10^th UCLG ASPAC Congress – Startup Pitching Competition

INTRODUCTION

The United Cities and Local Governments Asia Pacific (UCLG ASPAC) is the largest regional section of United Cities and Local Governments. Its members – representing local governments and their associations across Asia-Pacific – have set a high priority on implementing and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and have been working with partners from around the world to accelerate their localisation. UCLG ASPAC also serves as the knowledge management hub for local government issues in the Asia-Pacific region, promoting democratic local self-government and fostering cooperation among governments and international communities.

In alignment with this mission, and as part of the 10^th UCLG ASPAC Congress co-hosted by Goyang Special City, UCLG ASPAC is proud to launch the Startup Pitching Competition — a dynamic platform to spotlight startups that are transforming urban futures through innovation.

This competition invites early-stage and growth-stage startups whose solutions contribute to building more sustainable, inclusive, and self-sufficient cities and regions. By connecting innovation ecosystems with city leaders, this initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of creative solutions that address real-world local challenges — from public service innovation and green infrastructure to civic tech and social inclusion.

Selected finalists will be given the opportunity to pitch live during the Congress, engage with local government representatives, receive international exposure through UCLG ASPAC’s networks, and compete for funding, and collaboration opportunities. This competition also supports the broader goal of embedding youth innovation and entrepreneurial thinking into local policy spaces and governance systems.

OBJECTIVE

The Startup Pitching Competition aims to identify, support, and promote innovative startup solutions that address pressing urban and local governance challenges in Asia-Pacific. The competition seeks to:

• Foster collaboration between local governments and innovation-driven startups.
• Provide a platform for youth-led and early-stage ventures to showcase scalable solutions that contribute to the SDGs.
• Encourage the localisation of innovation by highlighting technologies, models, or ideas that are applicable and adaptable to local government contexts.
• Integrate entrepreneurial perspectives into the regional dialogue on sustainable urban development.

EXPECTED OUTPUTS

A curated shortlist of high-potential startups aligned with the Congress themes and sub-themes.

• A live pitching session and exhibition held during the UCLG ASPAC Congress 2025 in Goyang City.
• Visual and written promotional materials (videos, posters, decks) showcasing startup solutions.
• Strengthened visibility for selected startups through UCLG ASPAC’s platforms and partner networks.
• Development of a digital innovation catalogue or portfolio to support knowledge sharing.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Enhanced collaboration between local governments and startups to co-develop context-specific urban solutions.

• Greater involvement of youth and entrepreneurs in local and regional policymaking processes.
• Increased recognition of innovation as a driver of sustainable, inclusive, and self-sufficient cities and regions.
• Practical application and potential piloting of selected startup solutions in UCLG ASPAC member cities.
• Contribution to long-term knowledge exchange and innovation mainstreaming in local governance.

THEME

“Innovating Local Futures: Startups for Resilient, Inclusive, and Self-sufficient Cities and Regions”

In support of the 10th UCLG ASPAC Congress’ overarching theme — “Sustainable Global Self-sufficient Cities and Regions for the Future” — the Startup Pitching Competition centres on the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in shaping the next generation of urban solutions.

Startups are invited to submit ideas and solutions that address one or more of the following key areas:

• Smart and Digital Governance: Innovative solutions that improve public service delivery, citizen engagement, and government transparency through digital tools, platforms, or data systems.
• Urban Climate Resilience and Adaptation: Startups addressing climate risks in urban areas, including flood mitigation, early warning systems, green infrastructure, and nature-based solutions.
• Circular Economy and Sustainable Infrastructure: Solutions that reduce waste, promote reuse and recycling, and design infrastructure with long-term environmental and economic sustainability in mind.
• Inclusive Public Services and Community Participation: Ideas that ensure access to essential services (health, education, housing, etc.) for all citizens, especially marginalised groups, while strengthening local participation.
• Civic Tech and Youth-led Innovation: Technology or digital solutions developed by or for youth that enhance civic engagement, local problem-solving, and urban innovation.
• Energy Self-sufficiency and Green Solutions: Startups focused on renewable energy, energy access, energy storage, or efficiency that reduce urban dependency on external sources.
• Job Creation and Local Economic Resilience: Initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, skill-building, and employment opportunities within local economies, especially in green and future-ready sectors.
• Family-friendly and Human-centred City Design: Innovations that make cities more liveable for families, such as accessible public spaces, childcare-friendly infrastructure, safe mobility, and community support systems.

