FETC Pitchfest

For over 40 years, the Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) has brought together the most dynamic and innovative education leaders and professionals from around the world for an intensive, highly collaborative exploration of new technologies, best practices, and pressing issues. 

FETC is widely recognized as the premier event for educators and technologists to connect with thought leaders and innovators shaping the future of education in classrooms, schools, and districts. This year's Conference and Expo will take place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, on January 11 – 14, 2026. 

   ABOUT PITCHFEST

Pitchfest is a special FETC event that helps conference attendees explore and connect with the latest solutions built by edtech startups worldwide. For start-ups, it's the ideal opportunity to expose their products to thousands of early-adopting and tech-friendly K-12 teachers and district leaders. 

For the 2026 edition, Pitchfest has been reimagined, giving contestants greater exposure and awareness across the FETC ecosystem, a crowdsourcing element to allow all FETC attendees to select their favorite startup. The Grand Prize Winner will be recognized on the main stage during Tech Share LIVE!.

• Direct Exposure: Reach thousands of potential customers and investors eager to discover the latest edtech solutions.
   
• Increased Visibility: All entries will be evaluated by a panel of education leaders to ensure eligibility, as well as recognized on a dedicated FETC YouTube playlist featured on the Pitchfest 2.0 website landing page.
   
• Viral Pitch Reel: Deliver your best 3-minute pitch via video and impress decision-makers, education leaders, and the entire FETC audience. 
   
• Valuable Prizes: Win promotional packages and sponsored content ads to catapult your product's awareness.
   
• Value Add: Companies exhibiting in FETC’s Start Up Pavilion receive a complimentary Pitchfest 2.0 entry included in their exhibition package. 

• 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: Sunday, January 11 

• 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

HOW TO QUALIFY AND ENTER PITCHFEST 2.0; ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
  
All contestants must satisfy the following conditions: 

• Submit an application, which includes a $199 registration fee. Note: this entry fee is waived for FETC Start Up 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 the application.
   
• Submit a 3-minute video pitch no later than Monday, January 5, 2026. 
   
• Must plan to attend FETC in-person January 11-13, 2026. Finalists must be present for the in-person presentation Tuesday, January 13. 

In the preliminary round, the 6 finalist slots will be awarded to qualified applicants based on the strength and merit of their video pitch. Using the same method, Pitchfest 2.0 will select up to 10 alternates. Startups selected as alternates may become finalists if an existing finalist is unable to attend FETC in person.    

APPLY NOW              FAQ

For any Pitchfest 2.0 inquiries, please contact pitchfest@fetc.org.