Join the Startup Grind All-Star Pitch Battle — the premier worldwide competition for early-stage startups. We’re searching for the Startup of the Year in every city across the Startup Grind global community. Local winners will go head-to-head with the top startups in their industries on a global stage, pitching in front of Silicon Valley VCs for a chance to claim the title of All-Star Champion, and win prizes along the way.
The Ultimate Global Startup Showdown
Presented by
Participating SG Chapters
How it Works
Think your startup has what it takes?
Apply now for the opportunity to compete in your local Chapter Pitch Battle, held between September 15-19, 2025.
Check your local Chapter page for exact dates and times.
All selected startups will be notified by their respective Chapter Director in the coming weeks, ahead of the battles.
We are looking for tech-driven and scalable companies.
Format:
1-minute pitch with 1 slide competition structure
Three Industry Category Semi-Final battles will take place on Wednesday, September 24.
These events will feature ALL Chapter winners. Times are displayed below. Get your friends, families and compatriots to join, either to support your pitch or to support your Chapter’s winner!
Software & AI Semi-Final:
Startups building AI agents, digital products, platforms, and intelligent systems.
Time: 7 AM PT / 4 PM WAT / 3 PM GMT / 10 AM ET / 9 AM BRT / 7 AM PT / 7:30 PM IST / 10 PM SGT
Attend for free
Consumer Tech & Media Semi-Final:
Startups targeting individuals or communities with digital services, content, or physical-digital hybrids.
Time: 8:30 AM PT/ 5:30 PM WAT / 4:30 PM GMT / 11:30 AM ET / 10:30 AM BRT / 8:30 AM PT / 9 PM IST / 11:30 PM SGT
Attend for free
Deep Tech, Climate & Frontier Semi-Final:
Startups tackling complex, often hardware-enabled or science-based problems.
Time: 10 AM PT / 7 PM WAT / 6 PM GMT / 1 PM ET / 12 PM BRT / 10 AM PT / 10:30 PM IST / 1 AM SGT (+1)
Attend for free
Format:
1-minute pitch with 1 slide competition structure.
It all leads to one unforgettable finale the Startup Grind AI Summit 2025 🏆
The top 3 startups face off in a high-stakes competition before a panel of expert judges and a global audience of 5k people.
Who Competes?
One winner from each Industry Category Semi-Final.
Time: 8:30 AM PT / 11:30 AM ET / 12:30 PM BRT / 4:30 PM GMT / 5:30 PM WAT / 9:00 PM IST / 11:30 PM SGT
Attend for free
Format:
3-minute virtual pitches, with 3 slides, and 5 min feedback from the judges.
Judges:
Renowned VCs and industry leaders from Silicon Valley who will decide the first-ever SG All-Star Pitch Battle Champion.
Prizes
- Crowned “Startup of the Year” in your local Chapter
- Featured for 12 months on your Chapter’s YouTube video (1–2 min pitch video required)
- Added to the All-Star Pitch Battle Playlist on SG’s YouTube (83.6k+ subscribers)
- Automatically qualify for the Global Pitch Battle – February 2026
- Pitch live on the Global Stage during the AI Summit (5k+ global audience)
- Join the Pitch Teardown session with real VC feedback
- Earn a Digital Finalist Badge as your Industry Category Champion
- Get featured — your pitch video promoted to our 5M+ global membership
- Receive a Full Access Pass to the Startup Grind Conference (April 27–29, 2026)
- Upgrade optionally to Startup/Scaleup Exhibition at a discounted rate
- Showcase your company on the AI Summit mainstage to a global audience
- Curated 1:1 investor meetings with Startup Grind support
- VIP access to Silicon Valley networking events (2025)
- Access exclusive pre-conference sessions at Startup Grind Conference (Apr 27–29, 2026)
- Live award recognition as 2025 All-Star Pitch Battle Champion at SG Conference 2026
- Full Startup Exhibition package to the Startup Grind Conference in Silicon Valley, from April 27-29, 2026
* Terms & Conditions: If selected as an All-Star Champion or Finalist, you’ll receive a pass to the Startup Grind Conference in Silicon Valley (April 27–29, 2026). By applying, you agree to attend the conference if selected as the Champion, to participate in the live award ceremony.
FAQs + Eligibility
Who can apply?
Tech-driven startups with scalable business models and an MVP or live product. Revenue is preferred but not required.
Will I be rejected?
Not at all! Applications are open to startups worldwide, spanning various industries and regions. If your local chapter isn’t listed, you can select “Other City (not listed)” in the dropdown menu. We’ll reach out if that chapter joins the competition in the coming weeks. Best of luck!
What are the key application dates?
Applications open July 22, 2025, and close August 29, 2025. Apply early to ensure your Chapter Director has time to review your submission.
When will I know if I’ve been selected?
Selected companies will be notified in early September 2025 ahead of the Chapter Battles.
Where can I find the application questions?
You can view all the application questions here.
Can I submit more than one application?
Founders should only submit one application per company.
What if I submitted my application incorrectly?
Don’t worry! Email our competition director at guillermo@startupgrind.com to reset your submission.
Does it cost anything to apply or participate?
