Calling all founders from underrepresented groups: Round one of Startup 302 starts now

Ready for some startup funding?

Since 2021, Delaware Prosperity Partnership’s Startup 302 has been Delaware’s premiere technology funding competition, drawing startups with founders from underrepresented groups from throughout the world.

Originally meant to be the centerpiece of neoFest, a multi-org-backed tech event that was derailed by COVID-19, Startup 302 adapted as a virtual competition. It then became a hybrid contest with an in-person final round that showcases Delaware as a place to do business. Delaware startups that have received funding include HX Innovations, TheraV, Omnipotential Energy Partnership and Rush Roto.

Four of its five categories are open to startups worldwide, with past participants coming from all over the US and Canada, as well as other countries including Brazil, Nigeria, Colombia and Italy. A fourth category, Delaware Impact, is for tech-enabled startups residing in Delaware.

Funding comes from sponsors and varies from year to year. In general, prizes start around $5,000 and have gone as high as $75,000 in the past.

Video applications are open for round one until Jan. 29, with finals taking place in May. If you’re interested in applying, here’s what you need to know:

Who is eligible?

Applicable startups must have at least one founder from an underrepresented group, which includes African Americans, Native Americans, Latinos, members of LGBTQ+ communities and women. Companies should have impact-focused business models and can not be retail businesses, entertainment or sports venues, hotels, investors or residential real estate firms.

Categories

• Early Stage
• Fintech
• Life Sciences
• Environmental Impact
• Delaware Impact

The four rounds

1. Round 1: Video introduction. This initial stage is free and open up to Jan. 29.
2. Round 2: Participants will be selected, based on their introductory videos, to submit an application for evaluation that will determine the semifinalists.
3. Semifinals: This stage includes video conference pitches, interviews and information-gathering components. Those selected to be finalists will be notified on April 16.
4. Final round: a live, in-person pitch competition in Wilmington, Delaware (location TBD).

Apply for Startup 302 by Jan. 29

If you’re not yet ready but potentially interested in a future session, keep an eye out for Startup 302 info sessions around December of this year.