Join us for the Pitch2Tokyo Competition at our second Thursday Gathering, in partnership with ARIA (Advanced Research + Invention Agency) and Sister.

Pitch2Tokyo is a global pitch competition uniting innovators from Venture Café communities and beyond. More than a contest, it’s a platform to showcase the diversity, ingenuity, and strength of our ecosystems on an international stage.

At this regional round, startups will share their entrepreneurial journeys and compete for the opportunity to represent Manchester at the global finals in February 2026 — pitching to an international audience of innovators, investors, and ecosystem leaders from over 80 countries.

Connect with Tokyo’s innovation ecosystem at Global Gathering 2026! Win a trip to Japan with flights and accommodation by applying to pitch before 11th November 2025 HERE.

Eligibility criteria:

🚀 Pre-Seed to Growth-Stage startup

🎤 Available to pitch in Manchester on 20th November 

✈️ Available to travel to Japan w/c 16th February 2026

🌐 Open to all industries and sectors

🏢 Legally registered business entity in the UK within last the last 10 years (2015 or later)

Date: Thursday 20th November 2025, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: Sister – Renold Building, 32a Altrincham Street, Manchester, M1 7JR