Key facts
- Type
- Competition
- Deadline
- 1/1/2027
In short
PITCH is Web Summit Rio's startup competition for early-stage startups, offering the chance to pitch to investors and leaders, with the 2026 top prize won by Dalton Lab for its AI innovation.
Web Summit Rio Pitch
CompetitionAccepting applications nowApply by 1/1/2027158 days left
Startup pitching competition
Type of event
Web Summit Rio
Host event
Early-stage startups
Target participants
Top 35 startups
Number of finalists
Dalton Lab
2026 Winner
Overview
PITCH, brought to you by Finep, FNDCT, and MCTI, is Web Summit Rio’s premier startup pitching competition. It provides a platform for leading early-stage startups from around the world to present their innovations on stage. Founders gain invaluable exposure to and insights from a distinguished panel of investors and industry leaders. This competition is designed to identify and celebrate groundbreaking startups that are making significant strides in their respective fields. Participants have the opportunity to showcase their business models and technology, receiving feedback and potentially attracting investment. Applications are rigorously assessed by an independent panel of influential judges. The top 35 selected startups undergo preparation to refine their pitches and delivery for the live competition at Web Summit Rio. The ultimate goal for participants is to present their startup in front of a global audience, including investors, media members, and partners, with the aim of being crowned the PITCH winner and gaining substantial momentum for their ventures.
Prizes
Winner
Crowned the winner of PITCH, gaining significant publicity and momentum for fundraising. Example: Dalton Lab (2026 winner) with AI that changes how we work.
Undisclosed
Key dates
- Application opens for 20272027
Eligibility
PITCH is open to exhibiting ALPHA and BETA startups that have received less than €5 million in funding to date and that have not had a discernible change in business model in the last three years.
How to enter
- Apply via the Web Summit Rio website for the PITCH competition.
- Your application will be recorded and passed to an independent panel of judges for assessment.
- If selected among the top 35, prepare your pitch deck and delivery.
- Present your pitch onstage at Web Summit Rio to a panel of investors, media, and global partners.
Sponsors & partners
FinepFNDCTMCTI