Alibaba.com’s CoCreate Pitch: A $1 Million Global Competition Empowering SMEs to Innovate and Scale

Alibaba.com’s CoCreate Pitch: A $1 Million Global Competition Empowering SMEs to Innovate and Scale

Alibaba.com, one of the world’s leading business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce platforms, has announced a major expansion of its flagship pitch competition, CoCreate Pitch. With a prize pool of $1 million, the competition is set to become the world’s largest product-based pitch event for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs. The initiative aims to foster innovation, provide financial support, and connect SMEs to Alibaba.com’s global supply chain and AI-powered sourcing tools, helping them turn product dreams into reality.

CoCreate Pitch is not just a contest—it’s a global platform for SMEs to showcase their most innovative product ideas, gain mentorship, and access resources that can accelerate their growth in international markets. The 2025 edition will feature two flagship events: one in Las Vegas, USA (September 4-5, 2025), and, for the first time, a European edition in London, UK (November 14, 2025). This dual-location approach reflects Alibaba.com’s commitment to supporting SMEs worldwide, coinciding with World Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day on June 27.

What Is CoCreate Pitch and Why Does It Matter?

CoCreate Pitch is designed to empower SMEs and entrepreneurs with product ideas that have the potential to disrupt markets or address unmet needs. The competition is open to businesses from over 200 countries and regions, reflecting Alibaba.com’s global reach. By offering a substantial prize pool and access to advanced digital tools, Alibaba.com is positioning itself as a key partner for small business growth in the digital age.

SMEs are the backbone of the global economy, accounting for the majority of businesses and a significant share of employment worldwide. However, they often face barriers such as limited access to capital, supply chain challenges, and difficulties in scaling internationally. CoCreate Pitch addresses these challenges by providing:

• Financial Support: Two grand champions (one from each event) will each receive $200,000 (50% cash, 50% Alibaba.com sourcing credits). Twenty additional winners will be awarded up to $40,000 each under the same terms.
• Mentorship and Networking: Winners and participants gain access to industry leaders, investors, and Alibaba.com’s extensive supplier network.
• AI-Powered Sourcing Tools: All participants receive complimentary access to Alibaba.com’s digital tools, enabling rapid prototyping and cost-efficient production.

Kuo Zhang, President of Alibaba.com, emphasizes the competition’s significance:

“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. This year, we’re thrilled to open this opportunity to entrepreneurs worldwide.”

How the Competition Works: From Application to Live Pitch

The CoCreate Pitch competition spans two to four months, with a structured process designed to identify and support the most promising product ideas. Here’s how it works:

• Application: SMEs and entrepreneurs can apply by posting a 30-second video on Instagram or TikTok, highlighting their business story or product. Posts must include the hashtag #CoCreatePitch and tag @Alibaba.com_official. Alternatively, applicants can fill out a registration form at pitch.alibabacocreate.com.
• Evaluation: Submissions are assessed based on three key criteria: innovation, feasibility, and market potential. This ensures that only the most viable and impactful ideas progress to the next stage.
• Finalist Selection: Shortlisted candidates are invited to pitch their ideas live at the flagship events in Las Vegas and London. A panel of industry leaders and investors will judge the presentations and select the winners.

All participants, regardless of whether they win a prize, benefit from exposure to Alibaba.com’s global network and digital resources. This approach democratizes access to international markets and levels the playing field for SMEs from diverse backgrounds.

Global Reach: A Truly International Opportunity

One of the defining features of CoCreate Pitch is its global inclusivity. The competition is open to SMEs from North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond. In 2025, the event will see participants from countries such as Vietnam, Pakistan, Italy, the UK, and the US, among others. This international scope is reflected in the regional statistics reported by Alibaba.com:

• Vietnam: The number of newly joined exporters on Alibaba.com rose by 48% year-over-year from April to June, with Vietnamese merchants listing 54% more products compared to the previous year.
• Pakistan: Pakistani exporters on Alibaba.com increased by 30% year-over-year, with online transaction volume doubling in less than three months compared to the previous six months.
• Europe: The number of products sold by European suppliers through Alibaba.com increased fivefold year-on-year. Paid buyers in Europe rose by 38%, with strong growth in France (+168%), the UK (+53%), Italy (+68%), and Germany (+48%).
• United States: Orders on Alibaba.com rose 25% year-over-year, driven by early holiday stockpiling. Key categories such as festive supplies grew by over 120%, and toys saw a sixfold increase.

This surge in SME activity highlights the growing demand for digital sourcing and cross-border trade, especially as businesses seek to diversify supply chains and tap into new markets.

What Makes CoCreate Pitch Unique?