This theme seeks to highlight the power of local innovation to solve global challenges — with a particular focus on startups that are scalable, inclusive, and grounded in the realities of local governance.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

• All submitted ideas, materials, and content (including the video, pitch deck, and poster) must be original, created and/or developed by the applying participant or team.
• There is no restriction on tools or platforms used to create the pitch materials (e.g. camera type, editing software, pitch design tools).
• Submitted content must be free from any binding agreement with a third party that might hold UCLG ASPAC liable for compensation or copyright disputes.
• If submitted materials include identifiable individuals (e.g. in videos or images), especially minors or those unable to legally consent, participants may be required to provide a signed consent from the individuals or their guardians.
• Submitted materials must not contain content, symbols, or narratives that represent or promote any form of sensitive political issues, hate speech, or discriminatory messaging.
• The applying participants are considered to have fully accepted the terms and conditions of the event by submitting their entry.
• UCLG ASPAC reserves the right to assess the eligibility of each submission and participant, and to resolve any disputes that may arise regarding compliance, scoring, or result announcement at its sole discretion.

APPLICATION/SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

To participate in the Startup Pitching Competition, all applicants are required to complete and submit their application materials exclusively via the official online form. No submissions will be accepted via email or post.

Submission Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/UCLGASPAC_Competitions2025
Submission Deadline: Friday, 8 August 2025 at 23:59 PM (Jakarta Time / GMT+7)
Participants are responsible for ensuring all components are submitted on time. Late submissions will not be considered.

WHO CAN APPLY

• Startups, innovation teams, or early-stage ventures from the Asia-Pacific region.
• The team may be legally registered or in the process of formation, and must consist of 1 to 5 members.
• Preference will be given to youth-led teams (with at least one member under 35 years old).
• Only one application per team/startup is allowed.
• UCLG ASPAC staff members and their direct affiliates are not eligible to participate.

SUBMISSION COMPONENTS

Participants must prepare and upload the following components via the online form:

1. Startup Profile (Written in the Form) – Provide a clear, concise summary of your startup:
   1. Startup Name
   2. Country and Local Government of Origin
   3. One-line Tagline or Mission Statement
   4. Thematic Focus: Select one or more relevant themes from the Congress (e.g., Smart Cities, Climate Resilience, Civic Tech, etc.)
   5. Brief Description (Max. 200 words): Introduce your innovation, its purpose, and target beneficiaries. Avoid technical jargon; be concise and accessible.
2. Pitch Video (Uploaded as a Link) – A short 2–3 minute video introducing your solution. Your pitch should include:
   1. Introduction of team and background
   2. The problem being addressed
   3. Your solution and how it works
   4. The impact or potential of the solution
   5. Why your solution matters to cities and local governments
   6. Optionally: visuals, user stories, early results
3. Video Format Requirements:
   1. Upload to YouTube or Vimeo (set to “public” or “unlisted”)
   2. Paste the full video link in the form
   3. Ensure the video is accessible without login or password
4. Pitch Deck (PDF or PPT format, max. 10 slides)
   • Upload a structured and visually engaging presentation that covers:
     1. Problem statement
     2. Proposed solution
     3. Product or service overview
     4. Target users and market
     5. Impact or outcomes
     6. Business/sustainability model
     7. Team introduction
     8. Development/traction so far
     9. Scaling strategy or future plans
     10. Summary or call to action
   • File format: PDF or PPT
     Max file size: 10 MB
     File name format: StartupName_PitchDeck.pdf
5. Poster (PDF, JPG, or PNG)
   • A one-page A4 or A3-sized visual summary of your startup to be displayed at the Innovation Corner Exhibition during the Congress. It should include:
     • Startup name and logo
     • Problem and solution overview
     • Visuals (photos, icons, infographics, etc.)
     • Contact/social media details
     • Optional slogan or tagline
   • Design tips:
     • Keep it visual and readable from a distance
     • Avoid excessive text
     • Focus on clarity, impact, and attractiveness
   • File format: PDF, JPG, or PNG
     Max file size: 10 MB
     File name format: StartupName_Poster.pdf
6. Team Bio (Max. 450 words)
   A short background description of your team, highlighting your motivation, relevant experience, and vision for the future. This will not be provided to the jury but may be used for promotional and networking purposes during the Congress. Include in the form as a text input or document upload (if required)
7. LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
   • All written content, videos, pitch decks, and posters must be submitted in English.
   • Submissions in other languages will not be evaluated.
8. SUBMISSION REMINDERS
   • Ensure all file uploads are complete and all links are working before the deadline.
   • Do not submit materials that are password-protected or require login access.
   • Maintain original filenames or use the provided naming format for easier identification.

