SXSW Pitch showcases innovative technologies to a panel of industry experts, high-profile media professionals, venture capital investors, and angel investors.
Applications Open: June 23rd, 2026
Early Bird Entry: June 23 – September 13, 2026 (Fee $105)
Regular Entry: September 14 – November 13, 2026 (Fee $225)
Final Application Deadline: November 13th, 2026
Applications are now open! SXSW Pitch is back for its 19th year, highlighting some of the most innovative and cutting-edge startups from around the world. SXSW Pitch highlights startups across selected categories, presenting them to a panel of industry experts, early adopters, and investors. The 2027 SXSW Pitch Competition categories include:
Emerging & Frontier Technologies
Entertainment, Media, Sports & Digital Platforms
Life Sciences, Healthcare & AssistiveTech
Mobility, Manufacturing & Industrial Systems
SaaS, Enterprise & Developer Platforms
Smart Data, Security & FinTech
Student Startups
Sustainability, Energy & AgTech
SXSW Pitch Eligibility Criteria
The company’s product and/or service must not have been launched before January 1, 2024.
Each company may only enter one product or service into the SXSW Pitch. A company that enters multiple products or services will not be eligible to participate in the SXSW Pitch.
Startups are encouraged to apply to multiple SXSW competitions, including SXSW Pitch, SXSW Innovation Awards, and SXSW EDU Launch (if you are an education-related startup). But because we want to showcase as many different, compelling startups as possible at SXSW, know that your startup will only be selected as a finalist in one of these three competitions.
Founders of the company applying must retain some portion of ownership in the company.
The Company must not have raised over ten (10) million dollars in funding from combined funding sources.
Startups should be legally registered and compliant with all relevant regulations and laws in their respective jurisdictions.
The product or service must fall into one of the SXSW Pitch categories.