Summerfest Tech Pitch Competition 2025

Milwaukee’s Summerfest Tech Pitch Competition is now accepting applications for its 2025 event, offering startups the chance to pitch in front of more than 400 investors, corporations, and supporters from the tech and business community.

The competition takes place June 23–26 in Milwaukee and is open to startups from around the world. Finalists will not only pitch on stage but also receive demo space at the event to network directly with attendees throughout the conference. Applications are open through April 18.

Finalists will receive full access to all Summerfest Tech programming and free admission to the Summerfest music festival’s second weekend, taking place June 26–28.

What judges are looking for

Startups will be evaluated across five core categories:

• Creativity – How original, differentiated, and unique is the idea?
• Traction – What market validation has been achieved so far, through users, sales, or exposure?
• Opportunity – How scalable and sustainable is the idea, and what is its long-term potential?
• Team – Does the company have strong leadership, advisors, and a skilled team in place?
• Goodness – Will this product or service make a positive impact on the world?

These criteria are designed to spotlight not only technical innovation but also real-world relevance, execution, and social impact.

Pitch tracks reflect Wisconsin’s innovation priorities

The 2025 competition includes four industry-specific tracks:

• Healthcare/Biohealth, sponsored by Inflect, will explore breakthroughs in medical science—from AI-powered diagnostics and telemedicine to genomic research and wearable devices.
• Energy & Sustainability, sponsored by Generac Power Systems, focuses on technologies that support clean energy, grid resilience, battery storage, and intelligent power management systems—critical for building a more sustainable and reliable energy future.
• Advanced Manufacturing, sponsored by Molson Coors, highlights innovations in robotics, additive manufacturing, smart factory technology, and digital transformation across industries including food and beverage.
• Finance/Insurance Tech spotlights startups leveraging AI, blockchain, and predictive analytics to reimagine financial services, streamline insurance processes, and improve customer experiences.

Prizes and perks

Winners will receive a $5,000 cash prize, meetings with executives and venture capitalists, a guaranteed first-round interview with the gener8tor Milwaukee accelerator, and additional sponsor-provided gifts. Other perks include social media promotion, investor networking opportunities, and tickets to a June 25 investor happy hour.

For more details or to apply, click here.