Get the chance to win $1,500 at our Riverside Regional Fast Pitch Competition and move onto the Startup World Cup Riverside County Finale for a chance to win even more!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO APPLY

We invite local Riverside-based startups to participate in the Riverside Regional Fast Pitch Competition on April 16th, 2026, at 5:00 PM at Riverside ExCITE for a chance to secure a spot at the Riverside County Innovation Month Pitch Finale. Hosted by the Office of Technology Partnerships and EPIC SBDC, this event is part of a dynamic celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship in Riverside County, California, aimed at amplifying the voices of startups and entrepreneurs in our community. Additionally, the Riverside County winner will advance to the 2026 Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco on October 15th, 2026, to compete for a $1 million investment prize!

The Riverside County Fast Pitch Competition is a highlight of Riverside County Innovation Month, offering a platform for startups and entrepreneurs to present their groundbreaking ideas in a 4-minute pitch. This year, the competition will consist of four regional events: Coachella Valley, Southwest Regional (in Murrieta), Riverside Regional (at ExCITE Riverside), and Crucible.

This event is open to everyone in the community. The more people who join us, the more energy in the room. Join us for a night of networking, pitches, and innovations!

2025 Riverside Regional Fast Pitch Winners: Glid, Super Foam, and Rareflora

The Chance to Win An Investment Prize of $1 Million

The first prize winner will win $2,500 and move onto the Riverside County Innovation Month Pitch Finale, which will award even more in cash prizes.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO APPLY

The deadline for applications is Friday, March 20th, 2026.

The winner of the Riverside County Innovation Month Pitch Finale will move on to the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco in Fall 2026 for the chance to win an investment prize of $1 million and the opportunity to pitch to over 300 global investors.

Participation & Eligibility Requirements

To participate in the Riverside Regional Fast Pitch Event on April 16th, 2026, eligible candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Have a startup with a verifiable business presence in Riverside.
• Possess a minimal viable product, with sales or early investment.
• Submit an application to pitch in the Riverside Regional Fast Pitch.
• Deliver a 4-minute pitch presentation, accompanied by a pitch deck.
• Be prepared for a 3-minute Q&A session with the judges.
• Entries will be screened by a panel of judges to determine eligibility.
• Startups cannot enter more than one regional fast pitch competition during Innovation Month and should present in the nearest regional pitch competition to their business.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO APPLY