Pitch the Future 2026

About

Groundswell Startups’ high-tech pitch competition and capstone of the Space Coast Initiative, offering Florida early-stage technology startups a live stage, investor feedback, and cash awards.

Benefits

• 💰Cash prize — $10,000 for the winner and $5,000 for the runner-up.
• 🎁Sponsor in-kind donations — Winners receive in-kind donations from sponsors.
• 🤝Ongoing ecosystem support — Winners receive ongoing support from the Groundswell ecosystem.
• 🎓Pitch coaching — Selected finalists receive coaching and pitch prep ahead of the main stage.
• 🎤Live pitch exposure — Selected finalists pitch live in front of investors, corporate partners, and ecosystem leaders.
• 🔗Capital and partner connections — The competition connects startups with capital, strategic partners, and long-term ecosystem support.

Eligibility Criteria

• Mandatory: Early-stage, technology-driven startups based in Florida; pre-revenue or early-revenue stage; scalable and targeting large, high-growth markets; solving real, high-impact problems with technical credibility and readiness for investor-level feedback.
• Preferred: Priority is given to startups headquartered in Brevard County or maintaining a substantial operational presence on the Space Coast; sector alignment with space, defense, marine, advanced manufacturing, hardware, and AI; remaining spots are awarded to the strongest statewide applicants.

Participation Commitments

• Selected finalists must participate in coaching and pitch prep and pitch live at the event on 13 November 2026 at Groundswell Startups, 2412 Irwin St, Melbourne, FL. No fee, tuition, or equity terms are publicly stated in the available sources.

Target Region

Florida, United States, with priority given to startups headquartered in Brevard County or maintaining a substantial operational presence on the Space Coast.

Target Sector

Agriculture & Food, Defense & Security, Education, Energy & Utilities, Financial Services, Government & Public Sector, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Real Estate & Construction, Retail & Consumer, Semiconductors & Electronics, Sports & Fitness, Telecommunications, Transportation & Logistics, Travel & Hospitality, Other