StartupSTL: $10k University Pitch Competition (STL TechWeek 2026)

TechSTL

Join us for the 4th Annual STL TechWeek with 5 days of free events all over St. Louis during April 13th through the 17th

T-REX

STL TechWeek 2026

The 4th Annual STL TechWeek is taking over St. Louis on April 13 - 17, 2026 with free events all over the region. Attend one of the technical conferences or innovation gatherings hosted for free at venues across St. Louis.

StartupSTL $10K University Pitch Competition <a href="https://techstl.com/techweek" title="https://techstl.com/techweek" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">STL TechWeek</a> | April 13, 2026 | 5:00–7:30 PM | T-REXMark your calendars for the opening day of STL TechWeek where St. Louis’ top universities are going head-to-head in a live startup competition -- bringing the region’s next generation of founders to one stage.The StartupSTL $10K University Pitch Competition will feature nine student-led startups, each hand-picked by their institution, competing for a $10,000 non-dilutive prize, and serious bragging rights across the region.Each team will deliver a five-minute pitch, followed by a live Q&amp;A with a panel of venture capital judges, evaluating not just the idea, but the team, traction, and potential to scale.This is more than a competition -- it’s a showcase of the emerging startup pipeline across St. Louis, connecting universities, founders, investors, and the broader tech community.What to Expect:<ul><li>🎤 9 student startups, each representing a different university</li><li>⏱️ 5-minute pitches + 2-minute live Q&amp;A</li><li>💡 Real-time feedback from VC judges</li><li>🏆 $10K non-dilutive prize awarded to the top team</li></ul>Participating Institutions Include:<ul><li>Harris-Stowe State University</li><li>Lindenwood University</li><li>Maryville University</li><li>Principia College</li><li>Saint Louis University</li><li>Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville</li><li>University of Missouri – St. Louis</li><li>Washington University in St. Louis</li><li>Webster University</li></ul>Each institution selects one startup to represent them—whether from a campus competition, accelerator, incubator, or hackathon—ensuring the strongest founders take the stage.Startup Eligibility:<ul><li>At least one current student founder from the participating institution</li><li>Minimum Viable Product (MVP)</li><li>No previously raised outside capital (non-dilutive funding permitted)</li><li>Industry agnostic</li></ul>Judging Criteria:<ul><li>Pitch clarity and problem definition</li><li>Team strength and role alignment</li><li>Differentiation and competitive advantage</li><li>Market understanding and go-to-market strategy</li><li>Traction and learning from early users</li><li>Quality of Q&amp;A responses</li></ul>Whether you’re an investor, founder, student, or ecosystem leader, this is your chance to see the future of the St. Louis startup ecosystem -- live and in competition. Join us at T-REX and watch the region’s next breakout founders take the stage! Parking &amp; AccessParking is available in the lot between 10th and 11th street, at the meters along the street, or in the Marriott garage across from T-REX. The event is located on the 5th floor of the building.Presenting SponsorsThis event is made possible due to the generous support of <a href="https://cultivationcapital.com/" title="https://cultivationcapital.com/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Cultivation Capital</a> and <a href="https://www.stakehouse.fund/" title="https://www.stakehouse.fund/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Stakehouse.</a> Thank you for your partnership of StartupSTL!

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StartupSTL: $10k University Pitch Competition (STL TechWeek 2026)

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StartupSTL: $10k University Pitch Competition (STL TechWeek 2026)

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