pitchGNV
2026
Florida's Premier Early-Stage Startup Pitch Competition
pitchGNV brings together emerging founders, investors, community leaders, and innovation partners to spotlight the next generation of breakthrough startups across Florida and beyond.
EVENT AT A GLANCE
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Date
September 2-3, 2026
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Day 1 Location
San Felasco Tech City
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Day 2 Location
Santa Fe College CIED at Blount Hall
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Admission
Free to Attend But Donations Welcome
Total Prize Pool
$20k+
in startup prize funding
In partnership with
startGNV
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Santa Fe College CIED
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San Felasco Tech City
Who Should Apply?
Whether you’re building in AgTech, BlueTech, Biotech, AI/SaaS, or launching a collegiate startup venture, pitchGNV is designed to help founders gain traction and share their story on stage.
pitchGNV is open to all U.S.-based early-stage startups that meet the following requirements:
Less than $500,000 in annual revenue as of June 1, 2026
Fewer than 50 employees
Actively building an innovative product, service, or technology company
Seeking visibility, mentorship, investor exposure, and growth opportunities
Competition Categories
The competition includes five startup categories. Four teams will be selected per category to compete.
AGTECH
Agricultural technology, food systems, and sustainable farming innovations.
BlueTech
Water technology, marine innovation, and ocean-focused solutions.
Biotech
Life sciences, health technology, and biological research innovations.
AI/SaaS
Artificial intelligence, software-as-a-service, and digital platforms.
Collegiate
Florida colleges and universities nominate one student-led startup to compete.
Collegiate Category: Florida colleges and universities will be invited to nominate one student-led startup to compete in the Collegiate division. The Collegiate winner will be crowned the Florida Collegiate State Champion and will also advance to compete in the finalists round. Because collegiate teams represent institutions across the state, the Collegiate category may include more than four competing founders.
Competition Format
pitchGNV features two days of live startup competition, networking, and founder engagement. All pitches are 5 minutes with 5 minutes of questions from judges.
01
Day One
San Felasco Tech City
Coached Practice Sessions
Startups pitch in a practice session with coaches and peers from their category. Teams receive feedback and have time over lunch to refine their pitch.
Category Pitch-Off
Each category competes in a pitch-off. Judges select the category winner to advance to the finals for cash prizes.
Florida Collegiate State Championship
Collegiate teams pitch to determine the Florida Collegiate State Champion and who advances to the finals.
02
Day Two
Santa Fe College CIED at Blount Hall
Audience-Voted Wildcard
Teams that did not win their category pitch in a fast-paced round (5-minute pitch, no questions). The audience votes on who advances to the final round.
Grand Final - $20k+ in Prizes
All category winners, the Wildcard winner, and the Collegiate champion compete for over $20k in cash prizes.
Pitch Format: 5-minute pitch + 5-minute judge Q&A for all rounds. (Wildcard: 5-minute pitch only, no questions).
Event Timeline
Mark your calendar – here are the milestones from applications to prize distribution.
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Jun 1
2026Applications Open
Applications open to all U.S.-based early-stage startups.
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Jun 26
2026Application Deadline
All submissions must be completed by this date.
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Jul 14
2026Finalists Announced & Coaching Begins
Selected finalists are notified and begin working with startGNV business coaches.
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Sep 2
2026Event Day 1 — San Felasco Tech City
Practice sessions, category pitch-offs, and the Collegiate State Championship.
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Sep 3
2026Event Day 2 — Santa Fe College CIED
Wildcard round and grand finals for over $20k in prizes.
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Oct 3
2026Prize Distribution
All prize funding distributed to winners.
Prizes
pitchGNV will award over $20k in startup prize funding to winners across all categories. Additional prizes from the community will also be awarded throughout the event. Stay tuned to our social media as we announce our prizes and sponsors!
🥇 Grand Prize
$10,000
🥈 Second Place
$5,000
🥉 Third Place
$3,000
Fourth Place
$2,000
Fifth Place
$1,000
Sixth Place
$500
🎓 Collegiate Champion
$2,000
Total Prize Pool
$20k+
in startup prize funding
Winners compete across 5 categories plus Wildcard and Collegiate. Multiple opportunities to take home prize funding.
Why Apply?
Selected startups receive far more than just prize money – pitchGNV is a full launchpad experience.
Live Pitch Experience
Pitch in front of judges, investors, and community leaders in a high-energy live setting.
Professional Pitch Coaching
Work directly with startGNV business coaches to sharpen your pitch before competition day.
Founder Network
Connect with fellow founders, mentors, and innovation partners from across Florida’s growing startup ecosystem.
Media & Promotional Exposure
Gain visibility through media coverage and promotional opportunities tied to the event.
Investor Exposure
Get your startup in front of investors who are actively looking for early-stage opportunities.
$20k+ Prize Funding
Compete for over $20,000 in direct startup funding across six prize placements plus the Collegiate Championship.
Built to Strengthen Florida's Startup Ecosystem
pitchGNV was created to strengthen Florida’s startup ecosystem by connecting early-stage founders with resources, visibility, and meaningful community support.
Hosted in Gainesville — one of Florida’s fastest-growing innovation hubs — the event highlights emerging technologies and entrepreneurial talent from across the state and nation.
startGNV is proud to host the second annual pitchGNV in partnership with Santa Fe College Center for Innovation and Economic Development at Blount Hall and San Felasco Tech City.
Apply to pitchGNV 2026
Applications open June 1st. The deadline to apply is June 26, 2026. Don’t miss your chance to compete for over $20k in prize funding and get in front of Florida’s startup community.