OpenAI is collaborating with Japan's leading seed accelerator, Open Network Lab, to launch a pitch competition focused on providing API credits instead of traditional equity offerings. This event, named Series T, Post AGI from Kyoto, will occur on July 1, 2026, at the Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art during one of Japan’s largest startup conferences, IVS2026 KYOTO.
Up to 12 teams are invited to present their innovative startups for a chance to win a portion of $1 million in OpenAI API credits. The overall winner will also secure $100,000 in cash. This competition will cater specifically to early-stage founders and collegiate teams founded no more than three years ago, requiring either a working prototype or an innovative concept for entry.
The seriousness of this initiative cannot be overstated, especially as Open Network Lab has established itself as a mainstay in the Japanese startup ecosystem since its inception in 2011. With over 160 supported companies and multiple initial public offerings (IPOs), Onlab's partnership with OpenAI lends significant credibility to this competition. Hosting the event at IVS2026 KYOTO places it squarely in the midst of a thriving hub of entrepreneurial talent, investors, and tech executives.
The notion of Series T highlights a strategic shift in how startup funding can be perceived. Rather than viewing API credits merely as support tools, this initiative posits them as a contemporary form of capital, akin to traditional fundraising rounds like Series A and B but distinctly different in nature.
So, why choose Kyoto for this event? By anchoring it in this vibrant city during a major conference, the competition gains automatic visibility and relevance. OpenAI expressed its commitment to fostering local AI developments with the establishment of its Tokyo office in April 2024. Therefore, the timing and location are emblematic of a broader strategic alignment with Japan's technological ambitions.
Participants in this competition will also confront a thought-provoking theme labeled Post AGI, prompting them to consider future applications and businesses that might emerge in a world where artificial general intelligence is a reality. This thematic focus challenges participants to think critically about innovation in the face of rapid technological advancements.