Key facts
- Type
- Competition
- Deadline
- 1/1/2027
In short
Startup of the Year is a global awards program by Established to support and elevate early-stage startup founders and teams through pitch coaching, mentorship, and a competition culminating in potential investment and a golden trophy.
Startup of the Year
CompetitionAccepting applications nowApply by 1/1/2027155 days left
Global
Reach
Free
For founders to apply
2006
Program Start Year
Annual Summit
Culminating Event
50%
Women or Minority Founders in 2019
Overview
The Startup of the Year Awards program, produced by Established, is dedicated to celebrating early-stage entrepreneurs and their teams. It offers pitch coaching, educational opportunities, mentorship, and an awards program designed to help propel companies to their next stage of growth. This initiative is a core part of the Established Network's commitment to investing back into the innovation community. The program focuses on supporting founders and their teams with pitch competitions, facilitating investor connections, and hosting a curated Summit. It aims to elevate diverse and bold teams, helping them accelerate their progress and achieve future success. The Established Network is a community of founders, teams, ecosystem builders, and investors, serving as a hub for creativity, capital, and collaboration. At its heart, the Established Network connects innovators and innovation enthusiasts through curated programming, including the Monthly Innovation Circle (#TheMIC) and the Startup of the Year Awards. This ecosystem encourages the exchange of ideas, bold collaboration, and accelerated innovation. Established, an innovation consultancy, partners with organizations to navigate the complexities of the innovation world, providing tailored services to unlock potential for acceleration and growth. With over a decade of experience, Established has driven results for numerous brands and organizations across various industries, including the U.S. Small Business Administration, Consumer Technology Association (CTA) Foundation, Guidewell, AFWERX, NASA iTech, Chase, Google Cloud, and the Kauffman Foundation. The annual Startup of the Year Summit brings together thousands of startups, investors, and innovators to build authentic connections and celebrate achievements, serving as a highlight among Established's events.
Prizes
Startup of the Year Winner
Evaluated for possible investment from the Startup of the Year Investment Community, a golden trophy, and introductions.
Potential Investment
Startup of the Year Winner
Includes flight, hotel, a Founder dinner, and a meeting with Jeff Vinik’s investment team for possible investment, provided by Embarc Collective Tampa Bay.
Trip to Tampa Bay
Startup of the Year Winner
For cloud, Watson, blockchain, security, and analytics products, provided by IBM.
Up to $10K credits per month
Startup of the Year Winner
A virtual mentor session with Alice’s Founder and CEO, Carolyn Rodz, and one ticket to Alice’s annual Circular Summit.
Startup of the Year Winner
Provided by American Airlines (Official Airline Sponsor).
Business Extra Points
Top 5 Finalists
Provided by American Airlines (Official Airline Sponsor).
Business Extra Points
Top 5 Finalists
Provided by Belkin Business.
Backpack with goodies
One of the Top 5 Finalists
In Eureka Park at CES 2026, provided by Consumer Technology Association (CTA)™.
One upgraded booth
Semifinalists
Potential amazing something for each Semifinalist, provided by IBM.
Key dates
- Application DeadlineOctober 15, 2026
- 8th Annual SummitNovember 16 - 18, 2026
Eligibility
Startups must have a founding date within the last six years from the time of application (e.g., founded between 2020 and 2026 for the 2026 cycle). They must have raised no more than $5 million USD. The Startup of the Year Team reserves the right to determine participation if funding is raised between the application and the final competition. Applicants must have a live and viable product and be an independent company (not a subsidiary). Startups must also demonstrate innovation, describing and exhibiting why their company is disruptive and exciting in their application. All applicants must submit a complete application; incomplete submissions will not be reviewed. While non-U.S. based companies can participate, they are not currently considered for direct investment from Established Ventures due to fund structure.
How to enter
- Apply through the centralized application form.
- If selected, join the Top 100 invited to the 8th Annual Summit.
- Participate in the first round of private pitch and Q&A sessions with judges.
- If chosen, pitch as one of the Top 5 Finalists to a virtual audience and curated panel of judges at the Summit.
- Await the announcement of the 2026 Startup of the Year Champion.
Judging criteria
- Innovation: describe and exhibit why your company is disruptive and exciting.
- Viability: must have a live and viable product.
- Addressing an issue: demonstrate why your company is the right company to solve the issue you are addressing.
Sponsors & partners
EstablishedEmbarc Collective Tampa BayConsumer Technology Association (CTA)™American AirlinesIBMAliceBelkin BusinessSilicon Valley Bank
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is Startup of the Year?
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Powered by Established, the Startup of the Year program is a global competition, world-wide community, and resource to elevate startup founders. It is a community, resource, and awards opportunity that welcomes startups from across all verticals and around the world to join its free community at any time throughout the year. Opportunities include events, office hours, and for eligible startups, additional ways to engage, including the Daily Dealflow newsletter and the annual Summit and awards. The Startup of the Year awards are annual and culminate at the Startup of the Year Summit.
How will I be notified that my company is part of the Startup Community?
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The Established team will contact invited startups.
Does the competition winner automatically receive Investment?
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The intention is to provide investment to the winner of the Summit; however, should the winner not be raising capital or fall outside of the types of companies that the Fund can invest in, the Startup of the Year team will then evaluate the other top performing companies from Summit for potential investment.
Are non-U.S.based companies considered for Investment?
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We are not currently investing in non-U.S. based companies. However, we provide other programs such as Mentor Matchmaking to open new doors to top advisors and investors. Beyond the investment prize, our goal is to elevate each company with as many opportunities as possible.
Are Nonprofit Companies considered for Investment?
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Due to the structure of the investment vehicle, we are unable to offer the investment to nonprofit companies. However, we hope that being a part of the Startup of the Year global community, an Alum, and participant in event(s) yields you new connections for your path forward.
Resources
- Startup of the Year Application
- Startup of the Year Podcast
- Daily Dealflow Newsletter
- Established Network Community
- Established Website
- Startup of the Year Summit Updates Sign-up
- Startup of the Year Facebook
- Startup of the Year Twitter
- Startup of the Year LinkedIn
- Startup of the Year Instagram
- Startup of the Year YouTube
- Established YouTube Channel
- OpenGrants for Established
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