SXSW Pitch

SXSW Pitch is back for its 19th year, highlighting some of the most innovative and cutting-edge startups from around the world. SXSW will be held March 15–21, 2027.

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

We invite you to an exciting pitch event showcasing some of the most innovative and impactful new technologies emerging from today's global startup ecosystem.

SXSW Pitch is a featured startup showcase event with an "open call" for startups applying. By applying to SXSW Pitch, you agree to pay the application fee so that we can process your entry as a potential finalist. Please be aware that we do not refund application fees, including if you have not been selected as a finalist.

Entry Deadlines

• Early Bird Entry: June 23rd - September 13th, 2026 (Fee $105)
• Regular Entry: September 14th - November 13, 2026 (Fee $225)

SXSW Pitch Eligibility Criteria:

• The company's product and/or service must 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.

For further details about SXSW Pitch categories, eligibility, alumni stats, and more, please visit the SXSW Pitch page.