2026 Startup World Cup—East Bay Regional

About

A competition offering startups in Northern California the opportunity to showcase their business ideas and compete for significant cash prizes, including a chance to win a $1 Million investment prize. Participants will be evaluated based on their pitch and business model, with the top contenders advancing to the regional final event.

Benefits

• 💰Cash Prize
  First place winner receives a $10,000 cash prize and a chance to compete for a $1 Million investment prize
• 💵Second Place Prize
  Second place winner receives a $5,000 cash prize
• 💳Third Place Prizes
  Third place winners receive $2,500 cash prizes each

Eligibility Criteria

• All startups in Northern California are encouraged to apply
• Startups in any domain, at any stage, can apply
• Startup must be a legal entity, not just an idea
• No restrictions on the amount of capital raised
• No application fee required

Participation Commitments

• Top 10 selected and announced on August 28, 2026
• Regional Final on September 10, 2026
• Participants must submit complete pitch slides as part of the application

Target Sector

All sectors

Target Location

Northern California