ABS Business Open 2027
USD $20,000 Grand Prize Global Final: Saturday, March 13, 2027 — Tokyo Pitch your venture to world-class investors.
Application Deadline: Sunday, January 31, 2027
Celebrating 30 Years of Entrepreneurship Education
ABS 30th Anniversary: ABS Business Open 2027
Aoba‑BBT Group Anniversary Project
INVESTING IN PEOPLE and EDUCATION TO SHAPE THE FUTURE
Lifetime Empowerment in the Invisible Continent
This project is held as part of the Aoba‑BBT Group anniversary project, an international pitch contest aimed at discovering next‑generation innovators and investing in talent that shapes the future through education.
Our Story
Founded in 1996 by world-renowned business strategist Kenichi Ohmae, Attackers Business School (ABS) is Japan's leading entrepreneurship institution — empowering over 4,000＋ graduates, 1,000 startups, and 18 publicly listed companies.
Since 2008, the Startup Propel & Opportunity Fund (SPOF) has provided early-stage founders with both education and funding support.
Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, ABS brings SPOF to the global stage — hosting regional qualifiers with partner universities worldwide, leading to the Grand Final in Tokyo.
30 Years of Impact
4,000＋
Graduates
1,000
Startups
18
IPOs
2027
Tokyo Finals
Join the Global Stage
ABS Business Open 2027
Competition Divisions / Awards
Choose your division and compete for prestigious awards and opportunities
Under 18 Division
For students under 18 years old who want to challenge themselves with innovative ideas
Grand Prize
USD 1,000
Judging Tips
We value your "free thinking" and "passion" above all. Rather than perfection, we want to see exciting ideas that can change the future.
※Open to Japan residents only. International applicants are not eligible for the Under 18 Division.
University Division
For university students aged 18 and above pursuing academic and entrepreneurial excellence
Grand Prize
USD 1,000
Judging Tips
We expect a fusion of academic knowledge and business insight. Explain why your solution is needed with logical reasoning and detailed prototype concepts.
General Division
For business professionals and entrepreneurs with real-world experience and market insights
Grand Prize
USD 20,000
Judging Tips
Market impact and feasibility are key evaluation points. Present a business plan that moves society, including detailed financial projections and competitive analysis.
Ready to compete on a global stage for these amazing prizes?
Apply NowContest Overview
An international pitch contest to discover next‑generation innovators and provide opportunities to soar globally
Global‑Standard Pitch Stage
Connecting entrepreneurship education institutions worldwide. Challengers who advance through regional rounds compete on the global final stage.
General Division: USD 20,000
Under 18 / University: USD 1,000 & Expert Mentorship
Evaluation and mentoring by industry leaders including VCs and entrepreneurs. The General Division Grand Prize winner will receive USD 20,000 as a prize for business development.
Three Divisions, One Global Challenge
Discovering next‑generation global leaders from three divisions: U-18, University, and General (Working Professionals), opening doors to global challenges.
Keys to Winning the Grand Prize
Master these five criteria to maximize your chances of winning
Originality
Innovative ideas and problem definitions that clearly differentiate the proposal from others. This means the concept should be unique, creative, and distinguishable from existing solutions.
Winning Strategy:
Research existing solutions thoroughly and clearly demonstrate how your idea differs
Feasibility
A realistic and achievable plan based on resources, team capability, and implementation schedule. This should assess whether the project can actually be executed within current constraints.
Winning Strategy:
Provide specific timelines and required resources to prove feasibility
Impact
The potential to create positive change for society, industry, or the local community. Describe how the proposal could benefit users or stakeholders if implemented.
Winning Strategy:
Use numerical data and concrete examples to quantify social impact
Business Value
Strong competitiveness, growth potential, profitability, and long-term sustainability. Explain the commercial relevance, market opportunity, and economic viability of the proposal.
Winning Strategy:
Clarify market size, competitive analysis, and revenue model to convey business appeal
Passion
A strong sense of ownership and resilience to persevere through adversity. A clear and compelling reason for bringing this business into the world, grounded in personal experience and values. The ability to naturally inspire and attract support from customers, team members, and investors. Trustworthiness and credibility that make one want to believe in and invest in this entrepreneur.
Winning Strategy:
Show personal conviction and the grit to persevere, proving you are the right leader.
Our Partner Schools
Leading universities across Asia-Pacific supporting the next generation of innovators
BBT University
🇯🇵 Japan
Leading online business university in Japan
Bond University
🇦🇺 Australia
Premier private university in Australia
CTBC Business School
🇹🇼 Taiwan
Top business school in Taiwan
University of the Philippines
🇵🇭 Philippines
National university of the Philippines
Lovely Professional University (LPU)
🇮🇳 India
One of India's largest private universities
Students from Partner Schools
If you are currently enrolled at one of our partner schools, please apply through your university's competition coordinator. You will participate in the Regional Round first, and winners will advance to the Final Stage in Tokyo.
