Keio Chainhack 2027

We are excited to announce Keio ChainHack 2027, an AI & Web3 startup pitch competition taking place on 30 January 2027, hosted in partnership with Keio FinTEK Center.

The event aims to foster innovation in artificial intelligence and Web3, showcase emerging technologies, and bring together students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and early-stage founders from Japan and around the world.

Participants are invited to develop and pitch innovative business ideas leveraging AI, Web3, or a combination of both technologies.

An optional prototype or minimum viable product (MVP) may be included to support the presentation, though it is not required.

At the heart of Keio ChainHack 2027 is the opportunity to develop compelling business concepts that address real-world challenges through AI and/or Web3 technologies.

Participants are encouraged to explore innovative applications across industries, demonstrating clear problem-solving capabilities, market opportunities, competitive differentiation, and potential for scalability.

Projects may focus on AI, Web3, or their intersection. Blockchain integration and tokenomics are not required, although relevant token models may be included where appropriate.

While prototypes are optional, they can strengthen a pitch by demonstrating technical feasibility, practical applications, and early product validation.

Participants will present their ideas to a panel of experienced investors and industry experts who will evaluate submissions based on the following criteria:

• Innovation: Originality of the concept and its approach to solving problems.

• Problem-Solving: Relevance of the problem and effectiveness of the proposed solution.

• Market Opportunity: Understanding of the target market, customer needs, and commercial potential.

• Competitive Differentiation: Unique value proposition and defensibility against competitors.

• Scalability: Potential for sustainable growth and broader market adoption.

• Feasibility: Practicality of execution, technological viability, and implementation strategy.

An optional technical prototype or MVP may also be considered as supporting evidence of execution capability.

Projects will be evaluated on their business and technical merits, regardless of whether they incorporate AI, blockchain, or token-based technologies.

The top three teams will gain direct access to venture capital partners, with the opportunity to present their ideas to investors who actively evaluate and deploy capital into promising AI and Web3 startups.

All participants will benefit from insights and feedback from industry experts, alongside opportunities to connect with investors, entrepreneurs, and leaders across the AI and Web3 ecosystems.