About this programme
PITCH '26 is StartUp Westport's pitch competition for early-stage Connecticut startups, offering non-dilutive cash prizes. It is the second running of the competition; the inaugural 2025 event drew 77 applications, narrowed to 5 finalists.
The competition is chaired by Peter Propp, with Dan Bikel as Co-Chair.
How it works
Total prize money is $30,000, with $25,000 going to the first-place winner and cash awards for the other finalists.
The 2026 timeline: applications open April 27, the application deadline is June 12 at 11 PM, selected startups are notified in mid-June, a welcome event follows in late June, bootcamp sessions run September 22 to 24, and pitch night happens November 19 at the Westport Library.
Who can apply
Applicants must be at a pre-institutional funding stage, with an existing corporation in an evaluable category, a scalable business model, and a Connecticut-based founder or strong state association.
Products in 'sin' categories, such as smoke or vape products and alcohol, are excluded.
How to apply
- Submit the application through StartUp Westport's Google Form once applications open on April 27.
- Applications close June 12 at 11 PM.
- If selected, attend the welcome event in late June and the bootcamp sessions running September 22 to 24 ahead of pitch night on November 19.
Frequently asked
How much can I win?
Total prizes are $30,000, with $25,000 to the first-place winner and cash awards for other finalists.
When do applications open and close for PITCH '26?
Applications open April 27 and close June 12 at 11 PM.
Does my startup need to already be raising money?
You need to be pre-institutional funding stage, meaning you have not yet closed an institutional round.
Are there industries that are excluded?
Yes. 'Sin' product categories, including smoke or vape products and alcohol, are not eligible.
What happens between the application deadline and pitch night?
Selected startups are notified in mid-June, attend a welcome event in late June, go through bootcamp sessions September 22 to 24, then pitch on November 19 at the Westport Library.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.