Osaka Calling: Manchester’s Gateway to Global Innovation

Venture Café Manchester hosts the regional round of the Tech Osaka Award 2027, bringing UK and international innovators together to showcase ideas and build connections between Manchester and Osaka.

Organised in collaboration with Venture Café Tokyo, the competition builds on the sister-city partnership between Greater Manchester and Osaka. Start-ups working in life sciences and healthcare, green technology, and digital innovation will pitch their ideas to a judging panel, competing for the opportunity to progress to the Tech Osaka Summit in Japan in January 2027.

Three winning start-ups will be selected to travel to Japan, with travel and accommodation covered, and compete for up to ¥2 million in prize funding.

The programme includes introductions from Venture Café Tokyo, two rounds of pitches and the announcement of the winning entry. Attendees will also have opportunities to meet entrepreneurs, investors and international partners working across the innovation ecosystem.

The event is aimed at entrepreneurs interested in expanding into the Japanese market, as well as businesses, investors and others looking to support innovation and develop international connections.