The SXSW EDU Launch Competition (“Launch”) is an opportunity for early-stage startup companies seeking market exposure, investment, and strategic partnerships to showcase their innovative products and services. Selected companies will pitch in front of a panel of industry experts and educators, as well as a live audience at SXSW EDU 2024, with additional opportunities to showcase their products and services and network with the community.
Apply by Friday, October 27, 2023 to have your company considered for Launch occurring at SXSW EDU, March 4-7, 2024 in Austin, Texas.
Eligibility Requirements
Application Process
Once you begin the application, you can save and continue your work as you go until you decide to submit your completed application, which you can do at a later time up until the application deadline.
Please note there is a fee associated with this application, but you will not be asked to commit to purchasing until you have completed the application and are ready to submit.
Judging Criteria
Finalists are eligible for three (3) awards: the Launch Award, the Impact Award, and the Community Choice Award. More information about each award can be found here. A panel of judges and our community will decide the winners at the event in March based on the following criteria:
Finalists will be selected with the help of the Launch Advisory Committee and invited to present at SXSW EDU 2024 in Austin, Texas.
For additional information on Launch, please contact programming@sxswedu.com.
Please provide the information below for the individual who will be the primary point of contact for all further correspondence regarding the selection process.
Please note that this email address is where all future email correspondence regarding notification of participation status will be sent to. If your company is selected for the Launch competition, you will have an opportunity to change your preferred email address if desired.
Note to all applicants: SXSW requests that you do not require the Launch Advisory Committee to create a unique password, login and/or new accounts to view your product. To assure your online example is reviewed please provide a simple link.
Please list your top competitors. Only the first is required.
Has this product been demonstrated at any other events? If so, at which event and what date?
Please reference the various individuals who are on the Board of Directors, Advisory Board, or Advisors for your organization and are not a part of the immediate management team.
How did you learn about Launch at SXSW EDU? Please reference the individual who encouraged you to apply (if applicable).
By submitting this application to SXSW EDU (SXSW, LLC, and SXSW EDU are collectively referred to herein as "SXSW EDU") for the 2024 SXSW EDU Launch (“Launch”, or "Event"), I (referred to as “I”, “you”, “me”, “my” or “Applicant”) acknowledge and agree to the following Terms and Conditions:
If you have any questions about the Launch competition, please email programming@sxswedu.com.
Applicant, on behalf of themselves and behalf of any Company, acknowledges and agrees that Applicant has read and understands the Terms and Conditions and intends to be legally bound by its terms. Applicant acknowledges that the information contained in this application is accurate, that they have the rights necessary to share the materials contained herein and that the application will not violate any third-party rights or laws of any kind. By clicking the box below or by using any other electronic mechanism presented to signify acceptance of these Terms and Conditions, Applicant agrees to and accepts these Terms and Conditions.