Coming soon02
REGISTRATION ONGOING
Startup Pitch Contest
Startups pitch to investors and the main stage and Win Prizes .
- Prize pool
- 3 main prices (TBA)
- Entry deadline
- 8th November 2026
- Pitch Date
- Fri 13 Nov · CUIB Buea
Overview
What it is.
The SMCON26 Startup Pitch Competition gives entrepreneurs a platform to showcase innovative businesses, pitch their solutions to investors and industry leaders, and compete for exciting prizes. Participants will demonstrate their business potential, gain visibility, and explore opportunities for funding, partnerships, and growth.
Who it's for: The competition is designed for startup founders, entrepreneurs, and early-stage businesses developing innovative products or services that solve real-world problems. Whether you're launching a promising startup or growing an existing business, this is your opportunity to showcase your innovation, receive expert feedback, and connect with potential investors and partners.
Prizes
What's at stake.
1st - Startup champion of the mountain
ChampionsAwarded at the gala2nd - Innovation leaders of the mountain
Leaderboard3rd - Rising startup of the mountain
Rising starPrize
poolTo be announcedOne of three competitions.
poolTo be announcedOne of three competitions.
Eligibility
Who can enter.
Draft rules. Final rules are published with the call for entries.
- A startup with a working product or prototype
- At least one founder from the silicon mountain
- Incubated, solo, registered company or registration in progress
- First-time and returning applicants welcome
Format and timeline
How the rounds work.
- 01
Applications
Deck and two-minute video.
- 02
Shortlist
Judges review every entry.
- 03
Pitch Day
Live pitches in the Startup & Entrepreneurship Track.
- 04
D-Day & Price award
Price awarded on the SMCON26 gala night
Judging
How entries are scored.
Weights are a draft until the final rules are published.
Problem and market25%
Product and traction25%
Team20%
Business model20%
The pitch itself10%
Judges announced soon
Investors, founders and experts from the ecosystem.
Perks
Even if you don't win
- Feedback from every judge, win or lose
- Introductions to investors attending SMCON26
- A place in the Startup & Entrepreneurship Track: growth workshops, investor readiness and mentoring
Register
Enter the Startup Pitch Contest.
Yep, shorter. Have a startup to show off? Pitch at SMCON twenty-six, meet judges and investors, get visibility. Register now.
When does registration open?
Entry dates are announced with the call for entries. Register your interest below and we will message you on WhatsApp and email the day it opens.
Does it cost anything to enter?
Entry terms, including any fee, are published with the final rules.
Where is the final?
On the main stage at Mountain Hotel, Buea, on Saturday 14 November 2026.
