ZVC Connect is an event that brings together promising startups and LY Corporation, one of Japan’s largest technology companies, to explore business partnerships and new opportunities for collaboration. Previous editions of ZVC Connect have led to partnerships with LY Corporation and investments from ZVC.

The theme of ZVC Connect Vol. 7 is Vertical AI.

Generative AI is rapidly transforming industries worldwide. Vertical AI—solutions tailored to specific industries or business functions—is attracting particular attention for its ability to address specialized challenges and fundamentally reshape workflows.

By combining LY Corporation’s diverse platforms and assets across search, media, e-commerce, financial services, and other areas with industry-specific AI solutions, we believe there is significant potential to create new value together. For this edition, we are inviting startups building innovative Vertical AI solutions to take the first step toward collaboration with LY Corporation.

■ Who Should Apply

・Startups developing products or services in the Vertical AI space 

・Startups interested in co-creation with LY Corporation 

* Startups at all stages, from seed to late stage, are welcome to apply 

■ Event Details

・Event: ZVC Connect Vol. 7 – Vertical AI 

・Format: Online pitch event 

・Date and time: Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 6:30–7:30 p.m. JST 

■ Suggested Pitch Content

・Company & team introduction 

・Product overview 

・Business model 

・Track record & case studies 

・Growth strategy 

* Each selected company will have eight minutes to pitch

■ How to Apply

【Application URL】

https://forms.gle/KyNdJkb6BSRRrNXp7

Application period: Monday, August 18–Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Selected companies will be contacted directly by our team. We look forward to your applications!

See highlights from our past pitch events here:

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000119.000041941.html