Startup World Cup Art, Media & Design Pitch Competition (STL TechWeek)

Join us for a spectacular showcase of creative innovation at the Art, Media & Design Startup World Cup Pitch Competition, a highlight event of the . Hosted during "VisionXR: Reimagining the World of Gaming, Animation & Media in 2025" at the iconic ZACK Auditorium in the Kranzberg Arts Foundation, this competition puts St. Louis's most visionary digital creators in the spotlight.

The Stakes Are High

From an initial pool of 100 St. Louis startups, watch as 10 carefully selected creative technology ventures compete for a coveted spot in the world's largest startup competition. The winning team will advance to represent St. Louis in the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco, where they'll vie for a $1,000,000 investment prize alongside champions from 70+ global cities.

The Format

• Each startup will deliver a powerful 3-4 minute pitch
• Expert judging panel of creative industry leaders and investors
• One winner selected to advance to regional finals
• Regional winner moves on to the Grand Finale in Silicon Valley

Why Attend

• Experience breakthrough XR technologies reshaping entertainment
• Witness next-generation gaming and animation innovations
• Preview immersive storytelling platforms
• Network with digital media pioneers and creative technologists
• Be part of St. Louis's flourishing creative tech ecosystem
• Get an early look at potentially game-changing entertainment solutions

The Competition

The Startup World Cup represents the pinnacle of global startup competitions, bringing together the brightest entrepreneurial minds from across the world. This prestigious event has launched numerous successful companies and created valuable connections between startups, investors, and industry leaders.

St. Louis's Art, Media & Design focus for this regional competition highlights our city's emergence as a hub for creative technology innovation. Each competing startup represents the cutting edge of digital creativity, from revolutionary gaming experiences to groundbreaking XR applications, innovative animation technologies, and transformative digital media platforms.

This event takes place April 1st in the prestigious ZACK Auditorium at the Kranzberg Arts Foundation in Midtown St. Louis, as part of STL TechWeek's "VisionXR" program. Experience firsthand how St. Louis entrepreneurs are revolutionizing the intersection of technology and creativity, defining the future of digital entertainment and artistic expression.

Host or Publisher TechSTL