StartUp Lehigh Valley seeks entrepreneurs for $20,000 pitch competition
Lehigh University invites early-stage startups with a prototype to apply for its eighth annual pitch event offering $20,000 in prizes and regional growth opportunities.
Lehigh University is looking for entrepreneurs with interesting ideas as it begins accepting applications for its eighth annual Start Up Lehigh Valley pitch competition.
Those selected will get to pitch their business idea during a live event at the Musikfest Cafe in Bethlehem Aug. 4, for a chance at $20,000 in prizes.
“StartUp Lehigh Valley is a catalyst for the entire region,” said Nathan Urban, provost at Lehigh University. “Success isn’t just about the grand prize; it’s about the doors that open for every founder who steps onto that stage. We are seeing past competitors—both winners and runners-up—transform their industries and secure major national investment.”
He noted that while the $20,000 grand prize is a major draw, the competition has proven to be a springboard for all finalists in the past.
For example, Hydron Desalination, which was the 2025 Second Runner-Up, was officially “picked up” by Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania just months after its appearance at SULV.
The investment will help them scale their proprietary method for treating and reusing produced water, a critical innovation for environmental sustainability in industrial sectors.
After receiving six months of support from the Lehigh Ventures Lab through last year’s competition, finalist KiposTech has become a national leader in ag-tech.
They were recently named a finalist in the 2026 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge, competing for a $100,000 national prize.
Its “plasma bazooka” technology is now being field-tested to revolutionize biosecurity in livestock barns across the country.
The competition is open to early-stage startups across all industries. To be eligible for the live pitch, applicants must have a prototype or product available for evaluation.
The application deadline is June 5, and finalists will be selected June 26.
Five finalists will be selected to pitch in front of a live audience and a panel of expert judges.