Startup Tucson
Video Library
2025 PITCH COMPETITION
Over $50,000 in Prizes!
Applications for IdeaFunding 2025 Closed Jan 17th!
A "pitch" is a 3 minute story of a company. It provides all the basics of who, what, why, and how an idea will succeed. IdeaFunding's annual pitch competition provides an opportunity for Arizona companies to share their stories with our community for a chance to win a number of cash prizes including a $25,000 grand prize on the main stage.
To participate, each company must submit an application and participate in the training and "down-rounds". Applicants will advance through multiple rounds as selected by a panel of qualified judges and mentors and will go head to head for a chance to pitch live at the grand finale of IdeaFunding on March 27th during the TENWEST Impact Festival at the Rialto Theatre.
2025 prizes include a main stage award valued at $25,000 including year of incubation at UACI ($10,000), multiple $1,500 awards for industry vertical rooms and special prizes, such as the Social Impact Prize, the Adelante Arizona Prize, and the People's Choice Award.
Join in on the excitement and inspiration of innovation happening in 3 minutes or less and apply today!
IdeaFunding is Presented by:
Pitch Competition Co-Led by:
Training Schedule
Aunt Bette's Homemade Pecan Pie | |
Rockin’ Rocky Road Ice Cream | |
Tom’s Heavenly Apple Strudel | |
Joe’s Divine Butter Tarts |
*This Pitch Competition does not constitute “general advertising and general solicitation.” This event is not for offering and selling company securities to qualified investors. No mention or solicitation of investment funds or equity can be discussed at any time, in compliance with the Securities Act of 1933 and the updated policies of SEC Rule 148. IdeaFunding organizers reserve the right to remove any team from the IdeaFunding Pitch Competition at any time.
2025 Pitch Prizes
MAIN STAGE:
The top 5 companies selected from the 2nd down-select in February will compete on the Main Stage at IdeaFunding on March 27. The Main Stage prizes include:
Grand Prize:
$15,000 CASH
+ 1 Yr Incubation at
Sponsored by:
= $25,000 TOTAL
2nd Prize:
$2,500 CASH
+ 1 Yr Incubation at
= $12,500 TOTAL
Sponsored by:
People's Choice:
$1,000 CASH
Sponsored by:
Industry Rooms:
20 additional applicants will be selected to advance from the 2nd down-select and grouped to compete into similar industry verticals. 2025 categories are included below.
Tech
$1,500
Sponsored by:
Osborn Maledon
Community Building
$1,500
Sponsored by:
Visit Tucson
Consumer
Product
$1,500
Sponsored by:
Pima County
Fashion
$1,500
Sponsored by:
Better Business Bureau
ADditional Prizes:
All 25 companies selected to advance to pitch as part of IdeaFunding on March 27th are also eligible for the following special prizes subject to an additional video application. These prizes were selected by juries from the applications themselves and awarded at IdeaFunding but not judged on the day of pitches.
Adelante Arizona Prize:
This prize supports diverse founders, such as women-owned and BIPOC-owned companies.
Sponsored by:
$2,500
Social Impact Prize:
This prize supports companies with an exceptional social and community impact.
Sponsored by:
$2,500
Tech Launch Arizona Liftoff Prize:
Award for the Best University of Arizona Related Startup
This prize supports companies founded by at least one University of Arizona student, faculty, staff member, or alumus, OR founded to commercialize an innovation developed by a UArizona student, faculty, or staff member that has demonstrated success.
Funding for this Prize is supported by Startup Tucson:
$1,000
We are able to provide high caliber experience at a low cost to entrepreneurs through the generosity of our partners and sponsors. Consider joining us and building your brand by sponsoring a track, a pitch competition, or a prize. We can work creatively for your budget and messaging goals.
Contact liz@startuptucson.com for more information.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 SPONSORS
