Applications are now open for the Tech419 Pitch Competition, a dynamic startup showcase hosted by The University of Toledo Business Incubator, through Sunday, Aug. 3. Formerly known as Pitch & Pour, the reimagined experience offers much more than a stage — it provides selected finalists with hands-on coaching, personalized feedback and exposure to regional investors, advisors and business leaders.
“Participating in the Tech 419 Pitch Competition was enlightening and rewarding,” said Dr. Burton Rogers Jr., a 2024 419 Pitch Competition finalist. “To condense months/years of work into a five-minute timeline was challenging but the coaching input I received was invaluable in preparation for the event.”
Applications are open for the Tech419 Pitch Competition, a dynamic startup showcase hosted by The University of Toledo Business Incubator in which five finalists will deliver their best five-minute pitch in front of a panel of expert judges and a live audience.
The competition is open to all members of the community and University faculty, staff, and students:
• Working on proprietary technology, platforms or scalable solutions.
• Located in (or committed to growing in) Northwest Ohio.
• In the pre-revenue or early-revenue stages of development.
• Looking for help with customer discovery, validation, and commercialization.
• Ready to refine their pitch and create a captivating story.
Ideal applicants are developing software, hardware, biotech, healthtech, advanced manufacturing, cleantech or engineering-driven solutions.
Five finalists will be selected to participate in an intensive, multiweek preparation program that includes help with pitch deck development, reviews, public speaking coaching and three live practice sessions with mock judging panels. The program finishes with a high-energy, public showcase event in the Nitschke Technology Commercialization Complex on Thursday, Nov. 6, where finalists deliver their best five-minute pitch in front of a panel of expert judges and a live audience.
The 2025 Prize Amounts:
• First place: $10,000
• Second place: $5,000
• Third place: $2,500
• Fourth place: 12-month incubator coworking membership ($1,500 value)
• Fifth place: 12-month incubator coworking membership ($1,500 value)
“Tech419 helps founders build confidence, polish their message, and connect with a thriving network of entrepreneurial support,” said Pamela Moore, director of The University of Toledo Business Incubator. “We’re looking for passionate tech innovators who are ready to take that next big step.”
Regardless of participation in Tech419, all qualified applicants will be invited to join The University of Toledo Business Incubator to receive ongoing advising and support services to help with commercialization and increase the odds of long-term success.
The deadline to apply is Sunday, Aug. 3, at 11:59 p.m. To apply or learn more, visit the Tech419 website.
The University of Toledo Business Incubator is committed to advancing innovation and entrepreneurship across Northwest Ohio and supports early-stage, technology-based startup companies by providing affordable working space, access to professional resources, and strategic advising to facilitate economic growth.
