CONDUIT STARTUP SHOWCASE

Bringing 21st Century Tech Entrepreneurship to the Ada Area

CONDUIT STARTUP SHOWCASE

We are thrilled to welcome you to Grow Ada’s 2025 Pitch Competition! This business pitch competition is designed to give entrepreneurs the opportunity to present their ideas to a panel of judges and compete for money prizes. Whether your idea is still in the concept stage or already gaining momentum, we want to hear from you! Contestants will compete for $5,000 in total prize money across multiple divisions.

COMPETITION CATEGORIES

This year’s competition includes four divisions, open to both adults and high school students:

  • Revenue-Generating Category (Adult) – For businesses currently earning revenue.
  • Idea-Stage Category (Adult) – For adult entrepreneurs with early-stage or pre-revenue ideas.
  • Student Innovation Award – For high school students pitching either an idea-stage concept or a revenue-generating business.
  • People’s Choice Award – All finalists are eligible, voted on by the audience the night of the event.

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Submit Application

  • Complete the online application form
  • Email your pitch deck to dcastaneda@growada.com by Monday, October 6th, 2025
    • Note: Applications are not complete without the pitch deck. Draft pitch decks will be accepted.

2. Finalists Announced

  • Top applicants will be announced Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 via email and social media

3. Prepare Your Pitch

  • Final contestants must schedule individual pitch reviews the week of October 13th-17th.
  • Final pitch decks must be submitted by Monday, October 20, 2025.
  • Selected finalists will have 5 minutes to present live, followed by Q&A with the judges.

4. Pitch Night

  • Join us on Thursday, October 23, 2025 to present your idea on stage, connect with the community, and compete for cash prizes.

NOTE: All Finalists are eligible for the People’s Choice Award, which will be determined by audience vote during the event. Prize money will be distributed after the competition. In order to receive payment, winners must submit a signed W-9 form. Checks will be available for pickup at Grow Ada (209 W Main St.) once processed.

Please review the information packet regarding the competition, available for download below:

Information PacketDownload