Delaware pitch competition Startup302 returns for 2024

Attention, tech startup founders: The Startup302 pitch contest is back for 2024, and it’s hosting a free online information session for prospective entrants at noon on Monday, Dec. 11.

The goal of the Delaware Prosperity Partnership-led competition is to strengthen Delaware’s innovation ecosystem by improving access to funding to underrepresented founders — defined as women and African Americans, Latin Americans, Native Americans and members of the LGBTQ+ community — as well as drawing new entrepreneurs to the state.

If you have underrepresented founder friends who live in other states, let them know: Startup302 is a very Delaware competition, but most of its categories are open to companies from anywhere in the country. The amount of the cash grant prizes varies; this year’s prize pool was over $200,000. Mentorship, resources and engagement with investors are also on the table.

Last year’s winners included Toivoa, which makes mental health app Rauha, and Rush Roto, which uses AI to make photos look professional.

DPP’s Startup302 partners include Bronze Valley Gener8tor, Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce, New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, Emerging Enterprise Center, The Innovation Space, Chesapeake Ag Innovation Center, Delaware Sustainable Chemistry Alliance, University of Delaware Horn Entrepreneurship, True Access Capital’s Women’s Business Center, Small Business Development Center, Delaware State University College of Business, Sara Crawford and StartOut.

Register for the info session here: bit.ly/Startup302.

P.S. Looking for more opportunities like this? Here’s your guide to non-local startup pitch competitions.