WE AT CHALLENGE 2026

The WE AT CHALLENGE 2026 hosted by the WE AT Association in collaboration with Tokyo Innovation Base) is Asia’s premier global pitch contest focused on well-being innovation.

The program connects startups, researchers, and corporate projects with major Japanese enterprise partners, international VC networks, and global expansion pipelines.

• Total Prize Pool: Over ¥40,000,000 JPY (~$275,000 USD) in total direct grant awards and special prizes.

• Equity Terms: 0% Equity / 100% Non-Dilutive Grant.

• Global Ecosystem Perks:

  • Travel and accommodation expenses covered for international finalists advancing to the pitch event in Tokyo.

  • Direct co-creation and pilot opportunities with leading Japanese corporate sponsors.

  • Access to exclusive 1-on-1 networking sessions with investors and ecosystem leaders at the WE AT SUMMIT.

Applicants choose one of four well-being domains:

1. Track 01: Planetary Well-Being

   • Focus: Climate tech, greenhouse gas reduction, clean energy, carbon management, circular economy, and ecological restoration.

2. Track 02: Human Well-Being

   • Focus: Life sciences, deep tech, physical/mental health, personalized wellness, bio-tech, and technologies enhancing quality of life.

3. Track 03: Social Well-Being

   • Focus: Smart cities, inclusive communities, mobility innovations, diversity/equity/inclusion (DEI), and solutions combating social isolation.

4. Track 04: Creativity Well-Being (New for 2026)

   • Focus: Art-tech, IP generation and distribution, cultural expression, immersive media, and design-led solutions that enrich everyday living.

• Applicant Types: Open to global startups, pre-launch student teams, academic researchers, corporate spinouts, and individual innovators.

• Geographic Scope: Global (applicants from any country are eligible).

• Language: Applications and pitches are accepted in either English or Japanese (Japanese entries receive free translation support for global rounds).