014 and has since evolved into a prominent international startup event. With the support of BusinessOulu, the local business government agency, we are excited to host the second edition of Polar Bear Pitching Tokyo, following the successful inaugural event in January 2025. The winning team will earn the chance to compete in the main event in Oulu on February 26, 2026, along with travel and accommodation costs covered.

A Unique Pitching Experience

The main event, Avant Pitching Conference, features a distinctive setup where selected startups present their ideas while standing in a hole in a frozen river. This extreme situation tests how well participants can convey their passion and business ideas under duress, capturing the interest of investors, media, and fellow entrepreneurs. Besides the pitching competition, participants can engage in various networking events and workshops to enhance their startup journey.

Startup Participation Criteria

• - Presentations are primarily in English.
• - Companies must have a prototype or MVP developed, consisting of at least two members.
• - Startups must be able to attend both the main event in Oulu and a pre-event on February 25, 2026. Travel period is expected from February 23 to 28, 2026.
• - Participants must be in good health.

Event Details

The Polar Bear Pitching Tokyo event will unfold as follows:

• - Date: December 23, 2025
• - Time: 15:00 to 18:30
• - Venue: BIRTH LAB, 2-20-7 Azabu-Juban, Minato, Tokyo
• - Sponsors: BusinessOulu and Oulu City

For those interested in participating as a sponsor, we invite companies and organizations to support the development of the startup ecosystem. Sponsors will benefit from exposure within the event, networking opportunities with participants, and connections to an international network.

Schedule of Events

• - 14:30: Doors Open
• - 15:00: Opening Remarks (including a presentation from Oulu and winner interviews)
• - 15:45: Pitching Competition (10 startups, approx. 5 minutes each)
• - 16:35: Panel Discussion
• - 17:20: Announcement of Winners and Awards
• - 17:30: Judges Feedback and Group Photo
• - 17:40: Networking Session
• - 18:30: Event Ends

Joining Us

The Polar Bear Pitching Tokyo promises to be a thrilling day filled with inspiration, innovation, and networking. Don’t miss the chance to make your mark in the startup world and connect with like-minded individuals.

For more information and to apply for participation, visit our official website: Polar Bear Pitching Tokyo.
Contact: Polar Bear Pitching Committee at [email protected] or call 080-3547-0544 (Attn: Horikawa).
Let’s make waves in the startup ecosystem together!