What's the best way to attract attention for your startup from a room full of investors, journalists, potential partners, customers, and talent all in one go?
For early-stage startups, entering pitch battle competitions is a cost and time-effective way to get in front of the right audiences. Rather than pitching to individual investors, prove your product and team's value in one quick-fire shot. Let potential partners and customers come to you after sharing your innovative idea on stage.
Do you have what it takes?
This October, there are four pitch battle competitions taking place at Expand North Star in Dubai 13 – 16 October 2024.
With over 1,200 investors and 70,000 attendees from across the globe converging on the Dubai Harbour for the event, taking part in these pitch battle competitions will offer the chance to gain exposure, make valuable contacts, and potentially pick up some prize money in the process.
Many of the application deadlines are ending soon, so move fast to secure your spot!
Supernova Challenge — Win a $200,000 prize equity-free
Application Deadline: 20 September
Semi-finals: October 13 & 14
Finals: October 16
The Supernova Challenge 2.0 is the world's largest early-stage startup pitch competition, offering founders the opportunity to take home a cash pool of $200,000 equity-free. The stakes are higher this year with new prizes for 2nd and 3rd place announced:
- 1st Place – $100,000 cash prize
- 2nd Place – $60,000 cash prize
- 3rd Place – $35,000 cash prize
Last year's winner, Simon Gordon, CCO at Accredify said of the experience:
“Winning the Overall Supernova Champion award has so far been incredibly impactful to our market entry. We are rapidly building on top of this foundation and engaging with partners and customers in Dubai. The prize money will really help us grow our business not just in Dubai but in UAE and the wider GCC. There are so many opportunities in this region and we are so excited.”
Judges will assess startups based on the following criteria:
- Idea: How innovative is this idea?
- Market Opportunity: Market Size, Competition, Scalability
- Business Model: Revenue Model, Pricing, Target Customers
- Traction: Any revenue, customers, investors?
- Team: Is a skilled team in place for the startup's success?
To participate, you must be an exhibiting startup at Expand North Star 2024.
Global AI Challenge *Sustainability Edition — $100,000 up for grabs
Application Deadline: October 1
Notification of selection: October 7
Semi-finals (online): October 8
Finals: October 16
DMCCxAGCC: Global AI Challenge *Sustainability Edition, hosted by AGCC in partnership with DMCC, is the largest AI-focused startup competition at Expand North Star 2024.
Judges are looking for groundbreaking AI solutions that can contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and create measurable, positive change in the GCC region.
Contestants compete for the chance to win a $100,000 prize, mentoring opportunities, and the chance to gain exposure at the Expand North Star event.
Eligibility criteria:
- AI or machine learning technology must be a core part of your solution
- Align with at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)
- Proven revenue generation and a scalable business model
- Strong technical background in AI or machine learning among team members
- Potential for impact in the GCC region
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old
1Tank — Secure funding between $10,000 and $250,000
Application Deadline: September 23
Pitch Date: October 15
1Tank is a pitch competition that offers startups a platform to showcase their innovative ideas to a panel of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), angel investors, and venture capitalists (VCs). This competition is tailored to help startups secure funding between $10,000 and $250,000.
After the application deadline, 60 startups will be shortlisted on 7 October based on the panel's investment thesis. The initial round of pitching will be conducted online in the first week of October 2024. Twelve startups will be selected to proceed to the final pitching round taking place at Expand North Star on 15 October.
Each startup is given 15 minutes to pitch and negotiate, culminating in on-the-spot cheque handovers from interested investors. Post-event mentorship and guidance from the investor panel will also be provided.
Judges will assess startups based on the following criteria:
- Innovation & Disruption: The uniqueness and potential impact of the product/service
- Market Potential: The startup's market size, scalability, and growth prospects
- Team Strength: The expertise, experience, and cohesion of the founding team
- Business Model: Revenue model, customer acquisition strategy, and unit economics
- Pitch Presentation: Clarity, persuasion, and engagement during the pitch
Eligibility criteria:
- Startup Stage: Early-stage startups, preferably from seed to Series A
- Industry Focus: Sector Agnostic
Bridgestone Moonshot Challenge — Up to $50,000 awarded as a strategic collaboration with Bridgestone
Application Deadline: 20 September
Pitch Date: 15 October
Expand North Star is partnering with Bridgestone to bring you an exclusive pitch competition focused on Mobility Solutions. This is your moment to showcase your innovative ideas, connect with industry leaders, and gain the exposure your startup deserves.
Gain unparalleled access to Bridgestone's top management and industry experts and collaborate on cutting-edge projects as a part of Bridgestone's innovation journey.