FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Enterprising entrepreneurs take advantage of every opportunity to get in front of investors, their peers, potential partners, and customers. The Pitchfire startup competition at RoboBusiness 2018 is one of the best ways for innovators to get this exposure and funding. Pitchfire submissions come from around the world, and those that make it to Silicon Valley for RoboBusiness can get immediate feedback from venture capitalists.
For 14 years, RoboBusiness has been the premiere event that brings together developers, suppliers, integrators, analysts, and end users in the robotics community. More than 2,000 people will gather from Sept. 25-27, 2018, in Santa Clara, Calif., to network, see the latest technologies, and learn how automation can help their businesses.
“RoboBusiness 2018 reflects our focus on the leaders in robotics for manufacturing, supply chain, and other industries,” said Eugene Demaitre, senior editor at Robotics Business Review. “This year, we’re offering conferences around emerging technologies and applications, design and engineering, business strategies, and chief robotics officers, or CROs — the people responsible for overseeing robotics adoption and return on investment.”
One of the most popular parts of RoboBusiness for the past six years has been Pitchfire, in which select startups have five minutes each to present their products or services to a panel of judges — and a rapt audience. Other competitions have emulated Pitchfire, but it’s still a unique opportunity to be recognized in the growing ecosystem of robotics, artificial intelligence, and unmanned systems.
Criteria for 2018 Pitchfire submissions
Robotics startups are welcome to send your Pitchfire submissions now! To be considered for Pitchfire 2018, companies should meet the following criteria:
- Be less than five years old
- Have not yet have raised Series A funding
- Have an automation product or service intended for commercial use
- Be able to present in person at RoboBusiness 2018
“Entrance is free, and all submissions are reviewed by technology innovators, investment professionals, and entrepreneurs in the robotics ecosystem,” said Jim Wagner, managing director of Robo Business Media. “Only the best companies are invited to participate in this prestigious competition to give a live presentation and respond to a Q&A session with the judges.”
In addition, companies can submit their information for a free page in RBR’s Startup Directory.
Benefits for Pitchfire submissions and winners
Not only do Pitchfire submissions get free listings in Robotics Business Review, but the semifinalists that are selected to present at RoboBusiness 2018 will receive a free full conference pass to the event.
There, they will have a chance to get direct feedback from top investors and industry experts. Startups can also visit the Startup Incubator Center, which will include educational sessions, expo floor exhibits, and meetings with investors.
The company that is named Pitchfire 2018 winner will receive the following:
- A $5,000 cash prize
- International and social media exposure
- Introductions to and private meetings with investors and industry experts to discuss your business strategy
- Year-long editorial coverage on Robotics Business Review, including any funding or product announcements
- A free subscription to the RBR Insider section of Robotics Business Review
Past successes
Notable Pitchfire submissions of the past six years include Catalia Health, inVia Robotics, RightHand Robotics, and Soft Robotics. Past winners include nLink, Autonomous Marine Systems, and The Kobi Co. Several companies received funding after participating in Pitchfire.
Last year’s winner was Poland-based UnitDoseOne, which automates drug distribution in hospitals. UnitDoseOne was also named a “Company to Watch” in the 2018 RBR50 report naming industry leaders. The startup will be providing a judge to the 2018 Pitchfire panel.
Enter and register now!
If you work at a robotics startup, submit it for Pitchfire now. Our panel of judges will soon review the Pitchfire submissions, and only the best will get to present at RoboBusiness 2018! The deadline for submissions is Aug. 8, 2018.
Even if you’re not at a startup, you should sign up to attend RoboBusiness today. Our flagship conferences and expo are designed to help you learn about robotics trends, guide buyers across applications, and prepare your business to get the most out of automation.
