Pitch Competition & Happy Hour
🎤 SoCo Startup Week 2026 Pitch Competition & Happy Hour
Friday, August 28 | 4:00–7:00 PM
Catalyst Campus | Colorado Springs
Pitch. Connect. Celebrate.
Join us for one of the most anticipated events of Southern Colorado Startup Week 2026 as founders compete for $15,000 in prize funding in an unforgettable startup pitch competition.
The evening begins with networking, drinks, and appetizers at Catalyst Campus before the energy shifts to the main stage. Watch emerging technology companies deliver their best pitches to a panel of judges and a live audience, competing for $10,000 for first place and $5,000 for second.
A special thank you to El Pomar Institute for Innovation and Commercialization (EPIIC) for sponsoring this year’s prize funding and investing in the future of Colorado’s startup ecosystem.
This isn’t just another pitch event - it’s a chance to experience the next generation of innovation before it happens. You’ll hear bold ideas, meet ambitious founders, and witness the excitement as startups compete for funding to accelerate their growth.
Whether you’re building a company, investing in the next big idea, supporting innovation, or simply curious about the region’s entrepreneurial momentum, you’ll find yourself in great company.
Who should attend?
Startup founders and entrepreneurs
Defense and technology professionals
Military and government leaders
Investors and venture partners
Researchers, academics, and students
Business and community leaders
Anyone passionate about the future of innovation in Southern Colorado
Come connect with the people shaping Colorado’s innovation economy - and help cheer on the startups building what’s next.
Pitch Competition Application
We’re seeking Southern Colorado startups with a compelling vision for growth, evidence of customer validation or traction, and a clear use for capital. Finalists will pitch live on August 28th, 2026 for a chance to win $10,000 (1st Place) or $5,000 (2nd Place).
Please Note: Applicants must be headquartered in Southern Colorado (Baca, Bent, Cheyenne, Crowley, Custer, El Paso, Fremont, Huerfano, Kiowa, Las Animas, Lincoln, Pueblo, Prowers, or Teller County).
Applications close July 31, 2026.