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.