Robotics Startup Pitchfest at IROS 2026
Early stage robotics startups provide a 3-minute pitch to a panel of judges at the IROS conference 2026
The Robotics Pitchfest is an exciting opportunity for early-stage robotics startups to showcase their innovations to a panel of experts for prizes, including $10K in cash.
Date: Monday, September 28
Location: The Innovation Stage in the exhibtion Hall
This Pitchfest is organized by MassRobotics.
Eligibility requirements:
Prize:
- Be an established company, incorporated or LLC etc. (not a “project”)
- Be less than 5 years old
- Employ less than 20 staff
- Raised less than $2M in venture funding
- An invitation to Showcase at MassRobotics investor Demo Day
- Complimentary space with MassRobotics Startup showcase at RoboBusiness in Santa Clara (October 2026)
- Dedicated Robot Report article or podcast
- $10,000 cash prize
- $5,000 in attorneys fees from Foley Hoag*
*subject to standard intake procedures for new clients, including conflict checks entry into an appropriate engagement letter
Sponsored by:
timeline:

Startups selected to pitch:
- Will get an opportunity to do 3-minute pitch to a panel of judges
Moderator & Judges include:
Steve Crowe – Moderator
Executive Editor, Robotics, WTWH Media The Robot Report | Automated Warehouse Chair – Robotics Summit & Expo | RoboBusinessBiren Patel
Head of Mobility Business Unit & Business Development – USA, MaxonColm Prendergast
Sr. Director, Head of Emerging Tech Hub, Analog DevicesJennifer V. Audeh
Partner, Foley Hoag*Send questions to Info@massrobotics.org with Subj: IROS Pitchfest 2026
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