Key facts
- Type
- Competition
- Provider
- CAST-GNY
- Deadline
- 9/19/2026
In short
The CAST-GNY Startup Pitch Competition 2026 is an in-person event in Manhattan for aspiring founders to pitch startup ideas, receive feedback, and network with professionals. Participants will compete for a grand prize of a Mac Mini M6. The event includes a lightning pitch workshop, an entrepreneurship discussion, and an award ceremony.
CAST-GNY Startup Pitch Competition 2026
By CAST-GNY
CompetitionAccepting applications nowApply by 9/19/20264 days left
Pitch your startup idea to judges and investors.
Opportunity
Win a Mac Mini M6.
Prize
Network with founders, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals.
Networking
Attend a lightning pitch workshop and entrepreneurship discussion.
Learning
Overview
The CAST-GNY Startup Pitch Competition 2026 is an event designed for aspiring founders and entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and connect with the innovation community in Greater New York. Held on October 4, 2026, in Manhattan, the competition provides a platform for participants to pitch their startup concepts to a panel of judges. Beyond the competition itself, the event offers valuable opportunities for learning and networking. Attendees will benefit from a lightning pitch workshop focused on delivering compelling presentations, an entrepreneurship and innovation discussion featuring insights from founders, investors, scientists, and technology leaders, and a chance to interact with industry professionals. Participants will have approximately 5 minutes to pitch their ideas to the judges, followed by a Q&A session. The judging criteria include the significance of the problem addressed, innovation and differentiation of the solution, feasibility and execution potential, market or societal impact, and the clarity and effectiveness of the pitch. The winning team will receive a Mac Mini M6 as the grand prize. The event aims to foster innovation, collaboration, and provide practical insights for building and growing a startup within the vibrant New York ecosystem.
Prizes
Grand Prize
A Mac Mini M6 for the winning team.
1 non-cash prize
Key dates
- Project Submission Deadline2026-09-19T23:45:00-04:00
- Check-in & Networking2026-10-04T09:30:00-04:00
- Welcome Remarks2026-10-04T09:45:00-04:00
- Lightning Pitch Workshop2026-10-04T09:50:00-04:00
- Introduction to the Startup Pitch Competition2026-10-04T10:10:00-04:00
- Startup Pitch Competition2026-10-04T10:20:00-04:00
- Judges’ Deliberation2026-10-04T11:30:00-04:00
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation Discussion2026-10-04T11:40:00-04:00
- Award Ceremony & Grand Prize Presentation2026-10-04T12:25:00-04:00
Submission requirements
- Submit your project description and materials for pre-screening.
- Selected teams will have approximately 5 minutes each to pitch their ideas.
Judging criteria
- The significance of the problem
- Innovation and differentiation of the solution
- Feasibility and execution potential
- Market or societal impact
- The clarity and effectiveness of the pitch