Applications are open for Summerfest Tech Pitch

Applications are now open to participate in the Summerfest Tech Pitch competition to take place during the Summerfest Tech AI, held June 23-26 in Milwaukee.

The Summerfest Tech Pitch Competition is open to technology-based companies, with participants competing in one of four categories: Healthcare/Biohealth, Energy & Sustainability, Advanced Manufacturing, and Fin/Insurtech. These categories reflect key areas of innovation and industry growth, providing startups with a platform to showcase their cutting-edge solutions to investors, industry leaders, and potential partners.

To qualify for the Summerfest Tech Pitch competition, startups must meet several eligibility requirements. The submitted product or service must have launched no earlier than January 2022, and companies cannot have raised more than $10 million in total funding. Each startup is allowed to enter only one product or service, and founders must retain some portion of ownership. Additionally, participating startups must be legally registered and compliant with all relevant regulations in their respective jurisdictions. Prior finalists from the Summerfest Tech Pitch Competition are not eligible to apply.

Each Summerfest Tech Pitch category winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize, along with valuable opportunities to connect with industry leaders and investors. Winners will have a 30-minute executive meeting with a corporate sponsor and a separate 30-minute meeting with a judge or venture capitalist. They will also secure a guaranteed first-round interview for the gener8tor Milwaukee investment accelerator. Additional perks include two tickets to the June 25 Investor Happy Hour, a dedicated Summerfest Tech social media post, and various sponsor-related gifts.

All competitors in the Summerfest Tech Pitch Competition will receive a range of perks, including one general admission ticket to the 2025 Summerfest Music Festival’s second weekend (June 26-28) and two tickets to the Summerfest Tech VIP Event. They will also be featured in the “Summerfest Tech Expose” email and included in a dedicated social media post and press release. Each competitor will have a four-foot onsite demo space and an invitation to the BMO Investor Networking Session on the morning of June 25. Additional benefits include tickets to future Summerfest Tech and Summerfest Music Festival events, as well as various sponsor-related gifts.

Successful applications for the Summerfest Tech Pitch Competition include a brief introduction video and a pitch deck. Applications are open until Friday, April 18, and selected participants will receive an email invitation from the Summerfest Tech staff in May 2025.