Startup World Cup Sacramento
Startup World Cup Sacramento Regional 2026
Ten Sacramento startups pitch live for a seat at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale and a shot at a $1 million investment prize. Free to attend. Part of Sacramento Tech Week.
About the event
Startup World Cup is a global pitch competition run by Pegasus Tech Ventures, with regional rounds in more than 100 cities. Each regional champion earns a place at the Grand Finale in San Francisco, Nov. 4–6, where the winner takes home a $1 million investment prize.
This is Sacramento's round. Ten finalists, selected from applications across the region, pitch live before a panel of investors and operators. One leaves as Sacramento's 2026 regional champion.
Who should attend
Founders, investors, operators, students, and anyone who wants to see what the region's strongest early-stage companies look like when they're put on the spot. Free and open to the public. Registration is required and capacity is limited.
What the winner takes home
A seat at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco, Nov. 4–6, and a shot at the $1 million investment prize.
$10,000 in non-dilutive funding from the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Sacramento State.
$10,000 in general counsel services from Witan Law Group.
Meet the 10 Finalists
This year's finalists represent a wide range of industries and technologies, from biotechnology and agriculture to clean energy, financial technology, and advanced materials.
Demotu
A coaching platform that uses smartphone-based 3D movement analysis to help trainers assess how clients move and manage the coaching relationship.
Elven Technologies, Inc.
Develops lightweight, flexible fire-protection solutions for lithium-ion batteries and other high-risk applications.
Forager Fuels
Turns forest waste into low-carbon hydrogen and biochar using relocatable refineries, creating a potential revenue stream from wildfire prevention efforts.
Invasive Species Corporation
Develops environmentally friendly biological solutions designed to control invasive species.
Krokos Bio
Grows high-value botanical ingredients from plant cells, beginning with saffron, to provide manufacturers with a more reliable year-round supply.
Lilypay
Developing a payment platform for the deathcare industry, beginning with financing options for families who cannot pay funeral expenses upfront.
Matrubials Inc.
Developing milk-inspired solutions for infectious diseases, beginning with women's health.
Pheronym, Inc.
Uses pheromones to improve biological pest control and help beneficial nematodes fight agricultural pests in the soil.
Spin Energy Systems Inc.
Developing an energy platform combining software with chemistry-free energy storage, backup power, power conversion, and conditioning for critical infrastructure.
Yeast Bay Bio
Developing an RNA-based insecticide designed to target pests while remaining safer for people, pets, and the environment.
Leading up to pitch night, the finalists will work with Traction Lab advisors to strengthen their pitches and the evidence behind their businesses.
Meet The Judges
The finalists will pitch before a panel of investors and startup ecosystem leaders. The judging panel includes:
Cheryl Beninga, Managing Partner, Wai Mohala Ventures
David Campbell, Partner, Witan Law Group
Mariah Lichtenstern, Founding Partner, DiverseCity Ventures
John Peters, Chairman, Sacramento Angels
Lokesh Sikaria, Managing Partner, Moneta Ventures
Venue
The Carlsen Center at Sacramento State
Partners
Startup World Cup Sacramento Regional is presented by Pegasus Tech Ventures and produced by Traction Lab, the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Sacramento State, and StartupSac.
Prize partner: Witan Law Group.
Part of Sacramento Tech Week, Oct. 19–24.
Sponsors
Accessibility: If any special accommodations are needed please let us know at least two weeks in advance to secure the needed accommodations.