We're on a quest to discover the next big thing in HR technology!

2026 HR Tech Pitchfest

 

Sponsored by: CoAdvantage Prime Pay

Apply. Pitch. Win.

Pitch your big new idea at HR Tech's Pitchfest — the ultimate stage for startups ready to showcase their revolutionary products and services to the world. Applications are now open for startups around the globe innovating in HR. Submit your application by August 20.

 

Apply for Pitchfest 2026 (opens in a new tab)

 

Must be a startup established within the past 3 years and exhibiting at HR Tech to apply.

 

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Why Participate?

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Visibility

Elevate your startup's profile among the who's who of the HR tech industry.

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Feedback

Gain valuable input from leading industry players.

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Connections

Network with potential partners, customers and investors.

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Prizes

Compete for up to $40,000 in prizes to help propel your startup's journey forward.

 

Apply for Pitchfest 2026 (opens in a new tab)

 

Who Can Apply for Pitchfest?

Only startups established within the past 3 years and exhibiting at HR Tech are eligible to apply to participate in Pitchfest. Whether your idea is conceptual, in pilot phase or your business is fully operational, all participants have an equal chance of winning.

 

Get Setup with a Startup Package (opens in a new tab)
         

How It Works

Apply

Applications are open!  Fill out the application form with details about your startup and the innovation you're bringing to the HR tech space.

Get Selected

Our panel of experts will review applications to select the most promising startups for the live pitch session.

Pitch Live

Selected startups will present their ideas in front of a live audience and a panel of esteemed judges at HR Tech.

Win!

Impress the judges and audience to win and gain unparalleled exposure in the HR technology community.

Schedule and Format

In each round, ten companies will have three minutes to present, then two minutes to answer questions from the judges. Of the ten companies presenting in each preliminary round, two from each round will be selected to advance to the Pitchfest final!

Each finalist will have five minutes to present and 2-3 minutes for a Q&A session with the judges.

PRELIMINARY ROUNDS

Pitchfest Theater in the Expo Hall

Tuesday, October 20
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, October 21
9:15 - 10:15 a.m. and 5 - 6 p.m.

FINAL ROUND

Pitchfest Theater in the Expo Hall

Thursday, October 22
1 - 2 p.m.

2025 Pitchfest Winners

Judging & Voting Details

A unique panel of judges will be seated for each round, including the final round. Judges are selected from a broad range of backgrounds in HR technology. Judges' input will be limited to questions asked of the participants and any comments made after each presentation.

Each round will also include audience voting. The audience vote will count for 30% of a participant's final score and the judges' votes will count for 70% of the final score. The total score earned by each company in the preliminary rounds will determine which six companies will advance to the finals.

Ready to Win?

Here's What's Up for Grabs

Trophy iconBragging rights and up to $40,000 in prizes

Booth space10' x 10' Booth space at 2027 HR Tech 

Your Intellectual Property

Competitions of this type sometimes raise concerns about intellectual property rights. Please note that HR Tech is not able to protect or advise you on your intellectual property rights. HR Tech cannot and does not take any responsibility for protecting your rights. Also, note that HR Tech does not require non-disclosure or confidentiality requirements from those involved in the Pitchfest process. Applicants are solely responsible for protecting their intellectual property rights as related to applying and participating.