AWARDS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Winners of the Startup Pitching Competition will receive a combination of financial support, global exposure, and strategic opportunities to grow their innovations and expand their impact. These awards are designed to empower startups with resources and recognition, while also connecting them with city leaders and potential collaborators across the Asia-Pacific region.

1. Cash Prizes – Top performing startups will receive monetary awards as recognition for their innovation and impact.

• First Prize: USD 3000
• Second Prize: USD 1500

All prizes are subject to local taxes and applicable deductions.

2. Sponsored Participation at UCLG ASPAC Congress 2025 – Shortlisted finalists will receive:

• Fully or partially covered travel and accommodation for one team representative
• Access to all Congress sessions, networking events, and side forums
• Certificate of participation

3. Live Pitching Opportunity – Winner will present their solution in a live pitching session in front of:

• Mayors and local government leaders
• Representatives from international organisations and UN agencies
• Development partners, investors, and civil society

4. Startup Showcase at Innovation Corner

• Each finalist will have their poster displayed during the Congress at the Innovation Corner Exhibition.
• This space is designed to draw foot traffic from Congress delegates and city officials seeking partnerships and new ideas.

5. Visibility and Promotion – All finalists and winners will be:

• Featured on UCLG ASPAC’s official website and social media platforms
• Included in a digital innovation catalogue shared with local governments and partners
• Potentially invited to speak in future events or knowledge sessions

6. Networking and Matchmaking

• Finalists will gain direct access to local government officials, development partners, and youth networks from across the Asia-Pacific region.
• Opportunity to explore partnerships or pilot projects in UCLG ASPAC member cities.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Startups will be evaluated through a combination of jury assessment (80%) and public voting via UCLG ASPAC’s social media platforms (20%). The following seven (7) criteria will be used to determine the overall score of each submission. Each criterion is explained below along with its assigned weight.

Criterion	Weight
Relevance to Urban and Local Challenges Evaluates how well the startup addresses specific and urgent challenges faced by cities or local governments. Judges will look for alignment with the Congress theme: “Sustainable Global Self-sufficient Cities and Regions for the Future”, and how clearly the problem is defined and localised.	20%
Innovation and Originality Assesses the uniqueness and novelty of the solution. Does the idea introduce something new or significantly improve upon existing approaches? Solutions that reflect creative thinking or disruptive potential will score highly.	20%
Feasibility and Practicality Considers how realistic and achievable the solution is, given existing resources, infrastructure, and constraints. Judges will look for clarity in execution strategy and operational planning.	15%
Impact and Sustainability Focuses on the potential positive outcomes of the solution for communities, cities, or the environment. Startups should show how their idea can produce lasting change and contribute to the SDGs. Both short-term and long-term benefits are considered.	15%
Scalability and Replicability Measures whether the solution has potential to grow, scale, or be adapted by other cities or regions. Judges will consider how easily the idea can be replicated in different local contexts while maintaining effectiveness.	10%
Presentation and Storytelling Evaluates the clarity, persuasiveness, and visual quality of the startup’s communication. This includes the video pitch, presentation slides, and poster. Strong storytelling, design, and messaging are crucial.	10%
Public Engagement (Social Media Voting) Assesses the level of support, interest, and interaction from the public via UCLG ASPAC’s social media platforms. Metrics include likes, shares, and comments. This reflects the solution’s public appeal and outreach potential. Note: Public engagement must be organic. Artificial likes or bot activity will lead to disqualification.	10%
Total	100%

RELEVANT DATES

• Application closes at 23:59 on Friday, 8 August 2025 (Jakarta Time / GMT+7).
• Applying participants are responsible for determining and adjusting the application timeline to their respective time zones if located outside Jakarta, Indonesia.
• Public voting via UCLG ASPAC social media platforms will take place in early September 2025. Exact dates and instructions will be announced separately.
• Finalists will be formally announced approximately three (3) weeks before the 10th UCLG ASPAC Congress — no later than Friday, 6 September 2025.
• The 10th UCLG ASPAC Congress will be held from Wednesday to Friday, 24–26 September 2025, in Goyang City, Republic of Korea.
• UCLG ASPAC reserves the right to revise the timeline or individual dates. Any changes will be officially communicated through the organisation’s website and social media channels..

