Innovate. Pitch. Impact.
Join the CAST-GNY Startup Pitch Competition on October 4, 2026, in the heart of Manhattan! This event brings together aspiring founders, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals for a morning of pitching, feedback, networking, and practical insights into building and growing a startup.
This is an opportunity to showcase your idea, learn from experienced professionals, and connect with the Greater New York innovation community.
🏆 Grand Prize
A Mac Mini M6 for the winning team!
📅 Tentative Agenda
- 9:30 – 9:45 AM: Check-in & Networking
- 9:45 – 9:50 AM: Welcome Remarks
- 9:50 – 10:10 AM: Lightning Pitch Workshop — How to deliver a compelling startup pitch
- 10:10 – 10:20 AM: Introduction to the Startup Pitch Competition — Rules, format & judging criteria
- 10:20 – 11:30 AM: Startup Pitch Competition — Startup pitches & judges' Q&A
- 11:30 – 11:40 AM: Judges' Deliberation
- 11:40 AM – 12:25 PM: Entrepreneurship & Innovation Discussion — Insights from founders, investors, scientists & technology leaders
- 12:25 – 12:30 PM: Award Ceremony & Grand Prize Presentation 🏆
(Agenda is subject to change.)
Requirements
Submit your project description and materials for pre-screening. Selected teams will have around 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