Wanted! Startups aiming to use generative AI to solve social problems.
Generative AI can solve such social problems and make such things possible. GenAI/SUM is looking for startups that have unique perspectives and awareness of problems of their own, not those of large companies. Participating start-ups are publicly solicited to apply on this website, and after a judging panel and popularity vote, final pitches will be made by the finalists at the event venue. Pitches will be made with an eye to solving global social problems and expanding into the global market.
Total Prize Money
The top prize, the Nikkei Prize, is 1 million yen. There are also "corporate awards" by the sponsoring companies.
Benefits of Participation
The names of those who passed the first screening will be published on the Nikkei newspaper in September.
Paid admission tickets for GenAI/SUM2025 will also be provided to those who passed the first screening .
Companies selected in the final screening will be able to participate in the final pitch at the venue within the event.
Those who are not selected as finalists will be given the opportunity to make a short presentation within the event.
All pitches and presentations will be interpreted simultaneously in English and Japanese, which will greatly promote the event to Japanese investors, so English-speaking participants are greatly welcome.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must have AI as their business areas.(*)
Applicants must be less than 10 years from the establishment of the company.
Applicants must not be subsidiaries of large companies.
Representative of applicants can pitch at the event venue on October 8, 2025.
Transportation and accommodation expenses for participating in the pitch at the event will be borne by participants.
Applications deadline
17:00JST August 24, 2025
How to apply
Please register from the "Entry" button below and fill up the necessary items, business plan and introduction video (video is optional).
Inquiry
Inquiries on Impact Pitch
GenAI/SUM Secretariat info@xsum.jp
* Specific business areas include finance, manufacturing/design, education/research, healthcare/drug discovery, transportation/distribution, business efficiency, law/intellectual property, consulting, creation (images, music, games, etc.), media/advertising, security, and generative AI technologies (LLM, machine learning, software, fake information detection, etc.).
CONCEPT
Blueprint for the Evolving AI Co-Creation Era: Economy, Society, and Education
We are now at an unprecedented tipping point due to the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence. Generative AI and other cutting-edge technologies are bringing about a wave of change in all fields, from the structure of industry to the nature of work, the structure of value creation, and even the field of education.
But these technologies are more than just tools. It is essential to view AI as a "partner in co-creation" and to harmonize it with human creativity, ethics, and social responsibility. Now is the time for individuals, companies, educational institutions, and governments to transcend boundaries to share their vision and put it into concrete practice.
GenAI/SUM 2025 will envision a future society in which AI and humans work together from the three perspectives of economy, society, and education. In addition to simply introducing technology and sharing case studies, we will also delve into fundamental questions such as ethics, systems, literacy, and human resource development, and work together to draw a blueprint for the "co-creation society" that we should aim for.
CONTENTS
GenAI/SUM 2024
SYMPOSIUM
Symposium offers various session by experts, leading-edge business leaders, startup founders and policy makers/administrators, providing positive solutions to various tasks being tackled by Generative AI.
GenAI/SUM 2024
WORKSHOP
Workshop will delve further into issues and solutions put forward in symposiums and seek to open way for more pragmatic business opportunities in such formats as small seminar, workshop, panel discussion, etc.
GenAI/SUM 2024
IMPACT PITCH
GenAI/SUM serves as a pathway to success for startups that utilize their Generative AI services and products to address social issues and provide solutions. Participating startups will be publicly solicited, and the eight finalists will make a pitch on October 8 (scheduled).
GenAI/SUM 2024
NETWORKING
Visitors can not only attend the sessions, but also interact with other delegates in a number of networking spaces set up in the venue. Snacks and beverages will be provided and participants will enjoy real networking across organisations and countries. An after party will be held on the last day of the event, which is open to all visitors.
GenAI/SUM 2024
EXHIBITION BOOTH
The latest and upcoming products and services that utilize AI will be exhibited at the venue and explained to visitors face-to-face.
OUTLINE
Title
GenAI/SUM 2025
- Blueprint for the Evolving AI Co-Creation Era: Economy, Society, and Education
Date and Time
Monday, 6th October - Wednesday, 8th October, 2025
Speeches, symposiums, workshops, pitch runs, roundtables, exhibition booths and etc.
Oraganizer
NIKKEI
Supporters
MIC Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, METI Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Digital Agency, Financial Services Agency, Association to Generalize Utilization of Generative AI (GUGA）, Financial Data Utilizing Association (FDUA) , Financial Information Technology Association (FITA) and others
Please note that if the seats at the event hall are fully occupied,
you will be asked to watch the sessions at a satellite venue set up in the Kudan Kaikan Terrace.
Early-bird Admission ticket
8,000yen（Tax Included）
Special early bird discount from a regular price of 20,000 yen. (Until Sept. 30)
You can participate in all public sessions at the venue.
All sessions at Hall A have simultaneous interpretation in Japanese and English.
During the event, there will be light snacks and drinks available at the venue.
After the event on October 8, you can participate in the evening party held at the event venue.
Events can be found in the archives of each session You can watch it for 1 month from about 1 week after it ends.
Early-bird Admission ticket（1DAY）
3,000yen（Tax Included）
Special early bird discount from a regular price of 10,000 yen. (Valid until Sept. 30)
Valid for one day during the event period, you can participate in all public sessions on that day at the venue.
Other details are the same as a general ticket.
Early-bird Admission ticket（investor）
10,000yen（Tax Included）
Special early bird discount from a regular price of 30,000 yen. (Valid until Sept. 30).
This ticket is for those currently affiliated with existing venture capital firms (investment companies and investment funds), those involved in corporate venture capital (CVC) activities, family offices, LPs, and angel investors.
During the event, ticket holders will be given priority access to meetup opportunities with startups.
Other details are the same as a general ticket.
Admission ticket （startup）
4,000yen（Tax Included）
This is a discount ticket exclusively for startups who have been in business for less than 10 years.
During the event, ticket holders will be given priority access to meetup opportunities with investors.
Other details are the same as general ticket.
Admission ticket（student,academia,public affairs）
Free
Applications accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Capacity: 30 participants (Applications will close once capacity is reached)
One will need to present his/her certificate at the reception.
The following people are applicable.
Current active students from educational institutions.
Current active staffs from academic institutions.
Active civil servants and politicians.
Other details are the same as a general admission ticket.
Archive Viewing Ticket
Free
You can watch all sessions in the archives for 1 month from about 1 week after the event ends. But you cannot come the venue.
If you wish to apply for a separate admission ticket after applying for an archive ticket, there is no need to contact the secretariat.
Generative AI Summit 2025
