​Startup World Cup Sacramento Regional 2026

​Ten Sacramento startups pitch live for a seat at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale and a shot at a $1 million investment prize. Free to attend. Part of Sacramento Tech Week.

​About the event

​Startup World Cup is a global pitch competition run by Pegasus Tech Ventures, with regional rounds in more than 100 cities. Each regional champion earns a place at the Grand Finale in San Francisco, Nov. 4–6, where the winner takes home a $1 million investment prize.

​This is Sacramento's round. Ten finalists, selected from applications across the region, pitch live before a panel of investors and operators. One leaves as Sacramento's 2026 regional champion.

​Who should attend

​Founders, investors, operators, students, and anyone who wants to see what the region's strongest early-stage companies look like when they're put on the spot. Free and open to the public. Registration is required and capacity is limited.

​What the winner takes home

​A seat at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco, Nov. 4–6, and a shot at the $1 million investment prize.

​$10,000 in non-dilutive funding from the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Sacramento State.

​$10,000 in general counsel services from Witan Law Group.

​Meet the 10 Finalists

​This year's finalists represent a wide range of industries and technologies, from biotechnology and agriculture to clean energy, financial technology, and advanced materials.

Events hosted by the Traction Lab, a Sacramento-based venture-building laboratory that de-risks startups for equity investment.Submit a question for office hours: https://forms.gle/CqZZNu3ZR8zD34HT6