No, applying and participating is entirely free. Startup Grind also takes no equity from startups.
Is my application confidential?
Yes, all applications are kept confidential and shared only within the Startup Grind HQ community.
What’s the format of the competition?
- Chapter Battles: 1-minute, 1 slide in-person or virtual pitches run by your local Chapter Director. Check your Chapter event page for more details.
- Industry Category Semi-Finals: 1-minute, 1 slide virtual pitches. Just straight battles!
- Global Final: 3-minute virtual pitches, with 3 slides, and 5 min feedback from the judges.
What are the Industry Category Semi-Finals?
In the spirit of competition, excellence, and global innovation, the All-Star Pitch Battle will feature three semi-final tracks, each representing a core discipline in the tech startup ecosystem.
Startups will be assigned to one of the following three categories, and each semi-final will bring together investors and experts who specialize in that space, ensuring tailored feedback and real alignment between founders and funders.
🚀 1. Software & AI Startups building AI agents, digital products, platforms, and intelligent systems. Includes:
- SaaS / B2B tools
- Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning
- Cybersecurity
- Developer tools
- Fintech & digital finance
- Web3 & blockchain
- DevOps & infrastructure
- Productivity & collaboration software
🌍 2. Consumer Tech & Media Startups targeting individuals or communities with digital services, content, or physical-digital hybrids. Includes:
- Marketplaces / E-commerce platforms
- Social apps & communities / Creator economy
- Gaming & entertainment tech
- Health & wellness apps
- Edtech
- Travel & lifestyle tech / Dating & relationship tech
- Foodtech / delivery platforms
- Subscription services / DTC brands with tech layer
🏗️ 3. Deep Tech, Climate & Frontier Startups tackling complex, often hardware-enabled or science-based problems. Includes:
- Climate tech / Clean energy
- Healthtech / Biotech / Materials science / Nanotech
- Mobility & transportation
- Robotics & IoT
- Space tech
- Agtech
- Hard sciences & frontier tech / Advanced manufacturing
- Quantum computing / Defense tech / dual-use tech
Do I need to pitch in English?
For the Semi-Finals and Final – Yes, all pitches must be delivered in English. This ensures fairness and consistency across the global competition. If you have concerns or need assistance, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help!
What are the dates of the competition?
Chapter Battles: September 15-19, 2025. Check the Chapter event pages for more details.
Semi Finals: All regional Semi-Finals are hosted virtually and can be attended for free on September 24, 2025.
- Software & AI Semi-Final: Startups building AI agents, digital products, platforms, and intelligent systems.
- Time: 7:00 AM PT / 4 PM WAT / 3 PM GMT / 10 AM ET / 9 AM BRT / 7 AM PT / 7:30 PM IST / 10 PM SGT
- Attend for free
- Consumer Tech & Media Semi-Final: Startups targeting individuals or communities with digital services, content, or physical-digital hybrids.
- Time: 8:30 AM PT/ 5:30 PM WAT / 4:30 PM GMT / 11:30 AM ET / 10:30 AM BRT / 8:30 AM PT / 9 PM IST / 11:30 PM SGT
- Attend for free
- Deep Tech, Climate & Frontier Semi-Final: Startups tackling complex, often hardware-enabled or science-based problems.
- Time: 10:00 AM PT / 7 PM WAT / 6 PM GMT / 1 PM ET / 12 PM BRT / 10 AM PT / 10:30 PM IST / 1 AM SGT (+1)
- Attend for free
The Final (October 1, 2025)
- Time: 8:30 AM PT / 11:30 AM ET / 12:30 PM BRT / 4:30 PM GMT / 5:30 PM WAT / 9:00 PM IST / 11:30 PM SGT
- Attend for free
What do winners receive?
Chapter Winners: Earn “Startup of the Year” title and get featured on local chapter video for 12 months + qualification for Startup Grind Global Pitch Battle (February 2026).
Pitch Battle Finalists (Top 3): Pitch live at the AI Summit in front of a 5k tech audience, join the Pitch Teardown session, receive a digital badge, and startup videos will be shared in marketing materials prior to the AI Summit + 1x Full Access Pass to the Startup Grind Conference on Apr 27–29, 2026 (with upgrade options).
All-Star Global Champion: Pitch live during the AI Summit, get VIP access to Startup Grind Silicon Valley 2025 networking events, get curated 1:1 investor meetings facilitated by the SG team + 1x Startup Bundle Pass to the Startup Grind Conference on Apr 27–29, 2026 (with upgrade options), and live recognition on the Mainstage.
Do I need to attend the SG Conference if I become Champion or Finalist?
Yes, attendance is expected. Travel and expenses are not included.
How will judges evaluate pitches?
Judges focus on scalability, innovation, impact, and pitch delivery.
What happens if I don’t win?
You’ll gain exposure, feedback, and connections to help your startup grow. We will also welcome you to join the Startup Grind community for FREE.
When will applicants be notified?
Notifications will likely occur in the first week of September, though exact timing may vary by Chapter.
Where can I learn more about the SG Conference?
Head on over to the main SG Conference page.
Still have questions? Reach out to your Chapter Director or contact HQ for further details.