AI Becomes the New Business Foundation
The most striking trend emerging from CoCreate Pitch submissions is the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence. An impressive 63.5% of submitted pitch ideas include plans to leverage AI or machine learning, with more than 400 projects directly incorporating AI to address real-world challenges. The applications span speech recognition, image processing, and natural language processing, demonstrating how AI has evolved from cutting-edge technology to fundamental business infrastructure.
This shift is particularly pronounced among solopreneurs, individual founders building ventures independently, who are embracing AI adoption to reduce operational costs and accelerate product development. The democratization of AI tools is enabling single entrepreneurs to compete with larger teams, fundamentally changing the startup ecosystem’s dynamics.
Women and Sustainability Lead Innovation
Female entrepreneurship is experiencing unprecedented growth, reflected clearly in the CoCreate submissions. 32.7% of pitch entries are centered on categories primarily targeting female consumers and women’s needs, spanning beauty, fashion accessories, and women’s health sectors. This aligns with broader global trends, as the perception of entrepreneurial opportunity among women has grown 79% according to the 2023/24 Global Women’s Entrepreneurship Report.
The statistics reveal remarkable geographic diversity in this growth. In the United States, female business owners make up nearly 39.2% of all U.S. firms, and the number of female-owned businesses has increased 39%, almost double the growth rate of male-owned businesses in recent years. Across Europe, countries such as France, the Netherlands, and Hungary have seen women’s startup rates more than double over the past two decades.
Environmental consciousness is equally driving innovation, with 36.1% of pitch submissions tackling environmental challenges, including renewable energy, waste management, sustainable product design, and carbon reduction initiatives. This data highlights how modern entrepreneurs are approaching business with both profit and purpose in mind, viewing sustainability as an integral component of long-term success.
Niche Markets Take Center Stage
Perhaps most surprisingly, the competition data reveal that 33.9% of applicants are targeting specialized markets, exceeding those focused on general consumer audiences (29.9%). This represents a significant departure from traditional business strategies that prioritized mass market appeal.
The range of niche innovations spans fashion tailored to plus-size consumers, sensory-friendly products for children with ADHD, and practical tools designed for mobility-challenged users. This trend shows that entrepreneurs are increasingly recognizing the value and viability of serving underserved communities with specialized solutions.
Gen Z’s Purpose-Driven Approach
The motivational drivers behind modern entrepreneurship are fundamentally shifting, particularly among younger founders. Among Gen-Z applicants, 33.6% say they started their ventures to address societal problems, while 29.5% are driven by a desire to create social value. This represents a philosophical transformation where entrepreneurs are reframing entrepreneurship as a tool for progress, inclusion, and long-term impact rather than pursuing business purely for financial gain.
From Influence to Innovation
The competition also speaks to the evolution of digital creators into product entrepreneurs. Many applicants already command substantial online audiences, with some boasting millions of followers across Instagram and TikTok. This trend reflects a growing movement from influencer to product-based entrepreneur, where creators leverage their personal brands and engage audiences to launch innovative products.
Persistent Challenges Remain
Despite their creativity and ambition, entrepreneurs continue facing significant barriers. 63.7% cited a lack of funding as their biggest challenge, while 20.5% said they lacked access to proper mentorship, and 17.9% pointed to limited supply chain support. These statistics point out the ongoing need for comprehensive ecosystem support beyond just financial investment.
The event is designed to show U.S. SMEs how global trade can be simplified through innovation, customization, and margin boosting. It also serves as a launchpad for businesses ready to stand out and grow in competitive markets.
Looking Forward
CoCreate 2025’s upcoming events in Las Vegas (September 4-5) and London (November 14) will showcase the most promising innovations from this global pool of entrepreneurs. Beyond the $200,000 grand prizes for each region, the events will feature over 50 vetted manufacturers, 20,000 product samples from 200+ suppliers, and innovative “speed-dating” business matchmaking sessions.
The overwhelming response to CoCreate Pitch demonstrates that entrepreneurship in 2025 is defined by technological accessibility, purpose-driven missions, and an unprecedented focus on serving previously overlooked markets, suggesting a future where business success and social impact are increasingly inseparable.
