Startup Elevate 2025 is a structured, two-day investor-founder engagement program hosted by Lifetime Ventures in partnership with the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST). Taking place in Okinawa, Japan, on September 29–30, 2025, the program is designed to accelerate promising early-stage startups in healthcare and sustainability through mentorship, investment connections, and international exposure.
This initiative provides selected startups the opportunity to connect with expert venture capitalists, refine their business strategies, and present their solutions on a global stage.
Program Overview
Target Audience
Startup Elevate is tailored for:
- Early-stage startups in healthcare or sustainability
- Ventures that have raised less than ¥300 million($2 million) in equity
- Teams prepared to present in English and available for the full event duration
- Founders with global ambition from inception
Benefits for Startups
Mentorship
Participants undergo tailored mentoring from Lifetime Ventures and its investor network to enhance business models and pitch readiness.
Acceleration
Select early applicants may receive several weeks of in-depth mentoring, including business plan reviews and deck refinement.
Matching
One week prior to the conference, founders are matched 1-on-1 with sector-specific VCs for strategic input on pitch development and business alignment.
Investor Exposure
Startups will pitch live at the event to investors and continue building connections post-conference for long-term funding support.
Application & Selection Process
1. Application Submission
Deadline: July 31, 2025
Startups must submit a detailed application including company information, founder background, product and market description, funding status, and pitch materials.
2. Document Screening
August 2025
Applications will be reviewed based on:
- Innovation strength
- Team quality
- Scalability potential
- Alignment with healthcare or sustainability themes
Applicants will be notified of results by mid-September.
3. Interview Screening
Early September 2025
Shortlisted startups will undergo a 30-minute virtual interview assessing vision, product-market fit, technical innovation, and alignment with investor interests.
4. Pitch Preparation Mentoring
One week before the event
Selected startups will receive:
- 1-on-1 virtual sessions with VCs
- Detailed feedback and coaching
- Final presentation refinement
5. Conference Participation
September 29–30, 2025
Held at OIST, the conference includes:
- Sector-specific pitch and talk sessions
- Poster exhibitions
- Networking sessions
- Investor dinners in Naha
Conference Schedule Overview
Day One – September 29 (Healthcare Focus)
- Talk sessions featuring healthcare startups
- Pitch sessions (top 10 startups)
- Poster exhibitions
- Networking with investors
- Evening networking dinner in Naha
Day Two – September 30 (Sustainability Focus)
- Talk sessions featuring sustainability innovations
- Pitch sessions (top 10 startups)
- Poster exhibitions
- Networking activities and final dinner
Logistics & Support
- Location: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST)
- Welcome Dinner: September 28, in Naha
- Transport: Shuttle buses provided between Naha hotels/airport and the venue
- Travel Support: Partial travel expense coverage may be available via honorarium
- Language: All sessions conducted in English
Startup Elevate 2025 presents a curated platform for early-stage healthcare and sustainability innovators to gain expert mentorship, investment exposure, and access to a global ecosystem. With a rigorous selection process and personalized founder support, the program positions startups for long-term success.