Alibaba.com, one of the world’s largest B2B e-commerce platforms, has launched the European edition of its global CoCreate Pitch competition, offering entrepreneurs across the continent —including in Cyprus—a chance to compete for a share of a $1 million prize pool.
With regional finals split between Las Vegas (September 4-5) for U.S.-based entrants and London (November 14) for European participants, Alibaba’s CoCreate Pitch marks a notable step in the platform’s push to engage early-stage businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.
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For entrepreneurs in Cyprus and across Europe, the London event offers a direct opportunity to gain international exposure, and the timing couldn’t be better.
Why Europe and Why Now
By bringing the CoCreate Pitch to London this year, Alibaba.com is making a deliberate move into Europe’s startup scene. The platform, best known for connecting wholesalers and manufacturers, is now broadening its scope to support early-stage entrepreneurs by offering not just sourcing but also funding, mentorship, and logistical support.
The expansion reflects strong traction: according to Alibaba, supplier listings from Europe have increased fivefold over the past year, while business buyer registrations across the region have risen 38%, with significant growth in countries such as France, Germany, and Italy.
“The pitching competition has always been a highlight of CoCreate, and it’s great to see the entrepreneurial energy and passion SMEs bring to developing their innovative product ideas,” said Kuo Zhang, President of Alibaba.com, ahead of this year’s Europe finals.
What’s Up for Grabs
Here’s what’s on offer for European entrants:
- One grand prize of $200,000 (split evenly between cash and Alibaba.com sourcing credits)
- Ten Additional Winners: Each receives $20,000 (again, half in cash, half in credits)
- Free travel and accommodation for finalists pitching in London
- All participants gain free access to Alibaba.com’s AI-powered sourcing tools and supplier network, helping teams prototype and scale efficiently.
Submissions will be reviewed over a 2–4 month period, based on innovation, feasibility, and market potential. Finalists will pitch live at the London event, with winners selected by a panel of industry leaders and investors.
Who Should Apply: From Founders to Athlete-Entrepreneurs
While the competition is open to any entrepreneur with a physical product idea, this year’s competition also features a special track for athlete-entrepreneurs, those transitioning from professional sports into product-based ventures. Up to 10 spots are reserved for this group at the London finals.
For everyone else, the criteria are simple: a clear concept and the ambition to take it to market. Whether you’re in sustainable packaging, smart kitchen tech, or rethinking fashion exports from Cyprus, Alibaba wants to hear your pitch.
How to Apply
Entrepreneurs can apply in two ways:
- By posting a 30 to 60-second video outlining their product idea on Instagram or TikTok, using the hashtag #CoCreatePitch, and tagging @Alibaba.com_official
- Or by submitting their pitch directly through Alibaba’s CoCreate portal
The deadline for European entries is October 15, 2025. Finalists will be selected to pitch live at the London event on November 14 (30 finalists announced October 25), with travel and accommodation covered for one representative from each team.
Why It’s Worth a Shot
Opportunities like this are rare, particularly for early-stage founders working outside big markets. CoCreate Pitch offers more than prize money. It gives selected entrepreneurs direct access to manufacturing support, supply chains, and potential global buyers.
For Cypriot businesses, it’s a chance to move beyond the limits of a small domestic market and test a product idea on a much larger stage.
If you’ve got something real to build, this is your chance to move.