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

• Participants applying for the Startup Pitching Competition will retain full ownership of all intellectual property (including moral rights) related to their submitted materials, including but not limited to: the pitch deck, poster, video, written content, and startup concept.
• By participating in this competition, participants grant UCLG ASPAC, and through it to any relevant partners or authorised third parties (hereinafter “The Authorised Users”), an irrevocable, non-exclusive, international, royalty-free licence to use, reproduce, edit, adapt, copy, and distribute submitted content solely for non-commercial purposes related to the promotion of the event and the organisation’s public activities.
• This licence includes the right to:
  • Edit and adjust video, poster, or deck formats for display on digital platforms
  • Translate or subtitle video content for regional audiences
  • Publish submitted content, including any names, logos, city identifiers, or visual likenesses, on all forms of media (including websites, social media, digital reports, printed material, or multimedia publications)
  • Share content with local government partners, development agencies, or knowledge platforms for promotional, educational, or advocacy purposes
• This licence is granted without need for further approval, notice, or compensation, and applies across all languages and formats (digital or print), for the sole purpose of promoting:
  • The UCLG ASPAC Startup Pitching Competition
  • The UCLG ASPAC Congress 2025
  • UCLG ASPAC’s ongoing work in supporting innovation and sustainable local development
• No commercial use will be made of the submitted content without obtaining the prior written consent of the participant. All commercial rights remain solely with the submitting team or individual

PRIVACY POLICY

• By participating in the Startup Pitching Competition, the applicant agrees that all personal data provided during the application process — including but not limited to name, email address, phone number, and country of origin — will be collected, processed, and securely stored by the UCLG ASPAC team.
• These personal details may be used for purposes directly related to:
  • The administration of the Startup Pitching Competition
  • Communication and coordination regarding the UCLG ASPAC Congress 2025
  • Inclusion in non-commercial follow-up activities, event documentation, and innovation promotion efforts
• UCLG ASPAC may also use this information to:
  • Verify the identity and eligibility of applicants
  • Contact participants for clarification, updates, or notification of results
  • Share event-related opportunities or invitations in the future, provided they are relevant to the Congress or UCLG ASPAC’s thematic work
• Participants who fail to provide accurate and complete personal information may have their application disqualified at the discretion of the UCLG ASPAC team.
• Furthermore, the participant accepts full responsibility to resolve, directly and exclusively, any legal claims or disputes from third parties concerning the use, ownership, or distribution of the submitted materials (e.g., pitch decks, videos, posters), including any claims relating to data protection, copyright, or personal consent.
• All personal data will be handled in accordance with relevant privacy laws and will not be shared with third parties for commercial purposes.

GENERAL COMMENTS

• By submitting an application and participating in the Startup Pitching Competition, participants are considered to have fully accepted all rules, regulations, criteria, and terms stated by UCLG ASPAC, including those outlined under submission guidelines, eligibility, intellectual property, privacy, and evaluation.
• UCLG ASPAC reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to amend or revise dates, timelines, processes, or the composition of the judging panel, should circumstances require such changes. Any updates will be announced via UCLG ASPAC’s official communication channels.
• The decisions of the jury and organising committee are final, non-negotiable, and binding. There will be no appeals process or reconsideration once results are announced.
• Legal jurisdiction and governing law: These rules and regulations shall be governed by, and interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the Republic of Indonesia.
• Should any provision be deemed invalid, unenforceable, or nullified under law, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

CONTACT US

Should you have any questions or require further clarification regarding the Startup Pitching Competition, please contact: info@uclg-aspac.org

Please use the following subject line format in your email:
Startup Pitching_Questions_[Your Name or Startup Name]
(e.g., Email Subject: Startup Pitching_Questions_SmartCity Lab)

The UCLG ASPAC team will respond to all queries as promptly as possible.