Apply. Pitch. Win.
We're on a quest to discover the next big thing in HR technology!
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.
We're actively seeking applications from startups across the globe that are innovating HR to be part of our 2025 competition.
Why Participate?
Visibility
Elevate your startup's profile among the who's who of the HR tech industry.
Feedback
Gain valuable input from leading industry players.
Connections
Network with potential partners, customers and investors.
Prizes
Compete for up to $30,000 in prizes to help propel your startup's journey forward.
Who Can Apply for Pitchfest?
Startups 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.
How It Works
Apply
Fill out our 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.
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.
Judging
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
Bragging rights and up to $30,000 in prizes
10' x 10' Booth space at 2026 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.
