The Startup World Cup is coming to Montana for the first time on October 21. Open to all Montana startups.
Founders: Register your startup here: https://www.startupworldcup.io/usa-regional-montana
Startup World Cup FAQ
1. How can a startup pitch at the Grand Finale?
The Montana regional competition on October 21, 2026 has been designated as a regional site to send its winner to the Grand Finale. The Montana regional winner will compete in Silicon Valley for the final competition in San Francisco on November 4-6, 2026 at Hilton Union Square, San Francisco. More details about the Grand Finale can be found on the Grand Finale Page.
2. What will the regional winning startups receive?
Startup World Cup will provide free event tickets to attend the Networking Party, and Grand Finale for the winning startup from each regional event. The Montana regional winner will be provided with flights and accommodations to attend the Grand Finale in Silicon Valley.
3. What does the world champion get for winning the final competition?
The winner of the Grand Finale will receive US $1,000,000 prize in investment. It will either be in exchange for a portion of equity related to the most recent round of funding or a convertible note, depending on the size of the company and how much funding they have raised.
They will also receive global exposure through media recognition from all of the journalists covering the event.
4. How many startups will be selected at each regional event?
The Montana regional competition will feature the top 10 startups among the applicants.
5. How long will each startup pitch for?
Each startup will be allocated 4 minutes to pitch followed by 2 minutes of Q&A from the judging panel at the Grand Finale.
6. When will the regional finalists be announced?
The Montana regional deadline for applications is September 25th. Finalists will be notified on October 2nd. Please note that only the regional finalists will be contacted.
7. Will submitting the optional video increase my chance of being selected?
The optional video is to help the application review committee get a better understanding of the company. If your company is difficult to explain in a few slides, then the video may help, but will not necessarily increase the chances of being selected.
8. What type of startups can apply?
We encourage startups in any domain, at any stage, to apply. Please note that the startup must be a legal entity not just an idea.
9. Do you have any sample application slides?
Please see the pitch deck template here.
10. Will there be any workshops to help startups prepare for the competition?
Yes, VBX Venture Studio will provide workshops leading up to the application deadline, and also help prepare finalists for the regional final on October 21, 2026.
For more information, please reach out to competition director Erik Guzik at erik.guzik@umontana.edu.
2026 Startup World Cup Montana Regional: October 21 from 6:00-8:00PM at the University Center Ballroom
You are invited to attend Montana's first public, live pitch event for the Startup World Cup.
Join us on Tuesday, October 21 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. for the Montana regionals of the Startup World Cup public event. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
More information on attending the event will be released leading up to the competition date.