Open call: 2027 SXSW Pitch for global start-ups

The competition provides start-ups with an opportunity to present their products and services to a panel of industry experts, investors and early adopters. Organisers are inviting applications from eligible start-ups worldwide across eight competition categories.

The 2027 SXSW Pitch categories are:

• Entertainment, Media, Sports & Digital Platforms
• Emerging & Frontier Technologies
• Life Sciences, Healthcare & AssistiveTech
• Mobility, Manufacturing & Industrial Systems
• SaaS, Enterprise & Developer Platforms
• Smart Data, Security & FinTech
• Student Start-ups
• Sustainability, Energy & AgTech

SXSW Pitch is an open-call competition. All applicants are required to pay a non-refundable application fee, regardless of whether they are selected as finalists.

Application deadlines

• Early Bird: 23 June – 13 September 2026 (application fee: $105)
• Regular: 14 September – 13 November 2026 (application fee: $225)
• Apply here.

Eligibility

• Applicants must meet the following requirements:
• The product or service must not have launched before 1 January 2024.
• Each company may submit only one product or service.
• Founders must retain an ownership stake in the company.
• The company must not have raised more than US$10 million in total funding.
• The start-up must be legally registered and compliant with applicable laws and regulations.
• The product or service must fit within one of the official SXSW Pitch competition categories.

Organisers note that start-ups may also apply to the SXSW Innovation Awards and SXSW EDU Launch (for education-focused start-ups). However, a start-up can only be selected as a finalist in one of the three competitions.

Selected finalists will showcase their innovations before a panel of judges and an audience of investors, entrepreneurs and technology leaders during SXSW 2027.

For application guidelines, eligibility requirements and additional information, visit the SXSW Pitch website.

View the original call here.

Disclaimer: Opportunities published on this platform are provided by external organisers. While we aim to share accurate and current calls, Music In Africa is not responsible for the organisation, management or delivery of any related events or programmes.