FutureTravel Pitch Competition 2026

Prize package TBD — details were still being finalized at time of publication.

Runs annually; the last cycle closed July 20, 2026. Check the funder's site for the next round.

AMOUNT

Prize package TBD — details were still being finalized at time of publication.

AMOUNT

Prize package TBD — details were still being finalized at time of publication.

DEADLINE

Runs annually; the last cycle closed July 20, 2026. Check the funder's site for the next round.

DEADLINE

Runs annually; the last cycle closed July 20, 2026. Check the funder's site for the next round.

FUNDING TYPE

Pitch Competition

CAN YOU GET THIS?

You need to be an early-stage startup operating in travel or hospitality tech.

The competition selects 10 startups to pitch on stage at the FutureTravel Summit in October, in front of investors, founders, and travel tech leaders. No specific revenue or funding stage thresholds are listed beyond 'early-stage.'

YOUR REAL ODDS

Only 10 startups are selected to pitch, making this a competitive slot.

The funder does not publish application volumes, but with a globally open call and a cap of 10 presenters, selection is meaningful. The organizers note the flashiest founder does not always win — domain experience and genuine problem-solving tend to stand out.

WHAT IT TAKES

Submit your application via the FutureTravel newsletter link — 30–60 minutes
Wait for selection notification ahead of the October summit — Weeks after deadline

WORTH KNOWING

The organizers explicitly say founders who have clearly lived the problem they are solving tend to win — lean into specific, personal domain expertise in your pitch materials rather than broad market opportunity.

Apply on the funder’s site →

TechRise Chicago Grants

$25,000–$50,000 non-dilutive, awarded per competition event.

Chicagoland early-stage founders can apply on a rolling basis to pitch for $25K–$50K in non-dilutive capital.

Athene Black & Brown Pitch Competition

Up to $12,000 for the top winner (varies by year); finalists receive $1,000. Awarded annually.

Black and Brown founders of any stage or industry can compete for up to $12,000 at this annual Iowa-based pitch competition.

Enthuse Foundation’s 8th Annual Pitch...

$15,000 cash grand prize (plus $120,000+ in-kind package); awarded once per year.

Women-founded food, beverage, or CPG startups based in the US with under $750K revenue can apply.

This is 1 of 1,600+ open opportunities.

$50B+ in available capital across grants, VC funds, CDFIs, and accelerators. Filter by your industry, stage, and region, and see everything you qualify for.

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