Futura Start-Up Pitch Application is Now Open!

The Futura Start-up Pitch Event is where the world’s most innovative start-ups take centre stage. Showcase your technology to investors, industry leaders, and decision-makers while gaining access to one of Ireland’s leading innovation conferences.

As a Futura Start-up Pitch Finalist, you’ll receive a complimentary pass to the full Futura Innovation Conference, unlocking access to 200+ speakers, 100+ sessions, and 10+ venues across the vibrant, walkable city of Limerick.

But the opportunity doesn’t stop at the pitch. Explore founder-focused content and connect with investors through Funded House. Finalists will have access to complimentary professional coaching and the opportunity to schedule one-to-one meetings with innovation leaders and potential partners in their sector.

Designed to spark conversations and create lasting connections, Futura transforms Limerick’s city centre into a collaborative innovation hub where start-ups can meet customers, investors, mentors, and global industry leaders—all in one place.

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  • WHO

    Open to all start-ups, regardless of headquarters location or geographic market. To learn more about eligibility requirements, please click here.

  • WHEN

    Deadline to apply: Friday, 21 August at 23:59 Irish Standard Time (UTC+1).

    Futura Start-Up Pitch Event: 21 October, 2026

    Futura Innovation Conference: 19-21 October, 2026

  • WHERE

    Limerick, Ireland

  • WHAT

    Futura Start-Up Pitch Event is the ideal place for start-ups to showcase their technology and connect with forward-thinking technology and business leaders.

    Futura Start-Up Pitch Finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their product or service to our audience of 1,000+ decision-makers, thought leaders, and innovators from across Ireland, Europe, and North America. At Futura, you’ll meet investors, government officials, researchers, corporate leaders, and fellow entrepreneurs from around the world.

    The experience extends well beyond the pitch stage. Start-Up Pitch Finalists will receive a complimentary badge to the full Futura Innovation Conference, so when you’re not busy pitching, you’ll be able to explore 200+ speakers and 100+ sessions across 10+ venues situated throughout Limerick’s city centre. You’ll enjoy content aimed specifically at start-ups and entrepreneurs via Futura Start-Up House, and find opportunities to network with investors as part of Futura’s Funded House and Global Venture Network initiatives. Not only that, but Finalists will have access to complimentary professional coaching and the chance to schedule one-to-one meetings with innovation leaders in your sector.

    The programme will take place across Limerick’s walkable city centre, creating opportunities to move beyond isolated conversations and towards meaningful collaboration and innovation. 

Record Record

Why Attend?

Pitch. Connect. Grow.

All Futura Start-Up Pitch Finalists will receive:

  • Two complimentary badges, good for all Futura Innovation Conference keynotes, breakout sessions, and experiential events
  • One-to-one meetings with investors and innovation leaders
  • Complimentary pitch coaching from an experienced start-up mentor
  • Marketing via all official Futura Innovation Conference channels, including the event website and programme

In addition, Winners of the Start-Up Pitch Competition will receive:

  • Special recognition via official event channels
  • Two complimentary badges to Futura Innovation Conference 2027
  • Access to meeting and co-working space at Engine Hubs 
  • Additional in-kind services from Futura Innovation partners and sponsors
Record Record

Judging

The winners of the Futura Start-Up Pitch Event will be determined by a panel of active investors and innovation leaders experienced in evaluating, funding, and scaling start-ups.

Futura Start-Up Pitch Event judges will score Finalists based on the following five criteria:

  • Innovation – the differentiation, originality, and uniqueness of the idea
  • Traction – market validation as measured by users, sales, marketing exposure, etc.
  • Opportunity – the potential actualization, longevity, and profitability of the idea
  • Team – the calibre of the leadership, advisers, and employees in place
  • Corporate Responsibility – the impact of the product or service on the world

Eligibility Requirements

  • The submitted product or service must have been launched no earlier than January 2023.
  • Companies must not have raised more than €10 million from combined funding sources.
  • Start-ups can only enter one product or service in the competition.
  • Founders of the company applying must retain some portion of ownership.
  • Start-ups should be legally registered and compliant with all relevant regulations and laws in their respective jurisdiction.

Ready to take your start-up to the next level?

The Futura Start-Up Pitch Event is scheduled for 21 October, 2026.

The pitch competition application is FREE to all applicants.

The application deadline is Friday, 21 August at 23:59 Irish Standard Time (UTC +1).

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Futura Start-up Pitch Topic Tracks

We are currently accepting applications for start-ups focusing on the following categories:

AgTech & Sustainability

This programming reimagines the vital intersection of food systems and clean energy through the overarching lens of global sustainability. By aligning agricultural innovation with climate infrastructure, we can combine specialised technologies into a circular, zero-waste model. These sessions highlight how data-driven decarbonisation strategies and supply chain traceability bridge the gap between how we feed our world and how we power it.

