Key facts
- Type
- Competition
- Deadline
- 11/1/2027
In short
SXSW Pitch 2027 is a premier startup showcase in Austin, Texas, for ambitious entrepreneurs to present disruptive technologies across eight categories to industry experts and investors.
SXSW Pitch
CompetitionAccepting applications nowApply by 11/1/2027458 days left
March 16-17, 2027
Event Dates
19th Year
Annual Event
8 Categories
Pitch Categories
Over $22 Billion
Total Funding Raised by Alumni
80%+
Alumni Secured Funding
Overview
SXSW Pitch, now in its 19th year, is an annual showcase event spotlighting innovative technologies and ambitious entrepreneurs from around the globe. Finalists are selected through an open call process to present their startups to a panel of industry experts, high-profile media professionals, venture capital investors, and angel investors. The competition features eight distinct categories for startups: Emerging & Frontier Technologies; Entertainment, Media, Sports & Digital Platforms; Life Sciences, Healthcare & AssistiveTech; Mobility, Manufacturing & Industrial Systems; SaaS, Enterprise & Developer Platforms; Smart Data, Security & FinTech; Student Startups; and Sustainability, Energy & AgTech. Participants will compete live over two days in downtown Austin, showcasing their solutions at the forefront of emerging technology sectors. Since 2009, SXSW Pitch has been a significant launchpad for startups, with over 80% of its 732 past participants securing funding, collectively raising over $22 billion in venture capital and exits. This track record includes 22% of funded companies being acquired by leading global firms. The event provides a platform for companies to gain exposure, attract investment, and join a network of successful alumni.
What to build
Participants must present an innovative product or service that has not been launched before January 1, 2024, and falls into one of the designated SXSW Pitch categories. This product or service will be showcased live to a panel of expert judges and an audience.
Key dates
- Applications OpenJune 23, 2026
- Early Bird Entry DeadlineSeptember 13, 2026
- Regular Entry PeriodSeptember 14 - November 13, 2026
- Final Application DeadlineNovember 13, 2026
- SXSW Pitch EventMarch 16-17, 2027
Eligibility
The company's product and/or service must not have been launched before January 1, 2024. Each company may only enter one product or service into SXSW Pitch. Founders of the company applying must retain some portion of ownership in the company. The company must not have raised over ten (10) million dollars in funding from combined funding sources. Startups should be legally registered and compliant with all relevant regulations and laws in their respective jurisdictions. The product or service must fall into one of the SXSW Pitch categories. For the Student Startups category, at least one student member of the founding or executive team must present at SXSW Pitch if selected as a Finalist or Alternate, and the presenting founder must be actively enrolled in high school, college, or university at the time of the SXSW Pitch event. While startups are encouraged to apply to multiple SXSW competitions (SXSW Pitch, SXSW Innovation Awards, SXSW EDU Launch), a startup will only be selected as a finalist in one of these three competitions.
How to enter
- Pay the application fee (Early Bird: $105, Regular: $225).
- Submit your application online by the final deadline of November 13, 2026.
Submission requirements
- A product or service launched after January 1, 2024.
- The product or service must fit into one of the eight specified SXSW Pitch categories.
- Founders must retain some portion of ownership in the company.
- The company must not have raised over $10 million in combined funding.
- Legally registered and compliant with all relevant regulations.
- If applying for Student Startups, the presenting founder must be an actively enrolled student at the time of the event.