Sheboygan County, WI – Accelerate Sheboygan County (AccelSC.com), an initiative of the Sheboygan County Innovation Council funded by the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC), is excited to announce the return of the Startup World Cup Sheboygan Regional Pitch Competition on Monday October 19, 2026, at the Weill Center for the Performing Arts.
The event will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, and community members for an evening focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and startup growth. Startup founders from Wisconsin and across the Midwest are encouraged to apply for the opportunity to pitch their business live on stage for cash prizes and the chance to advance to the global Startup World Cup Finals in San Francisco.
Hosted globally by Pegasus Tech Ventures, Startup World Cup features more than 100 regional competitions across six continents, connecting emerging startups with investors and global exposure. Winners from regional events advance to the Grand Finale in San Francisco to compete for a $1 million investment prize.
The Sheboygan regional competition will award $2,000 Judge’s Choice Prize and $1,000 People’s Choice Prize, selected through audience voting. The Sheboygan regional winner will also earn the opportunity to pitch at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco.
Event Details:
Event: Startup World Cup Sheboygan Regional Pitch Competition
Date: October 19, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Weill Center for the Performing Arts
Applications for startup founders and pitchers are now open. If you are interested in competing please follow link: Apply to Pitch at the Startup World Cup Sheboygan Regional. The event is also free and open to the public. Community members are encouraged to attend to support entrepreneurs, network with business leaders, and vote live for the People’s Choice Award winner.
Audience Registration Link: Register to Attend the Startup World Cup Sheboygan Regional
“We are excited to continue building momentum for entrepreneurship in Sheboygan County,” said Justin Vannieuwenhoven, Chair of the Sheboygan County Innovation Council. “This event gives founders from across Wisconsin a platform to share their ideas, connect with resources and investors, and compete on a global stage while also showcasing the innovation happening right here in our region.”
The Startup World Cup Regional event is part of Accelerate Sheboygan County’s broader mission to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem through startup programming, mentorship, networking opportunities, technical assistance, and access to capital.
“We want entrepreneurs with scalable ideas, innovative products, and growth-oriented
businesses to apply,” said Ray York, Business Counselor for the SCEDC and Small Business Development Center at UWGB. “Whether someone is launching a technology startup, consumer product good, manufacturing company, or service business, this event creates visibility and opportunities that can help accelerate growth.”
Additional event information, sponsors, judges, and finalist announcements will be
released closer to the competition date.
About Startup World Cup
Startup World Cup is a global startup conference and pitch competition organized by Pegasus Tech Ventures. With more than 100 regional competitions worldwide, Startup World Cup connects startups with investors, industry leaders, and global opportunities, culminating in a Grand Finale competition in San Francisco featuring a $1 million investment prize.
