Programs & Events

The Pumpkin Pitch

Apply for the Pumpkin Pitch Today!

Are you an entrepreneur or early-stage company ready to showcase your big idea? The Maryland Innovation Center invites you to apply for The Pumpkin Pitch, a spirited competition spotlighting the region’s most promising startups. This is your chance to gain exposure, receive valuable feedback, and compete for cash prizes of $5,000, $3,000, $2,000, and $1,000.

Why Apply?

Visibility: Present your business in front of a live audience of entrepreneurs, investors, and community leaders.

Funding: Compete for a share of over $10,000 in prizes, including awards from a panel of expert judges.

Connections: Build meaningful relationships with fellow founders, business mentors, and supporters in a relaxed, high-energy environment.

Connections: Build meaningful relationships with fellow founders, business mentors, and supporters in a relaxed, high-energy environment.

Experience: Hone your pitch and receive real-time feedback from industry professionals and potential customers.

Requirements:

Stage: Have an early-stage business with some customer traction.
Revenue: Generate less than $150,000 in annual revenue (excluding funding).
Location: Operate a Maryland-based business.
Business Age: Have been in business for less than five years.
Commitment: Be available to participate in a minimum of 75% of pitch coaching and training sessions leading up to the pitch competition.

Competition Format

Pitch Date: Thursday October 15^th 5:30 – 8:00 PM ET.

Five Finalists: Selected applicants will pitch live at the event.

5-Minute Pitch + 3-Minute Q&A: Deliver your pitch, then field questions from judges and the audience.

Judged Awards: A panel of expert judges will award more than $10,000 in total prize funding, including $5,000 for First Place, $3,000 for Second Place, and $2,000 for Third Place. Attendees will also vote for the Crowd Favorite Award, with the winning company receiving an additional $1,000.

What’s Included

Finalists will be invited to the event as featured presenters. All participants will enjoy complimentary food, drinks and networking opportunities throughout the evening.

Applications Close: Friday August 21^st 11:59 PM EST

Apply Today