StartupSTL: $10k University Pitch Competition (STL TechWeek 2026)

StartupSTL $10K University Pitch Competition
| April 13, 2026 | 5:00–7:30 PM | T-REX

Mark your calendars for the opening day of STL TechWeek where St. Louis’ top universities are going head-to-head in a live startup competition -- bringing the region’s next generation of founders to one stage.

The StartupSTL $10K University Pitch Competition will feature nine student-led startups, each hand-picked by their institution, competing for a $10,000 non-dilutive prize, and serious bragging rights across the region.

Each team will deliver a five-minute pitch, followed by a live Q&A with a panel of venture capital judges, evaluating not just the idea, but the team, traction, and potential to scale.

This is more than a competition -- it’s a showcase of the emerging startup pipeline across St. Louis, connecting universities, founders, investors, and the broader tech community.

What to Expect:

• 🎤 9 student startups, each representing a different university
• ⏱️ 5-minute pitches + 2-minute live Q&A
• 💡 Real-time feedback from VC judges
• 🏆 $10K non-dilutive prize awarded to the top team

Participating Institutions Include:

• Harris-Stowe State University
• Lindenwood University
• Maryville University
• Principia College
• Saint Louis University
• Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville
• University of Missouri – St. Louis
• Washington University in St. Louis
• Webster University

Each institution selects one startup to represent them—whether from a campus competition, accelerator, incubator, or hackathon—ensuring the strongest founders take the stage.

Startup Eligibility:

• At least one current student founder from the participating institution
• Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
• No previously raised outside capital (non-dilutive funding permitted)
• Industry agnostic

Judging Criteria:

• Pitch clarity and problem definition
• Team strength and role alignment
• Differentiation and competitive advantage
• Market understanding and go-to-market strategy
• Traction and learning from early users
• Quality of Q&A responses

Whether you’re an investor, founder, student, or ecosystem leader, this is your chance to see the future of the St. Louis startup ecosystem -- live and in competition. Join us at T-REX and watch the region’s next breakout founders take the stage!

Parking & Access

Parking is available in the lot between 10th and 11th street, at the meters along the street, or in the Marriott garage across from T-REX. The event is located on the 5th floor of the building.

Presenting Sponsors

This event is made possible due to the generous support of Cultivation Capital and Stakehouse. Thank you for your partnership of StartupSTL!

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