10th UCLG ASPAC Congress – Startup Pitching Competition (Asia Pacific)

The competition invites early-stage and growth-stage startups whose solutions contribute to building more sustainable, inclusive, and self-sufficient cities and regions. By connecting innovation ecosystems with city leaders, this initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of creative solutions that address real-world local challenges — from public service innovation and green infrastructure to civic tech and social inclusion.

Objectives

• The Startup Pitching Competition aims to identify, support, and promote innovative startup solutions that address pressing urban and local governance challenges in Asia-Pacific. The competition seeks to:
  • Foster collaboration between local governments and innovation-driven startups.
  • Provide a platform for youth-led and early-stage ventures to showcase scalable solutions that contribute to the SDGs.
  • Encourage the localisation of innovation by highlighting technologies, models, or ideas that are applicable and adaptable to local government contexts.
  • Integrate entrepreneurial perspectives into the regional dialogue on sustainable urban development.

Theme

• “Innovating Local Futures: Startups for Resilient, Inclusive, and Self-sufficient Cities and Regions”
• In support of the 10th UCLG ASPAC Congress’ overarching theme — “Sustainable Global Self-sufficient Cities and Regions for the Future” — the Startup Pitching Competition centres on the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in shaping the next generation of urban solutions.
• Startups are invited to submit ideas and solutions that address one or more of the following key areas:
  • Smart and Digital Governance: Innovative solutions that improve public service delivery, citizen engagement, and government transparency through digital tools, platforms, or data systems.
  • Urban Climate Resilience and Adaptation: Startups addressing climate risks in urban areas, including flood mitigation, early warning systems, green infrastructure, and nature-based solutions.
  • Circular Economy and Sustainable Infrastructure: Solutions that reduce waste, promote reuse and recycling, and design infrastructure with long-term environmental and economic sustainability in mind.
  • Inclusive Public Services and Community Participation: Ideas that ensure access to essential services (health, education, housing, etc.) for all citizens, especially marginalised groups, while strengthening local participation.
  • Civic Tech and Youth-led Innovation: Technology or digital solutions developed by or for youth that enhance civic engagement, local problem-solving, and urban innovation.
  • Energy Self-sufficiency and Green Solutions: Startups focused on renewable energy, energy access, energy storage, or efficiency that reduce urban dependency on external sources.
  • Job Creation and Local Economic Resilience: Initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, skill-building, and employment opportunities within local economies, especially in green and future-ready sectors.
  • Family-friendly and Human-centred City Design: Innovations that make cities more liveable for families, such as accessible public spaces, childcare-friendly infrastructure, safe mobility, and community support systems.

Awards and Opportunities

• Winners of the Startup Pitching Competition will receive a combination of financial support, global exposure, and strategic opportunities to grow their innovations and expand their impact. These awards are designed to empower startups with resources and recognition, while also connecting them with city leaders and potential collaborators across the Asia-Pacific region.
  • Cash Prizes – Top performing startups will receive monetary awards as recognition for their innovation and impact.
    • First Prize: USD 3000
    • Second Prize: USD 1500
  • Sponsored Participation at UCLG ASPAC Congress 2025 – Shortlisted finalists will receive:
    • Fully or partially covered travel and accommodation for one team representative
    • Access to all Congress sessions, networking events, and side forums
    • Certificate of participation
  • Live Pitching Opportunity – Winner will present their solution in a live pitching session in front of:
    • Mayors and local government leaders
    • Representatives from international organisations and UN agencies
    • Development partners, investors, and civil society
  • Startup Showcase at Innovation Corner:
    • Each finalist will have their poster displayed during the Congress at the Innovation Corner Exhibition.
    • This space is designed to draw foot traffic from Congress delegates and city officials seeking partnerships and new ideas.
  • Visibility and Promotion – All finalists and winners will be:
    • Featured on UCLG ASPAC’s official website and social media platforms
    • Included in a digital innovation catalogue shared with local governments and partners
    • Potentially invited to speak in future events or knowledge sessions
  • Networking and Matchmaking
    • Finalists will gain direct access to local government officials, development partners, and youth networks from across the Asia-Pacific region.
    • Opportunity to explore partnerships or pilot projects in UCLG ASPAC member cities.

Expected Outcomes

• Enhanced collaboration between local governments and startups to co-develop context-specific urban solutions.
  • Greater involvement of youth and entrepreneurs in local and regional policymaking processes.
  • Increased recognition of innovation as a driver of sustainable, inclusive, and self-sufficient cities and regions.
  • Practical application and potential piloting of selected startup solutions in UCLG ASPAC member cities.
  • Contribution to long-term knowledge exchange and innovation mainstreaming in local governance.

Eligibility Criteria

• Startups, innovation teams, or early-stage ventures from the Asia-Pacific region.
• The team may be legally registered or in the process of formation, and must consist of 1 to 5 members.
• Preference will be given to youth-led teams (with at least one member under 35 years old).
• Only one application per team/startup is allowed.
• UCLG ASPAC staff members and their direct affiliates are not eligible to participate.

For more information, visit UCLG ASPAC.