Pioneers.io has built a reputation as one of Europe’s leading platforms for entrepreneurs and new technology. The Vienna-based organization has been bridging the gap between startups and corporations through its events that host promising up-and-comers and the world’s top players.
Pioneers.io’ flagship event is the annual Pioneers Festival, which provides tech startups with opportunities to showcase their work, and those seeking to invest in the next big thing a chance to witness new, innovative technology.
The Festival attracts 2,500 participants each year—a massive surge from its 40 participants in 2009, when it launched. The conference has featured speakers such as NASA’s Mars Rover flight director Bobak Ferdowsi, and Xavier de la Rue, snowboarder and founder of Hexo+; and it also boasts credit for premiering the likes of the flying car Aeromobil.
Pioneers Asia
However, Pioneers.io has its eyes set on Asia as its next frontier. Inspired by the advancements made in the continent’s tech hubs and economic centers, Pioneers.io is teaming up with business media giants Nikkei to bring the Pioneers Festival experience over—and to Japan.
With an aim of supporting the growth of Asia’s startup scene and building a community, the Japan edition of the Festival offers similar platforms to entrepreneurs from around the continent, potential investors, and fans of technology.
Entrepreneurs are given three programs in which to present their work.
The 90-Second Pitch gathers 12 startups in their early stages of development to pitch their projects on a global scale, in front of international media outlets, possible investors, and fellow startups. With all eyes and ears on them, the startups have a one-of-a-kind shot at bringing their creations to the next level.
For those seeking more exposure, the Pioneers Showroom allows startups to set up booths that showcase their products or services, and meet and interact with established corporations and media, as well as potential investors and consumers.
The Pioneers Asia Challenge is geared toward advanced-stage startups from both Asia and Europe. Of the participating groups, the top 24 will receive free tickets to both Mentors Day and Collaboration Day, events where startups can learn from professionals in the tech and investment fields. The winner of the Challenge will be selected at the main event.
The business opportunities go both ways, too. Pioneers provides a matchmaking service for investors and customers that gives them a list of entrepreneurs to meet with whom best sync with their interests and business for potential ventures.
For mere fans of technology and innovation, however, Pioneers Asia offers plenty to see.
Demonstrations of new gadgets and services provide eye and ear candy, while those seeking inspiration can listen in on lectures and presentations from noteworthy individuals. This installation of Pioneers Asia will feature Google developer advocate Don Dodge, Beenos founder Teruhide Sato, and Hyperloop Transportation Technologies CEO Dirk Ahlborn.
For those looking to further their business, present their work to the world, or witness innovation, Pioneers Asia offers a look into the future.
Pioneers Asia. Mar 23. Happo-en Garden, 1-1-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku. Nearest station: Shirokanedai. For information and visitor tickets, http://pioneers.io/asia; for startups looking to enter a program, visit http://pioneers.io/piobay/login/pioneers-asia-challenge.
Pioneers is also recruiting volunteers for the festival. Those seeking to get involved can attend the Pioneers recruitment event on Feb 9, 7pm at KDDI Web Communications, Sumitomo Fudosan Kojimachi Bldg. #3, 3-6 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku. Nearest station: Kojimachi. More information at www.meetup.com/Pioneers-Asia/events/228390546/.
