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November 3 - 8

The Details

Using Digital Tablet

  • A day to spotlight Pittsburgh’s most exciting startups and ideas

  • Showcase, connect, and compete for $10,000 in seed funding

  • Part of EXPlore Pittsburgh Tech Week presented by Google & Citizens

What Is It?

  • Startups → Apply to exhibit & showcase your product/service

  • Entrepreneurs → Pitch your idea for a chance at $10K

  • Community Partners → Table as a resource for founders

  • Attendees → Network, learn, and support Pittsburgh’s innovation scene

Ways to Get Involved

Engaging conversations with founders, investors & experts:

  • Funding & Capital Access

  • Scaling Smart: Growth Strategies

  • Building a Startup Team & Culture

  • Navigating the Pittsburgh Startup Ecosystem

Panel Discussions

  • Pitch your idea live for $10,000 in funding

  • Open to individuals, early-stage entrepreneurs & orgs

  • Applications open now, submission deadline 10/23 — selection announced Oct. 31

Idea Pitch Competition

EXPlore StartUp Showcase & Pitch Competition
Event Overview

The EXPlore StartUp Showcase & Pitch Competition is a marquee event of EXPlore: Pittsburgh Tech Week 2025, produced in partnership with InnovationWorks and Faros Properties. This half-day event will highlight the Pittsburgh region’s most promising startups, connect entrepreneurs with investors and partners, and give early-stage innovators a platform to pitch new ideas.
Unlike traditional pitch events, the Idea Pitch is specifically designed for concept-stage entrepreneurs seeking seed money to bring their ideas to life. One winner will receive a $10,000 prize to launch or advance their venture.

Date & Time:
Thursday, November 6, 2025
3:00–7:00 PM
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AGENDA

Time
Activity
Description
Location
3:00 – 7:00 PM
Startup Exhibits & Networking
Local startups and entrepreneurial resource partners showcase their products, services, and innovations. Attendees can explore tables, connect with founders, and discover support resources. Each exhibitor receives a table and chairs.
Main Exhibition Hall
3:00 – 6:00 PM
Happy Hour hosted by Faros Properties
Casual networking with refreshments while exploring startup exhibits.
Main Exhibition Hall
3:30 – 4:30 PM
Live Podcast: Thought Liters
A live audience taping of the Thought Liters podcast series, featuring candid conversations with Pittsburgh’s leading entrepreneurs and brand builders—over a flight of local craft beer. Hosted by Adam Conner.
Alloy 26
4:00 – 4:30 PM
Panel: Funding the Future – Navigating Capital Pathways
A breakout session focused on capital access for early-stage companies. Discussion topics include product-market fit, scaling challenges, and fundraising strategies.
Collab18
4:45 – 5:20 PM
Panel: State of Pittsburgh Tech Scene
A high-level conversation with founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders on the current state, challenges, and opportunities of Pittsburgh’s innovation economy.
Alloy 26
5:30 – 6:30 PM
Idea Pitch Competition
Selected individuals, startups, or organizations pitch their ideas before a panel of judges. One winner receives $10,000 in seed funding.
Alloy 26
6:30 – 7:00 PM
Networking & Close
Final networking opportunity with startups, partners, and attendees.
Main Exhibition Hall
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