Janssen Pharmaceutical Pitch Contest Creating a future where disease is a thing of the past

Our hope is that through the Janssen Pharmaceutical Pitch Contest we will inspire students to actively pursue careers in the life science industry and help to address future health challenges here in Japan and around the world.

Entrants must prepare a three-minute video presentation, during which they introduce an innovative idea on how together, we could achieve a world without disease.

Ideas can involve art, science, medicine, engineering, architecture, information technology, education, policy, finance, philosophy and communication, or any other area that could help treat, reduce or eliminate the impact of disease, strengthen health systems and elevate awareness of the health challenges facing Japan and the world. Ideas should be aspirational and challenge conventional thinking. Since this event is not a business contest but an idea contest, we will judge the entries based on originality of the idea, but we also ask that you take into account its feasibility.

Entrants must present their ideas in video format (maximum three-minutes) – submitted via the entry page here.

• Please explain your idea clearly for the judges.
• There is no right answer for this contest - we are expecting creative ideas.
• Tools such as smartphones, musical instruments, PowerPoint and keynote are permitted, but the video should contain a clear voice explaining the idea and feature the entrant(s).
• Videos can be submitted in English or Japanese.
• Infringement of copyright is prohibited.
• We will not use the collected personal information for any purpose other than the use of this event.
• Videos must be 600MB or less and in one of the following formats: mp4, mov.
• Entries can be from an individual or from a team of students. If a team is chosen as the winner, they must nominate two students to participate in the trip to the United States.
• The competition will remain open for submissions until 23:59 on Thursday October 29, 2020. *The deadline has been changed.
• Up to 10 finalists will be selected by nominees of the co-sponsors. All entrants will be notified of the result by the early November.
• We will not respond to requests for an explanation of the contest outcome.

• The final contest will take place on Sunday, November 22 from 10:30 – 15:00 (approximate end time) in Tokyo. Details will be shared with the finalists.
• During this session, finalists will be invited to make a three-minute pitch of their idea, in person, to the judges and an audience.
• The idea should be the same as the one submitted in video format, but you may modify your presentation.
• The submitted video will not be played at the final contest.
• Your presentation can be made in Japanese or English, but the final contest proceedings will be conducted in Japanese, and no interpretation service will be provided.
• Judges will deliberate and announce the two winners during this session, with a presentation ceremony to follow.
• The event secretariat will cover the transportation and accommodation expenses for up to 10 finalists (please note only one representative will be covered per team).