2026 TechFest Startup Showcase Callout

Complete this form if you are a tech startup company and wish to be considered to present as part of the Startup Showcase at 2026 TechFest North Carolina on May 14 in Downtown Durham. Selected companies must be prepared to do a 3 minute pitch their product/service live from the main stage followed by a 4 minute question and answer session from a panel of tech and entrepreneurial leaders from across the state. Selected companies will receive: (2) complimentary registrations, exhibit space in the Tech Expo, visibility in event promotion and the chance to win a cash and in-kind prize pack.

NOTE: Applicants must be a startup or emerging tech company headquartered in NC, with an innovative product or solution that will impact North Carolina’s tech sector. Visual and interactive demos are highly recommended! We are also seeking startups from all across the state to apply so we can highlight the great work taking place across North Carolina.

The application window for Startup Showcase Callout closes Wednesday, April 15. Please reach out to Tracy Sternberg at tracy@nctech.org with any questions.

1. Company Name *This question is required.

2. Name of Founder/Submitter: *This question is required.

3. Title *This question is required.

4. Phone Number *This question is required.

5. Email Address: *This question is required. This question requires a valid email address.

6. Company Address:

7. Year Founded: *This question is required.

8. Is this company headquartered in North Carolina? Please note: Participating companies must be headquartered in NC and considered to be a startup/emerging tech company. *This question is required.

9. Product/Service Description: What is the innovation behind your company's product or service? In just a few sentences, describe the company's product or service. Please be concise. *This question is required.

10. Describe how your product works, and the solution(s) it provides: *This question is required.

11. Target Customer: Who is the target customer and how do they purchase your product? If you sell through the app stores, or distribution partners, please identify them. Limited to 1,000 characters. *This question is required.

12. If selected to present, what would you do on stage?We highly encourage demonstrations, being interactive with the audience, and the use of multimedia. Limited to 1,000 characters. *This question is required.

13. Is your organization led/founded/owned by a typically underrepresented population?

14. Person(s) who would be on stage (please included name and title): *This question is required.