TOKYO GLOBAL INNOVATION CHALLENGE University Pitch

Learn More: https://venturecafeglobal.org/sessions/gg26-pitch2tokyo-warmup-tgic/

Date: February 19th, 2026
Session Location: Toranomon Hills Forum Hall-B – Main Room
Session Organizer: TOKYO GLOBAL INNOVATION CHALLENGE　(TGIC)
Language: English
Session Description:
Before the global spotlight turns to Pitch2Tokyo, we begin with a special showcase from Japan’s university startup ecosystem.
Taking the stage is the winner of a national university-level startup pitch competition**:** TOKYO GLOBAL INNOVATION CHALLENGE（TGIC), a team representing the next generation of entrepreneurial talent emerging from campuses across Japan. Built on curiosity, ambition, and the courage to take ideas beyond the classroom, this startup reflects the growing role of universities as engines of innovation and real-world impact.
This moment celebrates the journey from student-led idea to global-stage opportunity, and highlights how Japan’s universities are cultivating founders ready to engage with the world.
As a warm-up to Pitch2Tokyo, this showcase sets the tone for what’s ahead: bold thinking, fresh perspectives, and founders prepared to turn possibility into action on a global scale.
Company:

• Hey Ho

In recent years, “time poverty” has emerged as a growing social issue. As our lives become increasingly complex, many people constantly feel they “don’t have enough time,” often missing moments that truly matter. Hey-Ho is a C2C platform that connects those who want to help with those who need support, while ensuring trust through mutual identity verification and community-based evaluations. By sharing everyday burdens, Hey-Ho aims to create communities where saying “Can you help me for a moment?” feels natural and welcomed.
近年、「時間貧困」という社会問題が拡大しています。私たちの生活がより複雑化する中で、多くの人が常に「時間がない」と感じ、本来大切にしたかった瞬間を逃してきたのではないでしょうか。Hey-Hoは、「助けたい人」と「助けを必要とする人」を、相互の本人確認とコミュニティ評価によって信頼性を担保しながらつなぐC2Cプラットフォームです。日常の負担を分かち合い、「ちょっと助けて」が当たり前に言える街へ。