Kenzen Startup Pitch Competition 2026

About

A pitch competition designed for startups focused on enhancing customer experience, offering significant prize money and opportunities for collaboration with ASICS Ventures. Participants will have the chance to showcase their innovations in front of industry leaders and gain valuable insights and connections within the sports and fitness sector.

Benefits

• 💰Total Prize Package
  Total prize package of $80,000 including non-cash prizes
• 🏆Grand Prize Winner Advantage
  Grand prize winner prioritized for discussions on a commercial pilot with an ASICS business unit
• 🌐Ecosystem Access
  Finalists gain direct access to the ASICS ecosystem and potential for a longer-term relationship with ASICS Ventures.

Eligibility Criteria

• Startups must focus on enhancing customer experience
• Startups should fit into one of the four categories: Experience Movement, Experience Physical, Experience Digital, Experience Wellness
• Startups must be able to send two representatives to pitch in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Participation Commitments

• Finalists must attend the pitch event in Ann Arbor on October 22, 2026
• Two representatives from each selected startup must be present for the pitch
• Finalists will undergo a rigorous review process led by ASICS.

Target Region

North America

Target Sector

Sports and Fitness