Groundswell Startups Opens Applications for SCI Pitch the Future 2026
News related to:Groundswell Startups · 2 min read
MELBOURNE, FL, UNITED STATES, October 14, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Groundswell Startups, a nonprofit incubator and prototype lab based in the Space Coast, is opening applications for its annual pitch competition, SCI Pitch the Future 2026. The event, which will take place on November 13, 2026, at the nonprofit's Melbourne campus, is designed to showcase early-stage technology startups working on scalable solutions in advanced technology, AI, hardware, space, defense, and other emerging industries.
The competition is part of the Space Coast Initiative (SCI), a year-long program that includes hackathons and a product summit, culminating in the main pitch stage. Groundswell Startups is seeking pre-revenue and early-revenue startups ready to move from prototype to investment readiness. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with capital, strategic partners, and long-term ecosystem support.
Eligibility is open to early-stage, technology-driven startups across Florida, with a priority given to companies headquartered in Brevard County or maintaining a substantial operational presence on the Space Coast. Applicants will need to submit a single online application covering their company overview, problem and solution, market and competitors, team and technology, traction and revenue projections through 2028, and an 8-to-10-slide pitch deck. Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of subject matter experts, mentors, investors, and ecosystem partners against six criteria: problem and solution clarity, value proposition, market opportunity and scalability, competitive differentiation, execution readiness, and investment readiness.
Selected finalists will receive coaching and pitch prep ahead of the main stage. Applications close on October 23rd, and interested applicants can submit their applications through the Pitch the Future Application Form.
Groundswell Startups has a track record of supporting startups that have generated more than $50 million in revenue in 2025, created over 250 jobs across five companies, and contributed to more than $240 million in successful exits. One notable success story is Tomahawk Robotics, which was founded and scaled on the Space Coast and was acquired by AeroVironment Inc. in 2023.
Winners of the competition will receive a $10,000 cash prize, with a $5,000 award for the runner-up, plus in-kind donations from sponsors and ongoing support from the Groundswell ecosystem.