Pitch Night Competition & happy Hour

Friday, September 26th, 2025 | 4:00PM - 7:00PM

HOSTED BY CATALYST CAMPUS OF TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

HARVEY HOUSE, 555 EAST PIKES PEAK AVENUE, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80903

Get ready for an electrifying evening at the Pitch Competition and Happy Hour on Friday, September 26, from 4:00–7:00 PM at Catalyst Campus for Technology & Innovation. Big ideas, bold pitches, and $15K on the line!

We’re kicking things off with apps, drinks, and networking—then the spotlight turns to the main stage as emerging tech companies battle it out in a high-energy pitch showdown. Founders will go head-to-head, presenting their most innovative ideas to a panel of judges and a live audience.

At stake: $15,000 in prize funding ($10K for first place, $5K for second) to fuel their next stage of growth.

This is not just another pitch night—it’s a front-row seat to the future of innovation in Colorado Springs. Expect bold ideas, fierce competition, and the thrill of watching startups rise to the challenge.

Who should be in the room? Startups, defense and tech professionals, military and government leaders, investors, academics, and community influencers. If you want to be part of the action shaping Colorado’s innovation economy, this is where you need to be.

$15,000 IN PRIZE FUNDING!

To compete in the Pitch Competition, you must be a startup founder based in Southern Colorado—whether in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Cañon City, Trinidad, or beyond. You’re a founder with traction and a clear vision for growth. You’re ready to articulate your next business milestones and show how funding will help get you there. You’re looking for more than just capital—you see the value in visibility, mentorship, and meaningful connections. You want to be part of a supportive, founder-focused event that celebrates innovation. And you’re ready to share your ideas with other founders and funding partners, knowing that a strong network is worth more than a prize. Selected participants will pitch before investors, partners, and community leaders for the chance to win $10,000 for first place or $5,000 for second place in prize funding.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Open to in-revenue businesses with growth potential (under $1 million ARR).

  • Founders must be a Colorado resident and operating a business in one of the following counties: Baca, Bent, Cheyenne, Crowley, Custer, El Paso, Fremont, Huerfano, Kiowa, Las Animas, Lincoln, Pueblo, Prowers, Teller.

  • The panel of four expert judges will evaluate pitches, but the fifth judge will be the audience, giving you the chance to help decide who takes home the funding!

  • Business must be registered with the State of Colorado.

  • Business must be in good standing with the State of Colorado.

  • Finalists must be able to pitch in-person in Colorado Springs on 09/26/25.

This pitch competition probably isn’t the best fit if:

  • You’re in the idea stage with no clear plan for revenue or business model.

  • You’re building a lifestyle business with no intention of scaling beyond your own time (unless there's a clear strategy for growth).

  • You’re not open to coaching, feedback, or public pitching.

  • You’re only here for free money, this is about building investment readiness, not handing out checks.

  • You’re not willing to engage with your community, this is about more than just your pitch; it’s about showing up for your region’s economy.