WE AT CHALLENGE 2025: Asia’s Premier Well-Being Pitch Contest Returns on November 27

WE AT, a general incorporated association dedicated to fostering a new startup ecosystem for social innovation, is proud to announce the return of WE AT CHALLENGE 2025, one of Asia’s largest pitch contests centered on Well-Being. The event will take place on November 27, 2025, at Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB), with applications opening today, May 8.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, which attracted over 400 applications from 32 countries, WE AT CHALLENGE 2025 aims to further expand its reach and impact. Finalists from diverse backgrounds—including startups, students, and social entrepreneurs—will present their innovative solutions addressing global social challenges and advancing Well-Being.

 

 

This year’s contest introduces four thematic tracks:

 

Track 1: Planetary Well-Being
Innovations for One Earth

Global warming and destruction of the natural environment are becoming more serious day by day, threatening the very basis of survival for all life, including humankind. This track is for challengers who face the Earth and strive to realize its well-being through reducing greenhouse gases, controlling carbon, saving and clean energy, improving and utilizing the environment of air, water, and soil, etc. There is a particular affinity with businesses plans that aim to expand into the Southeast Asian market or enter the Japanese market.

Keywords: #Liveability #ClimateTech #Decarbonization #Energy #CircularEconomy #Biodiversity #AgriTech #FoodTech

 

Track 2: Human Well-Being
Enriching Lives and Health for People Around the World

The foundation of human well-being lies in maintaining good health across one’s lifespan. We welcome proposals that broadly contribute to physical, mental, social, and economic well-being, encompassing diverse wellness initiatives—from technologies and ideas that enhance quality of life, embrace individuality and diversity, foster belonging and social connection, to cutting-edge life sciences and deep tech solutions that enable healthy longevity.

Keywords: #Healthcare #AgeTech #ElderCare #Longevity #MedicalInnovation #DrugDiscovery #FinancialWellness

 

Track 3: Social Well-Being
Living Together: Building Inclusive Cities and Communities

Well-Being is built on respect for individuals, meaningful social connections, mental fulfillment, and a strong sense of safety and security. This track is for challengers who offer services that promote diversity, equity and inclusion, propose ideas that support community-building, regional revitalization, and smart city development, and develop technologies that support daily life and enable everyone to live with a sense of fulfillment. We encourage proposals that aim to build a sustainable future by promoting social inclusion, revitalizing communities, and improving quality of life.

Keywords: #SmartCity #Communication #Mobility #Infrastructure #RegionalRevitalization #Productivity #Safety #DE&I

 

Challenge Track: Creativity Well-Being
Flourishing Our Lives Through Art & Culture Around the World

Celebrating the role of creativity and culture in Well-Being, this track invites innovative projects in art, design, and cultural experiences that inspire and connect communities.

Keywords: #Culture #Art #Design #Craft #ContentCreation #Inspiration #Experience #Heritage

 

Selection Process:

• First Round: Document screening
  
• Second Round: Online interviews conducted in English
  
• Final Round: In-person presentations at Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB) in Yurakucho
  Note: Travel support will be provided for finalists, including international participants.

 

Eligibility:

Open to startups, pre-launch students, researchers, corporate projects, individuals, and organizations with a vision for global expansion.

 

Awards:

• WE AT AWARD
  
• WE AT BEST AWARD (Top prize for each track)
  
• Special Awards: Student Award, Corporate Award, Researcher Award (newly established this year)

 

Evaluation Criteria:

Applicants will be assessed on their commitment to addressing global social challenges, passion for Well-Being, and the potential impact of their business ideas.

 

Application Deadline:

July 31, 2025, at 23:59 JST

 

Submission Requirements:

Please refer to the official website for details on the required PDF application materials.

https://we-at.tokyo/en/challenge/

 

Further details on WE AT CHALLENGE 2025 will be announced in due course.

We look forward to receiving many applications.

 

About WE AT

WE AT is a general incorporated association committed to building a new startup ecosystem that drives social innovation. Inspired by the OECD’s Well-Being Framework, WE AT supports startups and projects that contribute to the accumulation of economic, natural, human, and social capital, aiming to realize a multifaceted Well-Being that encompasses physical and mental health, inclusive societies, and a sustainable global environment.

 

Founding Organizations:

The University of Tokyo, Tokyo Institute of Science, Kyoto University, The University of Tokyo Collaborative Platform Development, Hakuhodo Inc., Sumitomo Life Insurance Company, Canon Marketing Japan Inc.

 

Member Companies:

Kyoto University Innovation Capital Co., Ltd., Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Limited, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Panasonic Holdings Corporation, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

 

Established: May 16, 2024
Location: Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Co-Representatives: Hiroki Fujimoto, Itaru Yoshizawa
Vice Representative: Daisuke Kanma
Activities: Discovering and nurturing social entrepreneurs, organizing events to support startup growth, collaborating on ecosystem development, conducting research and policy recommendations related to Well-Being and innovation.

 

Official Website: https://www.we-at.tokyo/

Contact: https://we-at.tokyo/contact/