🦈 The IIW Pitch Competition: Fermented Shark Tank
THE IIW PITCH COMPETITION
Fermented Shark Tank - Apply to Pitch
Are you on the hunt for a pitch opportunity during Iceland Innovation Week? 🎤
The Fermented Shark Tank is a pitch opportunity open for all startups, coming from Iceland and abroad.
The twist: Optional to take a bite of hákarl 🦈 and a shot of Brennivín 🥃 (the Icelandic liquor) and then pitch your startup 🚀 Note that this is not mandatory but those who dare, might get extra seconds on the clock and a secret prize 👀
What’s in it for you?
Exposure on stage to all attendees of Iceland Innovation Week
Exposure in the festival app (Brella) for the 15 semi-finalists
Feedback from top investors
Possibility to win a cash prize and bragging rights
Connect with the Nordic startup community — and maybe your future co-founder, investor, or customer
Criteria
Startups based anywhere in the world, everyone is welcome
Startups that are less than 5 years old
Startups that have at least launched an MVP and their own website
Startups that are an independent company (not a subsidiary)
Your pitch should include:
A clear problem and solution
A clear business model
A pitch-ready presentation with slides (3 minutes max)
One team member ready to face the sharks live on stage
Stage 1: Application Process
Applications open from noon (12:00GMT) November 1st 2025 until noon (12:00GMT) on March 2nd 2026.
Stage 4: Semi-finalists announced
On March 16th 2026 the 15 semi-finalists will be announced.
Stage 3: Semi-Finals
The Fermented Shark Tank Semi-Finals take place April 28th 2026 at the Founders in Focus program in Gróska Innovation Center, where the top 5 finalists will be selected.
Stage 4: Finals
The top 5 startupswill then pitch at The Fermented Shark Tank Finals on the Future stageApril 29th 2026 at the main festival venue Austurbæjarbíó where the winner will be announced 🏆