May 21, 2024. Startup World Cup Kyoto Preliminary Rounds Held

Kyoto University Graduate School of Business Administration held the “Startup World Cup Kyoto Qualifier” on Tuesday, May 21 at Kyoto University Clock Tower Memorial Hall as a co-sponsored program. This was the second time the Kyoto Qualifier was held, following last year’s event.

Twelve companies selected from 126 applicants made pitches on the day, and HERALBONY, Inc., which has a licensing agreement with authors with intellectual disabilities and manages the data conversion and copyrights of their works, won the competition. The company will compete in the finals to be held in Silicon Valley, U.S.A., in October.

The event was a great success with approximately 500 spectators, media, and many others in attendance.

The Startup World Cup has been held since 2005 with the aim of expanding the number of startups and fostering entrepreneurship around the world. 100 countries will host qualifying rounds this year, the sixth time the event has been held. The winner will receive a $1 million investment prize (approximately 150 million yen). (Japanese companies have won the competition twice in the past.)
The qualifying rounds will also be held in Tokyo and Kyushu (Kumamoto) in the future.