What is a startup competition?
A startup competition is an event where founders present their companies to a panel of judges for prizes, which can include cash, investment, programme places, services or publicity. They are run by universities, governments, corporates, investors and ecosystem organisations.
For an early startup, a competition is non-dilutive money and a deadline that forces you to sharpen your pitch. Even without winning, you usually leave with feedback and new contacts.
Types of startup competitions
Pitch competitions
A short live pitch, often three to five minutes, followed by questions from judges.
Business plan competitions
Judged mainly on a written plan, common at universities.
Hackathons
Teams build a prototype over one to three days, sometimes on a set theme.
Startup awards
Recognition for companies with traction, often by sector or region.
Challenge prizes
Organisations set a specific problem and fund the best solution.
Why enter a startup competition
- Prize money that doesn't cost you equity
- Feedback from experienced judges
- Meeting investors, mentors and corporate partners in the audience
- Press coverage and credibility with customers
- Practice pitching under time pressure
What judges look for
- 1
A clear, specific problem
Judges should understand who has the problem within the first minute.
- 2
Evidence
Customer interviews, pilots, revenue or growth. Anything that shows it's real.
- 3
The team
Why you're the people to solve this.
- 4
A realistic plan
What you'll do next, and what the prize would let you do.
- 5
Delivery
Staying on time, answering questions directly, and not overclaiming.
How to find and enter competitions on Startupply
- 1
Find competitions and awards
Browse the Startupply events page for pitch competitions, awards and challenges, and filter for ones that fit your stage.
- 2
Apply using your startup profile
Competitions running applications on Startupply pre-fill your details, so you only answer the questions specific to that competition.
- 3
Prepare your pitch
Use Business Frameworks to tighten your story and the Startup Readiness Index to spot gaps judges might ask about.
- 4
Organisers: run your competition
Organisations can publish a competition, collect applications through forms and review submissions in one place.
Dedicated awards management tools for judging and scoring are in development on Startupply.
Frequently asked questions
Do startup competitions take equity?
Most don't. Prizes are usually cash, services or programme places. Some investor-run competitions offer investment as the prize, which does involve equity. Check the rules before entering.
Can idea-stage startups enter competitions?
Yes, many competitions have idea-stage categories, especially university and government ones. Others require a product or revenue.
How do I prepare for a pitch competition?
Know the format and time limit, rehearse until you finish with time to spare, lead with the problem and your strongest evidence, and prepare answers for questions about competition, market and team.