Healthy Fast Food Brand 'yuppa' Wins Grand Prize at G-CHALLENGE 2026

yuppa's Achievement at the G-CHALLENGE 2026

The healthy fast-food brand 'yuppa' has made a remarkable mark in the world of culinary innovation with its unique offering based on Kyo-nama yuba, a protein-rich Japanese ingredient. Managed by Yamamoto Co., Ltd, which operates in Minato, Tokyo, yuppa has been awarded the grand prize at the GLOBIS Venture Challenge 2026, a prestigious business plan competition aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs. The contest, held on February 1, 2026, witnessed participation from 47 teams, showcasing the impressive business plans of GLOBIS’s current students and alumni.

What is G-CHALLENGE?

G-CHALLENGE serves as a platform designed to inspire and support budding entrepreneurs by encouraging them to pitch their business plans. The initiative not only offers funding opportunities but also lays the groundwork for companies to potentially become mega ventures in the future. The GLOBIS Graduate School of Management and GLOBIS Co., Ltd. collaborate to form a fund for investments, and winners receive the opportunity for capital injection of up to 10 million yen. The evaluation criteria for the pitches focus on market viability, competitive advantages, feasibility, profitability, societal impact, and alignment with GLOBIS's educational philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of values and mission among the management teams.

yuppa's Vision and Offerings

At yuppa, the core theme revolves around delivering health and fun through food. In today's fast-paced lifestyle, the dining preferences often fall into the dichotomy of being "convenient but unhealthy" or "healthy but lacking satisfaction." yuppa bridges this gap by offering health-conscious fast food that combines volume, substantiality, and a vibrant dining experience. By using Kyo-nama yuba as a fundamental ingredient, yuppa offers a nutritious alternative that does not sacrifice taste or enjoyment, thus facilitating a healthy eating pattern.

Yuppa ensures quality and freshness by producing food directly in-store. The strategic urban location and streamlined operations support the brand's promise of providing "healthy dining choices every day." Officially launched in April 2025, yuppa successfully secured seed funding in May of that year. Given the growing demand for high-protein and health-oriented meals, the brand is looking to expand its presence across multiple urban locations and explore international markets, all while providing a new dining experience that meets nutritional needs, taste, and enjoyment simultaneously.

Comments from CEO, Yoshinori Watanabe

Following the opening of yuppa, the team faced unexpected challenges, yet they persevered and adapted to real-time feedback and reactions from customers. CEO Yoshinori Watanabe expressed his gratitude for the recognition at G-CHALLENGE, emphasizing the importance of navigating the unique challenges of entrepreneurship. He shared, "Starting a business is filled with various experiences, but we are grateful to have successfully launched. We look forward to progressing further and truly appreciate all the support we can get."

About yuppa Co., Ltd.

Yuppa Co., Ltd. exemplifies its brand philosophy of "Health and Playfulness" through its nutritious fast-food offerings. yuppa is dedicated to providing a joyful and healthy dining experience for busy individuals, aligning with the lifestyle needs of modern consumers. As yuppa continues to grow and innovate, it remains committed to offering delicious, nutritious options to promote a healthier society.

For inquiries related to this press release, please contact:

- Contact Person: Yoshinori Watanabe
- Email Address: [email protected]