Call for Startups for Startup Grind Rochester's Pitch Battle September 18th

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Startup Grind Rochester has opened applications for its 2025 All-Star Pitch Battle, inviting startups from across the region to compete for the chance to represent Rochester on a global stage at Startup Grind's National convention in San Fransisco and potentially be named Startup Grind’s Global Startup of the Year.

The event will take place Thursday, Sept. 18 at NextCorps in downtown Rochester. Twenty early-stage startups will each deliver a rapid-fire 1-minute pitch before a panel of local investors, successful founders, and entrepreneurial leaders.

The winner will advance to the virtual semi-finals by industry on Sept. 24, followed by the Startup Grind Global Finals at the AI Summit on Oct. 1. Finalists will pitch live in front of 5,000+ global tech attendees and top-tier Silicon Valley VCs, with access to:

• 1:1 investor meetings

• Prize packages

• A full exhibition booth at Startup Grind’s 2026 Global Conference in San Francisco

Startups can apply here:👉 Submit your pitch application

This competition is part of a global initiative where 87 Startup Grind chapters worldwide will host pitch battles during the week of Sept. 15–19, selecting standout startups from cities across five continents.

“Startup Grind is about helping founders build more than just companies — it’s about building community,” said the organizing team at Startup Grind ROC. “With this platform, we’re giving local startups a real shot at global exposure, funding, and partnerships.”

Event Details:

• What: Startup Grind ROC All-Star Pitch Battle

• When: Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025📍

• Where: NextCorps, 260 E. Main St., Rochester, NY

• Format: 1-minute pitches | 20 startups | Judged by local VCs & founders

• Winner: Advances to global finals, gains visibility, investor access, and exhibition package at SG Conference 2026

Apply Now to Pitch

For event details and updates, visit: startupgrind.com/rochester