While pitch competitions are not new, CoCreate Pitch stands out for several reasons:

• Scale and Accessibility: With a $1 million prize pool and open access to SMEs worldwide, the competition is one of the largest of its kind.
• Integration with Alibaba.com’s Ecosystem: Participants gain access to AI-powered sourcing tools, a global supplier network, and mentorship—resources that are typically out of reach for many small businesses.
• Focus on Product Innovation: The competition specifically targets product-based ideas, encouraging tangible innovation that can be rapidly prototyped and brought to market.
• Live Pitch Events: Finalists present their ideas at high-profile events in Las Vegas and London, providing exposure to investors, media, and potential partners.

Liz Wang, Global Head of Commercial Strategy at Alibaba.com, underscores the company’s mission:

“The ‘can-do’ spirit of SMEs has always been the inspiration of CoCreate. Alibaba.com’s global supply chain empowers these businesses to turn their product dreams into reality. From ideation to production, financing to mentorship, we’re here to help them ‘make it.'”

Broader Context: The Role of SMEs in the Global Economy

SMEs play a critical role in driving economic growth, innovation, and job creation. According to the World Bank, SMEs represent about 90% of businesses and more than 50% of employment worldwide. However, they often face significant challenges, including:

• Limited Access to Finance: Many SMEs struggle to secure funding for product development and expansion.
• Supply Chain Constraints: Small businesses may lack the resources to establish reliable supply chains or access global markets.
• Digital Transformation: The shift to digital commerce and AI-driven tools can be daunting for SMEs with limited technical expertise.

Alibaba.com’s CoCreate Pitch addresses these pain points by providing not only financial incentives but also the digital infrastructure and mentorship needed to succeed in today’s fast-paced, interconnected economy.

AI and Digital Tools: Leveling the Playing Field

A standout feature of the CoCreate Pitch competition is the integration of Alibaba.com’s AI-powered sourcing tools. These digital solutions enable SMEs to:

• Rapidly Prototype Products: AI tools help businesses design, test, and refine products more efficiently.
• Connect with Global Suppliers: The platform’s supplier network allows SMEs to find partners, negotiate terms, and manage production at scale.
• Reduce Costs: Digital sourcing streamlines procurement, lowers overhead, and increases competitiveness.

At the broader CoCreate conference, Alibaba.com is also set to launch the world’s first AI-powered conversational search engine, further simplifying global trade and making it easier for SMEs to discover products, suppliers, and market opportunities.

How to Apply: Steps for SMEs and Entrepreneurs

Applying to CoCreate Pitch is designed to be accessible and straightforward:

• Social Media Submission: Post a 30-second video on Instagram or TikTok, highlighting your business story or product. Use the hashtag #CoCreatePitch and tag @Alibaba.com_official.
• Online Registration: Alternatively, fill out the registration form at pitch.alibabacocreate.com.

Submissions are open to SMEs and entrepreneurs from all regions, with no restrictions on industry or product category. The competition encourages diversity and inclusivity, welcoming ideas from both established businesses and startups.

What Happens at the Flagship Events?

The live pitch events in Las Vegas and London are the culmination of the competition. Finalists present their ideas to a panel of judges comprising industry leaders, investors, and successful entrepreneurs. The events also feature keynote speeches, networking sessions, and opportunities to connect with potential partners and customers.

Past CoCreate events have attracted thousands of attendees, including more than 2,000 North American SMEs in Las Vegas alone. The expansion to London is expected to draw even more participants, reflecting the growing importance of Europe in global digital trade.

Impact and Future Outlook

Alibaba.com’s CoCreate Pitch is more than a competition—it’s a catalyst for SME growth and innovation. By lowering barriers to entry and providing access to global resources, the initiative is helping to democratize entrepreneurship and foster a new generation of product innovators.

The competition also aligns with broader trends in global trade, including the rise of digital sourcing, the integration of AI in business processes, and the increasing importance of cross-border collaboration. As SMEs continue to adapt to economic uncertainty and shifting market dynamics, platforms like Alibaba.com are playing a crucial role in enabling resilience and long-term success.

In Summary

• Alibaba.com’s CoCreate Pitch is a $1 million global competition for SMEs and entrepreneurs with innovative product ideas.
• The 2025 edition features flagship events in Las Vegas (September 4-5) and London (November 14), open to participants worldwide.
• Two grand champions will each receive $200,000 (50% cash, 50% Alibaba.com sourcing credits), with 20 additional winners awarded up to $40,000 each.
• All participants gain free access to Alibaba.com’s AI-powered sourcing tools and supplier network, enabling rapid prototyping and cost-efficient production.
• Applications are open via 30-second social media videos or online registration at pitch.alibabacocreate.com.
• The competition is judged on innovation, feasibility, and market potential, with live pitches at high-profile events.
• CoCreate Pitch reflects Alibaba.com’s commitment to supporting SMEs, fostering innovation, and driving global economic growth.