DMZ x JVA Startup Hackathon
Join us for a high-energy 2-day hackathon where you learn all about building your own startup from scratch!
Organized by Japan Venture Academy (JVA) and DMZ Japan, this event is your gateway to solving real-world problems and launching innovative solutions — all in just one weekend.
Date: October 11th 2025 (Saturday) - October 12th 2025 (Sunday)
Theme: SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)
Location:
Day 1: Tokyo Bitcoin Base (https://share.google/bc44JLxMtmoOHXBde)
Day 2: Tokyo Innovation Base
(https://share.google/i35gAcxzkcy3zFtYo)
💡 What to Expect:
Team-based ideation, prototyping, and pitching.
Various hands-on workshops:
How to Prototype your Solution: Vibe coding 101 (Led by Tokyo Design Community)
How to Pitch (Led by TEDx )
Beyond Chat GPT: 3 game-changing ways to use AI at work (Led by Le Wagon)
Mentorship from startup founders, VCs, and experts.
Final pitches presented to a panel of judge.
Networking with peers, mentors, judges, and sponsors.
⚠️ Important:
Applications close on September 15, 2025.
Please note: there will be a screening and selection process. Submitting an application does not guarantee participation.
The hackathon is limited to 65 participants, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis after screening.
On-site participation is mandatory (Tokyo) on both the days and travel expenses will not be covered for the participants.
All participants are required to complete DMZ Japan’s Launchpad Course (2–3 hours) before the hackathon. Launchpad is a free online program designed to help you systematically learn the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. Details and access will be shared after registration.
This event focuses on developing startup ideas and business models, rather than purely technical solutions. While it is not a coding competition, the use of technology and technical skills is welcome and highly encouraged.
Language Requirement: Conversational-level English is required.
Tentative Schedule:
Day 1 – Ideation, Validation & Prototyping (Tokyo Bitcoin Base)
09:00 – 09:30 → Check-In & Registration
09:30 – 10:00 → Opening Ceremony, SDG Problem-Space and Schedule Briefings
10:00 – 10:30 → Icebreakers & Team Finalization
10:30 – 11:30 → Workshop #1: Vibe coding 101 (Tokyo Design)
11:30 – 12:30 → Research, Ideation & Problem Validation Sprint I
12:30 – 13:30 → Lunch Break
13:30 – 15:00 → Workshop #2: Beyond Chat GPT: 3 game-changing ways to use AI at work
15:00 – 16:30 → Research, Ideation & Problem Validation Sprint II (Mentor feedback)
16:30 – 17:30 → Brainstorming & Generating Solutions (Mentor feedback)
17:30 – 19:30 → Prototyping & Testing Solutions (Mentor feedback)
19:30 – 20:30 → Dinner & Open Work Session
Day 2 – Pitching & Demo day (Tokyo Innovation Base)
10:00 – 10:20 → Kickoff & Briefing
10:20 – 12:30 → Free teamwork time
12:30 – 13:30 → Lunch break
13:30 – 14:30 → Value proposition and monetization (Mentor feedback)
14:30 – 15:30 → Workshop #3: How to Pitch (TEDx)
15:30 – 18:30 → Pitch Deck Build Sprint, Demo Pitch Rehearsal
18:30 – 20:00 → Final Pitches (Demo Time)
20:00 – 20:10 → Sponsor Remarks
20:10 – 20:30 → Prize Distribution & Closing Ceremony
20:30 – 21:30 → Networking & Afterparty
⭐️ Who Should Join:
University students, recent grads, or early-stage entrepreneurs.
Curious, creative, and passionate about solving real problems.
No need to have a team or startup idea in advance!
Age restriction: None.
🎁 Prizes:
Amazon Gift Cards.
Fast-track seat in DMZ’s international accelerator program.
Opportunity to be a speaker at TEDx.
About JVA (Japan Venture Academy)
Japan's Venture Academy (JVA) is a student-run initiative dedicated to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs in Japan. Through our 3-month Startup Bootcamp, regular events, and a supportive community, we help students transform ideas into real ventures. JVA connects ambitious students with mentors, venture experts, and peers, creating a hands-on environment to learn, experiment, and launch.
https://www.japansventureacademy.com/
About DMZ Japan
DMZ is a Toronto-based startup incubator that has supported over 2,000 startups globally, helping them raise more than $2.9 billion in funding. With deep ties to industry, a world-class network of mentors, and tailored programming, DMZ helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses and expand into global markets. DMZ Japan serves as a launchpad for Japanese entrepreneurs aiming to go global and a soft-landing hub for international startups entering the Japanese market. By partnering with local governments, universities, and corporate stakeholders, DMZ Japan creates programs that help founders cross borders and scale with confidence.
https://dmzlegacy.torontomu.ca/japan-jp