#Japan #Kyoto #Nahat #SPIKES #IVS2026

Nahat and the SPIKES Student Startup Pitch 2026

Nahat Co., Ltd. is thrilled to announce its involvement as the main partner in one of Japan's largest startup conferences, the IVS2026, which will take place on July 2, 2026, in Kyoto. In this setting, Nahat will sponsor the SPIKES Student Startup Pitch in IVS2026, a pitch contest designed explicitly for student entrepreneurs. The winner of this contest will be granted the exciting opportunity of securing up to 1 billion yen in investment funding. With 50 seasoned investor judges participating, this contest is a fantastic initiative aimed at fostering the ambitions of aspiring student entrepreneurs.

Background of the SPIKES Contest

Nahat, founded in 2018, has continuously harnessed the power of influencers and marketing strategies to drive growth across various industries. One key insight we gained on our journey is the fact that throughout history, it has always been the passion-driven pursuit of individuals that markedly changes the world.

While the current startup environment in Japan is more developed than ever, the desire to start businesses among students remains surprisingly low on a global scale. There is a pressing need for platforms that inspire young talent with the confidence to take their first entrepreneurial steps.

Nahat aims to provide a space where aspiring student entrepreneurs can engage in serious competition with society and capital. As a company that has evolved from humble beginnings, we understand the importance of providing the next generation with the opportunity to showcase their entrepreneurial aspirations, and thus we proudly sponsor the SPIKES pitch contest. By connecting the intense energy of emerging ideas cultivated by Nahat with substantial investment opportunities, we hope to inspire many more young innovators.

Unique Features of SPIKES Student Startup Pitch

1. Investment Opportunities: Nahat provides a maximum investment of 1 billion yen to the winning team. This not only showcases appreciation but also emphasizes support for students in their pursuit of successful ventures. While the investment is not guaranteed, it sets a stage for constructive discussions and assessments.

2. Meetings with Investors: During the finals, each of the 50 VC and investor judges offers two interview slots to entrepreneurs they wish to connect with. This critical element differentiates SPIKES from other contests, as it allows for authentic interaction between students and potential investors, moving beyond mere popularity contests.

3. Part of the IVS Ecosystem: SPIKES will be hosted within the framework of IVS, Japan's largest startup conference, established in 2007. This intersection allows student entrepreneurs to connect with investors, larger business entities, and creative individuals, facilitating pathways for funding, hiring opportunities, and partnerships.

Event Details

• - Event Name: SPIKES Student Startup Pitch in IVS2026
• - Date: July 2, 2026
• - Location: Miyako Messe, Kyoto
• - Organizer: 4S Co., Ltd.
• - Format: Pitch Contest for Student Entrepreneurs
• - Eligibility: Open to current students including high school, vocational school, college, graduate, and Ph.D. candidates (teams may include non-students as long as one student is a team leader).

Application Details

Applicants are encouraged to possess project ideas aimed at transforming society, whether still conceptual or already operational.

Selection Process

• - Application Period: April 20, 2026 – May 17, 2026
• - Initial Screening: Document review
• - Final Selection: Online pitching rounds - Top 12 finalists will present
• - Pitch Duration: 6 minutes without Q&A; focus on presentation completeness, vision, execution, and scalability.

Thoughts from the Organizers

Kei Takahiro, Executive Officer of 4S Co., Ltd.: "It is an exciting moment as we introduce a dedicated pitch area for students at IVS, channeling youthful energy into sounds of innovation. We anticipate groundbreaking startups to emerge thanks to our extensive panel of 50 investor judges ready to engage deeply with applicant ideas."

Tomoki Adachi, CEO of Nahat: "Having started from no particular standing myself, I understand the importance of momentum in breakthroughs. We embrace the chance to support fresh talent and provide sizable investment opportunities. It is essential that aspiring entrepreneurs showcase their unique intentions to create value, even if they have no record of accomplishments yet."

About 4S Co., Ltd.

Founded to connect ambitious individuals with new value across various sectors, 4S adopts a community-focused studio approach to nurtures connections that foster growth. Their diverse initiatives aim to drive Japan's industry forward.

About Nahat Co., Ltd.

Nahat specializes in promoting corporate strategies while developing its products. Under the motto of "Profitable Marketing", they are committed to delivering meaningful marketing support, cultivating a thriving internal community dedicated to shared success.