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 at an international conference to a panel of experts for prizes, including $10K in cash for first prize and $5K in cash for second prize.

Eligibility requirements:

Prizes:

1st place:

• Must be an established company, incorporated or LLC etc. (not a “project”)
• Must be less than 5 years old
• Employ less than 20 staff
• Raised less than $2M in venture funding

• $10,000 cash prize
• $5,000 in attorneys fees from Foley Hoag*
• 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

*subject to standard intake procedures for new clients, including conflict checks entry into an appropriate engagement letter

2nd place:

• $5,000 cash prize
• Exposure to the IROS Community

Startups selected to pitch:

• Will get an opportunity to do 3-minute pitch to a panel of judges