FOR STARTUPS, INC. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Yuichiro Shimizu; COO: Yukiko Tsunehida; hereinafter referred to as FOR STARTUPS), which develops growth industry support services, announced today the opening of applications for "GRIC PITCH" (to be held on November 6), a pitch contest for Japanese startups aiming to challenge global markets, as part of the "GRIC2026" conference, one of Japan's largest growth industry conferences scheduled for November. Eighteen companies will be selected from the applicants to present, with the announcement of the selected companies scheduled for mid-October 2026. The pitch will be conducted primarily in English and streamed globally. Winning companies will be offered opportunities to support their global expansion, such as participation in overseas events and international networking. Pitch Themes and Application Overview This year's "GRIC PITCH" will recruit presenting companies based on the "17 Strategic Fields" designated by the government, under the following three themes: Theme 1: AI & ROBOTICS Including AI, advanced robotics, quantum technology, IoT, etc. Theme 2: FRONTIER TECH Including space, national security, cybersecurity, satellites, rockets, space transportation, orbital utilization, precision machinery, etc. Theme 3: GROWTH SECTOR Including biotechnology, healthcare, content, GX, advanced medicine, autonomous driving/mobility, supply chain, food tech, non-IT industries, etc. 【Application Overview】 Application Period July 1, 2026 (Wed) - August 31, 2026 (Mon) 23:59 Pitch Language English *This is a change from last year. Eligibility Startup companies registered in Japan Application Requirements Startups falling under the pitch themes above Results Announcement Around mid-October 2026 Presentation Date November 6, 2026 (Fri) Participation Fee Free Details & Application Form Opportunities Provided by GRIC PITCH "GRIC PITCH" offers a variety of prizes, including the "GRAND PRIZE" awarded to the company that receiv