Alibaba.com, a leading B2B e-commerce platform, today announced the newly expanded pitch competition, CoCreate Pitch, which will take place at the company’s annual flagship CoCreate event.
The competition will allow global SMEs with product aspirations to compete for a $1 million prize pool. Selected SMEs and entrepreneurs from Pakistan will have the opportunity to participate in the US event, held in Las Vegas from September 4–5, 2025. In addition to the CoCreate Pitch competition, Alibaba.com is also introducing CoCreate Europe, to be held in London on November 14, 2025. Coinciding with World Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day on June 27, this initiative highlights Alibaba.com’s commitment to supporting global SMEs.
The World’s Premier Product-Based Pitch Competition
In addition to hosting industry leaders and prominent entrepreneurs, the core of this year’s CoCreate event is the CoCreate Pitch. Set to become the world’s premier product-based pitch competition, CoCreate Pitch will attract SMEs from around the globe, offering a unique blend of financial support, a diversified global supply chain, and expert mentorship.
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Two grand champions—one from each CoCreate event—will each receive a financial award valued at $200,000 (50% cash, 50% Alibaba.com sourcing credits).
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Twenty additional winners will be awarded up to $40,000 each, under the same terms.
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All participants will receive free access to Alibaba.com’s AI-powered sourcing tools and supplier network, enabling rapid prototyping and cost-efficient production.
The competition spans 2–4 months, with submissions evaluated on innovation, feasibility, and market potential. Finalists will pitch live at flagship events in Las Vegas. Winners will be selected by a panel of industry leaders and investors.
“Pitching competitions have always been a highlight of CoCreate. The passion SMEs bring to their innovative product ideas, and their entrepreneurial energy, shines brightly on stage,” said Kuo Zhang, President of Alibaba.com. “This year, we’re thrilled to open this opportunity to entrepreneurs worldwide.”
SMEs and entrepreneurs interested in applying to CoCreate Pitch can post a 30-second video to Instagram or TikTok highlighting their business story or product. Posts must include the hashtag #CoCreatePitch and tag @Alibaba.com_official. Alternatively, participants can fill out a registration form at pitch.alibabacocreate.com.
Celebrating the Resilience of SMEs
Despite global economic uncertainty, SMEs continue to demonstrate resilience and a strong capacity to adapt and thrive. Recent data from Alibaba.com shows that SMEs are actively positioning themselves for new opportunities. During the mid-year stock season, Alibaba.com observed significant momentum in Pakistan, with the number of Pakistani exporters on the platform increasing by 30% year-over-year from April to June. Furthermore, in less than three months this year, online transaction volume doubled, achieving 100% growth compared to the previous six months since October of last year.
“The ‘can-do’ spirit of SMEs inspired the first CoCreate event in 2023. Alibaba.com’s global supply chain empowers these businesses to turn their product dreams into reality,” said Liz Wang, Global Head of Commercial Strategy at Alibaba.com. “From ideation and production to financing and mentorship, we’re here to help them achieve their business goals.”
