Pitchfest 2.0 Goes Live: FETC Introduces Gamified Startup Competition Where Every Attendee Votes

West Palm Beach, FL (November 12, 2025)  – Get ready—FETC’s Pitchfest is leveling up! This year, the edtech start-up competition – Pitchfest 2.0 will be gamified, giving every attendee a vote to select the next big breakthrough in edtech innovation.

Taking place January 11 - 13, 2026, at FETC in Orlando, Pitchfest 2.0 transforms the traditional pitch competition into an interactive, gamified experience. This year's competition is bigger, bolder, and more interactive than ever—putting the power directly in the hands of the thousands of K-12 educators, district leaders, and technology decision-makers who will actually use these tools.

From visionary startups to groundbreaking tools transforming learning, Pitchfest 2.0 brings together the best in education technology to compete for top honors—and ultimate bragging rights—live at FETC.

To maintain a high level of credibility and trust, each application will be reviewed by education technology experts. Once accepted, each Pitchfest 2.0 contestant will prepare a short (3-minute) high-energy video showcasing their innovation. 

A team of school and district leaders will review and judge each video pitch and identify the top six who will advance to the live competition. The six finalists will present their solutions on stage at the IT Theater on the Expo Floor during lunch on Monday, January 12. 

FETC 2026 attendees will vote on the six finalists live using the FETC conference app. The popular vote will be tallied with the combined score from the Super Judges—a panel of school and district leaders—to determine the Grand Prize winner of Pitchfest 2.0.

The winner will be revealed LIVE on Tuesday, January 13, on the keynote stage during the morning General Session—Tech Share LIVE!

“PitchFest is evolving into more than a competition—it’s a conversation,” said Jennifer Womble, FETC Conference Chair. “We’re connecting early-stage startups with the educators and district leaders who can provide real-world insight. When companies listen and iterate with schools, we all benefit from better, more effective products that truly serve students.”

Why startups can't miss Pitchfest 2.0:

• Connect directly with top K–12 decision-makers and education industry leaders, including investors

• Get featured on social media, in national media coverage, and event promotions

• Gain exclusive sponsored content and partner email packages

• Be celebrated live at Tech Share LIVE! in front of thousands of FETC attendees

The 2025 FETC Pitchfest Winner, ALPACA, said, "Pitchfest opened doors to new district partnerships – our best ROI all year."​

Details about Pitchfest2.0 are online at  www.fetc.org/pitchfest2.0.

Education startups can join the FETC Startup Pavilion, which includes applying to Pitchfest 2.0. For more details, visit: https://www.fetc.org/expo/pavilions/startup-pavilion.

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About FETC

The Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) is a premier event and year-round community for technology decision-makers, innovators, and educators. Its annual conference brings together K-12 education leaders for cutting-edge sessions, hands-on workshops, and an expansive exhibit hall featuring more than 450 leading solution providers. FETC also leads a State Alliance Network, a national group committed to promoting innovation, improving professional development, and showcasing exemplary practices in using technology to support teaching and learning.

 

​​About CommunityEDU

CommunityEDU, part of the Arc network, was established in 2025 to unify its network of powerful media, events, and community platforms to equip education and technology leaders with the tools, knowledge, and connections to create meaningful change across K-12 and higher education. Its media platforms include District Administration and University Business. Key events are the Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) and Leadhership Network for Women. CommunityEDU also manages the District Administration Leadership Institute (DALI), which offers leadership development through superintendent summits and cabinet retreats.

 

Arc

Arc is a B2B events, data, and media platform, backed by investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital. Founded to redefine business networking, Arc organizes over 120 events a year and operates critical content platforms in HR technology, agriculture and food, financial services, investing, and education technology. Arc has over 300 talented colleagues in the U.S., U.K., Netherlands, and Singapore, who create new ways to connect communities, wherever, whenever, or however people need to come together to grow their businesses.

 

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NEWS CONTACT:

Jodie Buenning

Buenning Strategies for Community EDU

Jodie@buenningstrategies.com

804-986-6911