Find Your Entry Path
Choose the right entry route based on your current affiliation
Which describes you best?
Are you currently a student at one of our Partner Schools?
This Section is for OPEN ENTRY Applicants Only
If you are a student at one of our Partner Schools, please DO NOT apply through this route. Contact your university office instead.
From Application to Finals
Your clear path to the global stage in three simple steps (OPEN ENTRY)
Online Entry
Register your basic information
Document Submission
Upload your Business Summary
Review Results
Notification from the secretariat
The following schedule applies to the "OPEN ENTRY" track. Note: For those applying via Partner Schools, the timing of the Regional Selection varies by location. Please contact your respective school for details. Please note that the date for the Final Round is the same for all tracks.
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2027
- First Round (Document & Video Screening): February 2027
- Announcement of First Round Results: Mid-February 2027
- Final Round: Friday, March 13, 2027
For Partner School Students
If you are affiliated with a Partner School, please follow your university's internal submission rules. Do not use the OPEN ENTRY process described in this section.
Required Submission Documents
All documents below are mandatory for your OPEN ENTRY application
Business Summary
(Required, approx. 10 slides/pages)
Slide deck with explanation
Approx. 10 slides (8 content slides + cover)
Pitch Video
(Required, approx. 5 mins / max 10 mins)
Video presentation(YouTube Unlisted or Google Drive URL) Approx. 5 min / max 10 min English only
View GuidelinesReference Materials
(Optional, up to 2 items)
Videos (3 mins max) or other materials. Provide URL in Entry Form.
No specific format required
Special Requirement for General Category
※ If you are applying to the General Category, you MUST include detailed financial analysis in your Business Summary, such as revenue/expense projections, market size forecasts, and financial viability assessments.
File Format Requirements
※ Business Summary must be submitted in PDF format to prevent layout issues. All documents should be in English or Japanese as specified in your Entry Form.
Next: Detailed writing tips and templates to help you create compelling submissions
GuidelinesFinalist Support
Expert Mentoring
One-on-one guidance from industry leaders (3-4 sessions)
Pitch Review
Professional feedback to refine your presentation
Networking
Connect with peers, mentors, and industry professionals
Workshops
Practical training to sharpen your pitch skills
International Expansion
Strategic support for overseas market entry
Business Acceleration
Roadmap building for commercialization
2027 Tokyo Global Final — Your Stage on the World Scene
Join top teams in Tokyo for the ABS Global Final. Showcase your vision on the world stage, connect with a global community, and take your idea to the next level in one of the most dynamic cities on earth.
Winners receive a trip to Japan (for international participants) and exclusive access to a global network.
Step into the spotlight in Tokyo — the destination where dreams meet global recognition
Mentors & Support
Coming Soon — Our mentoring program will be announced.
Finalists will receive expert guidance from industry leaders.
Judges
Coming Soon — Our distinguished panel of judges will be announced.
The panel includes VCs, serial entrepreneurs, and international experts.
News & Updates
Latest information and announcements
ABS Business Open 2027 — Application Now Open
Celebrating 30 years of entrepreneurship education, ABS launches its first-ever global pitch contest. Three divisions (Under 18 / University / General) welcome innovators worldwide. Application deadline: January 31, 2027. Grand Final in Tokyo: March 13, 2027.
Sponsors & Partners
Coming Soon — Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Contact us at abs@bbt757.com for partnership details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about ABS Business Open 2027
1.Applying via Partner Schools
- Eligibility: Current students and graduates of designated Partner Schools.
- Method: Please apply through your school’s specific contact point or system.
- Note: The "Under 18" category is not available through the Partner School track.
2.Applying via OPEN ENTRY
- Eligibility: Anyone who is NOT affiliated with a Partner School.
- Residency: There are no restrictions on nationality or country of residence. However, the "Under 18" category is limited to residents of Japan only.
[General Information]
- Categories: Applicants must choose from three categories: Under 18, University / MBA, or General (Working Professionals).
- Application Type: You may apply as either an individual or a team.
- Required Items: Entry Form, Business Summary, and Presentation Video.
- Optional Materials:Any additional supporting documents must also be in English.
For those residing in Japan who wish to compete with a business plan in Japanese, ABS hosts a separate contest called "SPOF" (Japanese-language pitch contest). If you are interested in the Japanese-language track, please contact the Secretariat for more information.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is here to help. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
Contact UsTake on the world with your idea.
Create the world's rules from Tokyo.