Culture, Media & Entertainment

This track examines the intersection of technology and entertainment, tracing how digital-first platforms are redefining the way we create, consume and monetise content. From the rise of the creator economy to new frontiers in gaming and sport, sessions explore the tools and trends shaping the next generation of global culture and audience engagement.

Enterprise

This content block explores the vital connection between organisational resilience and the next wave of financial technology. We examine how enterprises are moving beyond legacy systems, adopting AI-powered fraud prevention, secure cloud architectures and automated compliance (RegTech).

Infrastructure & Logistics

This track unpacks how AI and smart infrastructure are reshaping modern cities and industrial ecosystems. From digital twins and smart city networks to automated manufacturing and resilient logistics, sessions explore the data-driven systems enabling faster, cleaner and more adaptive operations. We bridge the gap between how we live and how we build, focusing on the connected technologies that power both communities and global production.

Innovative Technologies

This programming delves into the next frontier of applied intelligence, where AI and data evolve from tools into the foundational architecture of society. We examine the trajectory of autonomous systems and predictive insights, balanced by the critical role of cybersecurity and the future of digital ethics. Join us to explore how these emerging technologies are merging with enterprise and government to build more transparent, resilient and human-centric futures.

MedTech & Life Sciences

Explore the cutting edge of pharma, biotech and medtech. This track examines how synthetic biology, AI and molecular diagnostics are powering the next wave of personalised medicine. From advanced clinical trials to wearable technology, we examine how data-driven systems are improving patient outcomes and redefining how we approach modern medicine.

Transport & Aerospace

This track examines the dual engines of modern movement. We lead with the transformation of global logistics, from autonomous maritime vessels to the smart port infrastructure securing our supply chains. Simultaneously, we look upward to the aerospace revolution, where sustainable aviation fuels and hybrid propulsion are decarbonising the skies while satellite networks provide the data backbone for life on Earth. Together, these forces are reshaping the future of a connected, resilient economy.

Futura Start-Up Pitch Event FAQ

Is there a fee to apply to pitch at Futura Innovation Conference?
  • There is no fee to apply.
What are the eligibility requirements for applicants?
  • The submitted product or service must have been launched no earlier than January 2023.
  • Companies must not have raised more than €10 million from combined funding sources.
  • Start-ups can only enter one product or service in the competition.
  • Founders of the company applying must retain some portion of ownership.
  • Start-ups should be legally registered and compliant with all relevant regulations and laws in their respective jurisdiction.
How will the on-stage pitch process work?
  • Each Finalist will be granted 2 minutes to pitch, followed by 2 minutes of Q&A with our panel of judges.
Will there be an option to pitch virtually if I am selected as a Finalist, but am unable to attend Futura in person?
  • No. Futura Start-Up Pitch Event is an in-person event only. 
What are the Futura Start-Up Pitch Event judging criteria?
  • Futura Start-Up Pitch Event judges will focus on these five critical elements:
    • Innovation – the differentiation, originality, and uniqueness of the idea
    • Traction – market validation as measured by users, sales, marketing exposure, etc.
    • Opportunity – the potential actualization, longevity, and profitability of the idea
    • Team – the calibre of the leadership, advisers, and employees in place
    • Corporate Responsibility – the impact of the product or service on the world
Will I receive complimentary registration to the Futura Innovation Conference if I am selected to pitch?
  • Yes. Each company participating at Futura Start-Up Pitch Event will be able to register for up to two complimentary conference badges, providing access to all keynotes, panels, and other activities. 
What if I am not selected as a Futura Start-Up Pitch Finalist but would like to attend the event?
  • All Futura Start-Up Pitch applicants will receive a code allowing them to register for the full conference at a reduced rate. 
How are Futura Start-Up Pitch Finalists selected?
  • Futura Innovation Conference staff will screen applicants to ensure they meet all eligibility requirements, and a committee of start-up technology experts will review each application to decide which products and services are the most innovative.
Should my company include our pitch deck or demo video in our online application?
  • Yes. While these materials are not mandatory, they carry a lot of weight with our application review committee. 
  • Your pitch video should be no longer than one minute in length and should feature the applicant speaking to the camera. We want to see how you will present on pitch day.
  • Marketing videos, AI-generated presenters and synthetic pitch videos will not be reviewed.
  • Please limit your pitch deck to a maximum of ten slides.
How will I know if I have been selected to participate?
  • Applicants selected to participate will receive an email invitation from Futura Innovation Conference staff. Participating companies will be notified early September 2026. 
Will my travel and accommodation be covered if I am selected as a finalist?

Questions?

Please contact Futura Start-Up Pitch Event Manager, Philip Cogley, at philip@adeointeractive.com