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FETC 2.0 Pitchfest FAQ

What are the eligibility requirements for startups applying?

  • Submit an application, which includes a $199 registration fee. Fee will be waived for FETC Startup Pavilion exhibitors and is not retroactive.

  • Have a product that serves the K-12 market. 

  • Product must be primarily delivered through a mobile application, web-based platform, or electronic hardware.

  • Have an active website that highlights the product. 

  • Have not raised over $8 million in funds from combined funding sources at the time of application.

  • Must plan to attend FETC in-person on January 11-13, 2026 if accepted as a contestant. 

What are key dates and deadlines? 

Qualifying Round  

  • Applications Open: Friday, November 7 

  • Deadline for Application Submissions: Friday, December 12 at 11:59pm ET (EXTENDED UNTIL December 21, 2025 at 11:59 pm ET) 

*Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis – applicants will be notified as decisions are made. All contestants will be notified by December 23. 

Preliminary Round  

  • Video Submissions Accepted on an ongoing basis 

  • Deadline for Video Submissions: Monday, January 5 

  • Finalists will be notified on Sunday, January 11 

Final Round 

  • Finalists Announced During Lunch: Sunday, January 11 

  • Public Voting Kickoff via FETC App: Monday, January 12 

  • Finalists Present LIVE at FETC’s IT Theater During Lunch: Monday, January 12 

  • Public Voting Close: Monday, January 12 at 11:59pm ET 

  • Grand Prize Winner Announced at Techshare LIVE!: Tuesday, January 13 

What does it cost to apply to Pitchfest 2.0?

Standard Application Fee: $199. Fee will be waived for FETC Startup Pavilion exhibitors and is not retroactive.

How will I know if I have been selected as a contestant in Pitchfest 2.0?  

All applicants will receive an email status notification indicating whether they have been selected to participate in Pitchfest 2.0 with details on next steps. All accepted Pitchfest 2.0 contestants will be notified by December 23, 2025. 

How many products/services can I submit to Pitchfest 2.0?

Each startup will be allowed to submit only one product/service at this year's event. Startups that enter more than one product/service will not be eligible to participate.

Will I receive a registration to FETC if I am selected? 

No, participation in Pitchfest 2.0 requires registration to FETC.

What type of payment is accepted for participation?

Application fees are accepted online by credit or debit card through the Pitchfest 2.0 Application Page.

If I am an accepted contestant, what are the pitch video guidelines and requirements? 

Specific details and the link to submit your video will be included in your acceptance email. See general pitch video guidelines below: 

  • Filmed against a clean, white background 

  • Shot in landscape (horizontal) orientation 

  • No longer than 3 minutes 

What about my intellectual property?

You, the applicant, are solely responsible for protecting your intellectual property rights (patents, trademarks, copyright, trade secrets, etc.) in your idea. If you have intellectual property concerns or may seek a patent in the future, it's strongly recommended that you consult an attorney before including such information in your application.

Applicants are expected to submit a compelling presentation without disclosing critical intellectual property. By applying, you acknowledge that applying to Pitchfest 2.0 could disclose your intellectual property if such information is included.

FETC cannot protect or advise you on your intellectual property rights and does not take any responsibility for doing so. Additionally, FETC does not require non-disclosure agreements or other confidentiality obligations from anyone involved in the Pitchfest 2.0 process. 

How many winners will there be? 

There will be six (6) finalists and one (1) Grand Prize Winner. 

Can I get a refund of my application or registration fee? 

No refund will be given to any application that has been submitted. If you have any concerns regarding our fees and/or the application process, please contact pitchfest@fetc.org before applying. If you register to attend before being notified by FETC of your status as an applicant to Pitchfest 2.0 or choose to exhibit at FETC, you will not be eligible for a refund.