Alibaba.com has announced the global launch of its expanded CoCreate Pitch competition, now open to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs from Pakistan. The competition will be a major feature of the company’s annual CoCreate event, offering participants a chance to win a share of a $1 million prize pool. Pakistani entrepreneurs selected through the application process will have the opportunity to showcase their ideas at the flagship event in Las Vegas, scheduled for September 4–5, 2025. A separate edition, CoCreate Europe, will also take place in London on November 14, 2025.
The timing of the announcement aligns with World Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day, observed on June 27. Alibaba.com’s move signals a continued commitment to supporting global SMEs by providing access to resources, networks, and funding. The CoCreate Pitch competition is focused on product-based businesses and is positioned to become a leading global platform for entrepreneurs to gain both visibility and capital support.
Two top winners—one from each CoCreate event—will each be awarded $200,000, split equally between cash and Alibaba.com sourcing credits. Twenty additional winners will receive up to $40,000, also divided between cash and sourcing credits. All applicants who advance in the competition will benefit from access to Alibaba.com’s AI-powered sourcing tools and global supplier network, which are designed to accelerate product development and reduce manufacturing costs.
Applications for CoCreate Pitch are open to SMEs across industries. Interested participants can either submit a 30-second video on Instagram or TikTok, tagging @Alibaba.com_official and using the hashtag #CoCreatePitch, or complete an online registration form at pitch.alibabacocreate.com. Submissions will be evaluated over a period of two to four months based on criteria such as innovation, feasibility, and market readiness. Finalists will pitch their business ideas live at the Las Vegas event before a panel of industry leaders and investors.
Kuo Zhang, President of Alibaba.com, noted that pitch competitions have always been a highlight of CoCreate events, emphasizing the energy and creativity entrepreneurs bring to the stage. This year’s expanded format is designed to reach a wider international audience, including Pakistani SMEs that are increasingly making their mark in global trade.
Data from Alibaba.com shows that Pakistan has seen a significant surge in B2B activity on the platform. Between April and June, the number of Pakistani exporters increased by 30% year-over-year. Additionally, online transaction volume has doubled in under three months, achieving 100% growth compared to the previous six-month period. These trends reflect growing momentum in the country’s export landscape.
Liz Wang, Global Head of Commercial Strategy at Alibaba.com, highlighted that the original inspiration for CoCreate stemmed from the persistence and ambition shown by SMEs. She emphasized that the platform’s global supply chain and business enablement tools are tailored to help entrepreneurs move from product concept to market success.
Through initiatives like CoCreate Pitch, Alibaba.com aims to equip startups and small businesses with the tools, funding, and exposure needed to scale their ventures internationally.
