Alibaba.com, a global leader in B2B e-commerce, has officially launched the expanded edition of its international pitch competition, the CoCreate Pitch, with a total prize pool of $1 million. Aimed at empowering small and medium enterprises around the world, the competition is now open to Pakistani SMEs and entrepreneurs, giving them the chance to showcase their product innovations on a global stage.
The highlight of this initiative will be the CoCreate Pitch competition, scheduled to take place during Alibaba.com’s annual CoCreate flagship event in Las Vegas on September 4–5, 2025. Additionally, a second event, CoCreate Europe, will be held in London on November 14, 2025. These events will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and investors to celebrate and support the world’s most promising product-based ventures.
Coinciding with World MSME Day on June 27, the initiative underscores Alibaba.com’s ongoing commitment to the global small business community. It offers a rare opportunity for entrepreneurs from Pakistan and other emerging markets to access financial resources, technological tools, and global supply chain support to bring their ideas to life.
The CoCreate Pitch competition is being positioned as the world’s leading product-focused pitch contest. SMEs from across the globe will compete not just for funding but for access to Alibaba.com’s vast ecosystem. Two grand champions, one from each event, will be awarded $200,000 each, split equally between cash and Alibaba.com sourcing credits. An additional 20 winners will each receive up to $40,000 under the same structure. All selected participants will also be granted free access to Alibaba.com’s AI-driven sourcing tools and a global supplier network, enabling faster and more cost-effective product development.
Applicants will be evaluated based on their innovation, feasibility, and market potential. The pitch competition will span two to four months, culminating in a live presentation before a panel of investors and industry experts at the Las Vegas and London events. The program combines funding support with high-level mentorship and exposure to international markets.
Pakistani SMEs are encouraged to participate either by submitting a 30-second video on Instagram or TikTok, using the hashtag #CoCreatePitch and tagging @Alibaba.com_official, or by registering through the dedicated portal at pitch.alibabacocreate.com. The simplified application process is designed to be accessible to entrepreneurs at all stages of business development.
This initiative comes at a time when Pakistani businesses are showing a growing interest in digital export platforms. According to recent figures from Alibaba.com, the number of Pakistani exporters using the platform grew by 30% from April to June 2025, compared to the same period last year. Furthermore, online transaction volumes from Pakistan doubled within the first quarter of 2025, highlighting the increasing digital readiness and resilience of local SMEs.
Leaders at Alibaba.com emphasized that the goal of CoCreate Pitch is not only to provide funding but also to help SMEs around the world access the infrastructure and technology they need to succeed globally. According to Liz Wang, Global Head of Commercial Strategy at Alibaba.com, the company is committed to turning entrepreneurial visions into tangible products by connecting businesses with efficient supply chains and scalable manufacturing solutions.
For Pakistani innovators and small businesses, the CoCreate Pitch presents an unmatched opportunity to gain international exposure, funding, and mentorship, while contributing to the growth of the country’s e-commerce exports. With a strong track record of resilience and adaptability, Pakistan’s SME sector is well positioned to compete and thrive in this global competition.
