1. Mentoring
   • All entrepreneurs and startups who passed the screening process will be interviewed by investors and Lifetime Ventures members to help them prepare for the pitch as well as refine their business strategy.
2. Acceleration  
   
   • We will provide mentoring to a limited number of entrepreneurs who have entered the program in the early stage of the application process. Mentoring Board composed by Lifetime Ventures and other top investors will work with them for several weeks, supporting them from business plan review and preparation of pitch deck.
3. Matching
   • One week prior to the event, an 1-on-1 online matching session is held with all of the mentor VCs with healthcare and sustainability expertise. Startup entrepreneurs and mentor VCs will be matched one week prior to the Startup Elevate event. Investors will give detailed advice to the entrepreneurs to be ready for the pitch event on April 25-26th.
4. Finance Support
   • The entrepreneurs will have a chance to pitch or present for funding to the potential investors during the Startup Elevate event. The entrepreneurs will get the support in fundraising through this event regardless of the investment from Lifetime Ventures or startup program participation at OIST.

Qualifications
・Seed/early-stage healthcare/sustainability startups that are currently seeking funding and have raised less than ¥500 million in equity to date.
・Applicants must be able to participate in the entire two-day program (including the pitch at the venue on-site on the day of the event).
*We welcome applications at idea-stage/ pre-incorporation.
*Please note that presentations will be given in English at the event.

Selection Process

1.  Entry
   • The entry period is from February 1 to March 31(JST).
   • Please complete the application form on this page.
2. Screening
   • We will conduct screening based on submitted documents on a rolling basis.
   • Notification of screening results is scheduled after mid-March.
3. Interview
   • Applicants who passed the screening stage will be asked to attend an online interview from early April.
4. 1 week prior @ online
   • Entrepreneurs who have passed the interview screening and have confirmed their intention to participate on-site will be invited to an online matching session (PITCH CIRCUIT) with a mentor VC to be assigned to take the stage together on the day of the event.
     *Mentor VCs will be asked to comment in support of the paired entrepreneurs on stage at the event. Entrepreneurs will be supported in brushing up their pitches and business strategies before the event.
5.  Pitch Competition@ OIST 
   
   • Startup Elevate will be held over two days from April 25 (Thu)-26 (Fri).
   • On the day of the event, buses will be arranged from Naha Airport or in front of the hotel to the venue. 
   • Please arrange your own travel expenses to Okinawa and accommodation. Part of the travel expenses will be supported by the committee.