SUMMYS Launches “JUNGLE FORGE AWARD Social Impact Edition 2026” in Collaboration with IVS
Special Award by Child Judges Introduced to Evaluate Future Innovation from a Multi-Generational Perspective

SUMMYS has announced the launch of the “JUNGLE FORGE AWARD Social Impact Edition 2026,” an award program targeting Southeast Asian startups that are tackling social challenges.

The award aims to discover and recognize startups creating sustainable and innovative impact across social, environmental, and economic sectors, while also fostering the next generation of global leaders.

Creating Global Expansion Opportunities Through Collaboration with IVS

This program will be conducted in partnership with IVS, one of Japan’s largest startup conferences.

IVS serves as an international platform where entrepreneurs, investors, corporations, and policymakers from around the world gather. Winning startups of this award will gain opportunities to increase their global visibility and expand recognition in international markets.

More Than Just a Pitch Contest: An “Ecosystem-Type Award”

The “JUNGLE FORGE AWARD” is designed not merely as a pitch contest, but as an ecosystem-driven award program that supports entrepreneurs striving to balance social value creation with business growth.

The judging panel will include venture capitalists, ecosystem leaders, and corporate representatives who will comprehensively evaluate startups based on the following criteria:

Social impact
Feasibility
Scalability
Sustainability
Global expansion potential

The program is intended to support startups capable of creating long-term and meaningful transformation in society, rather than focusing solely on short-term profits.

Introduction of a Special Award Judged by Children

As a new initiative to evaluate innovation from a multi-generational perspective, the award will introduce the:

“Future Generation Award” (Children’s Choice Award)

This special prize will be selected by children from the Nagareyama Raid Association, an organization operating entrepreneurial education programs for children.

Japanese children will participate in the judging process and evaluate startups from the perspective of the next generation. By incorporating the voices of children who will live 100 years into the future, the program aims to encourage the creation of innovations that society truly needs.

Top Two Startups Will Receive IVS Exhibition Opportunities

The top two outstanding startups will receive the following opportunities:

Exhibition booth opportunities at IVS events
Direct access to international investors and corporations
Opportunities for fundraising and business partnerships
Increased recognition in both Japanese and ASEAN markets

Through these opportunities, the program aims to support startups in advancing to their next stage of growth.

Japanese Language & Entrepreneur Support Program for Applicants

One of the unique features of this award is the free support program provided to participating startups:

Group Japanese language lessons for entrepreneurs, conducted by a venture capitalist CEO who holds a Japanese language teaching qualification and has experience with four IPOs

This initiative will strongly support overseas startups in entering the Japanese market, building partnerships with Japanese companies, and communicating effectively with investors.

Growing Importance of Social Impact

In recent years, the importance of social impact has continued to grow globally. Addressing social challenges has become a key factor for sustainable growth among companies and startups.

Efforts that create positive social, environmental, and economic change are increasingly receiving international recognition.

Through this award, SUMMYS aims to connect purpose-driven entrepreneurs with the global innovation ecosystem and generate positive social transformation from Asia.

Organizer

SUMMYS Inc.

Contact Information

Mariel Asami Fukase
CEO & Founder
SUMMYS Inc.

Please replace ★ with @ when sending inquiries:
ceo★summysvc.com

Official Website:
SUMMYS Social Impact Award Page