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

• Florida Base
• Mandatory requirement of being an early-stage, technology-driven startup based in Florida
• Revenue Stage
• Mandatory requirement of being pre-revenue or early-revenue stage
• Market Potential
• Mandatory requirement of being scalable and targeting large, high-growth markets
• Impact and Readiness
• Mandatory requirement of solving real, high-impact problems with technical credibility and readiness for investor-level feedback
• Space Coast Priority
• Preferred priority is given to startups headquartered in Brevard County or maintaining a substantial operational presence on the Space Coast
• Sector Alignment
• Preferred sector alignment with space, defense, marine, advanced manufacturing, hardware, and AI
• Statewide Applicants
• Remaining spots are awarded to the strongest statewide applicants

Participation Commitments

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

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

Target Location

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