Pitchfest 2.0: Bigger. Bolder. Game On!
Get ready—Pitchfest is leveling up! This year’s competition is bigger, bolder, and more interactive than ever. FETC is adding a gaming twist to the action—every attendee gets a vote in choosing the next big breakthrough in edtech innovation.
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.
HOW IT WORKS
Apply: Submit your product through the Pitchfest 2.0 Application.
Qualify: A panel of education leaders reviews submissions on a rolling basis to ensure eligibility.
Pitch: Accepted applicants create a short, high-energy video showcasing their innovation.
Preliminary Rounds: A panel of judges will score each video and will identify the top six who will advance to the live competition.
Live Presentation for Finalists: The top six finalists will take the stage in the IT Theater on the Expo Floor, presenting their video pitches during the lunch session on Monday, January 12.
LIVE Voting: Combined LIVE votes from both FETC 2026 attendees and the Super Judges will determine the winners of Pitchfest 2.0.
Pitchfest 2.0 Grand Prize Winner: The winner will be revealed LIVE on Tuesday, January 13 on the keynote stage during the morning General Session—Tech Share LIVE!
Direct Exposure → Reach thousands of potential customers and investors eager to discover the latest edtech solutions.
Increased Visibility → All entries will be recognized on a dedicated FETC YouTube playlist featured on this page.
Viral Pitch Reel → Deliver your best 3-minute pitch via video and impress decision-makers, education leaders, and the entire FETC audience.
Valuable Prizes → Win promotional packages and sponsored content ads to catapult your product's awareness.
Value Add → Companies exhibiting in FETC’s Startup Pavilion receive a complimentary Pitchfest 2.0 entry included in their exhibition package.
All contestants must satisfy the following conditions:
Submit an application, which includes a $199 registration fee*
Have a product that serves the K-12 market
Product must be primarily delivered through a mobile application, web-based platform, or electronic hardware.
Have an active website that highlights the product.
Have not raised over $8 million in funds from combined funding sources at the time of the application
Submit a 3-minute video pitch no later than Monday, January 5, 2026
Must attend FETC in-person January 11 - 13. Finalists must be present for the in-person presentation on Tuesday, January 13
*Entry fee is waived for FETC Startup Pavilion Exhibitors and is not retroactive
In the preliminary round, the 6 finalist slots will be awarded to qualified applicants based on the strength and merit of their video pitch.
Using the same method, Pitchfest 2.0 will select up to 10 alternates. Startups selected as alternates may become finalists if an existing finalist is unable to attend FETC in person.
Benefits & Awards
All contestants of Pitchfest 2.0 receive:
Video pitch featured on FETC’s dedicated YouTube Pitchfest 2.0 playlist + website
Option to register for FETC at the lowest rate
Visibility to all FETC attendees including media
Opportunity to be highlighted in future promotional materials
Additional benefits received by the 6 finalists:
A special Pitchfest 2.0 finalist badge (digital)
Press exposure to national education journalists, bloggers and podcasters
Promotional FETC social post
Exclusive perks received by the Grand Prize Winner:
Special Grand Prize Winner Pitchfest 2.0 Badge (digital)
Official FETC Pitchfest 2.0 trophy presented on the Main Stage
Sponsored content ad in the DA Daily Newsletter ($1,350 value)
"Pitchfest opened doors to new district partnerships – our best ROI all year."
— 2025 Pitchfest Winner, ALPACA
