Attention Startups: Your Breakthrough Moment Is Here
The TechCon SoCal Startup Semi-Final brings together the top startups selected from their previous Quarter Final rounds for a high-stakes, in-person pitch event in San Diego.
Join them Thursday, April 16 from 5:00PM to 9:00PM at Mintz, 3580 Carmel Mountain Rd Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92130.
This is where momentum builds — and where the final seven startups will be selected to pitch live on stage at TechCon SoCal 2026 (May 21–23 at SDSU).
Event Agenda
5:00 – 5:30 PM — Attendee Arrival + Networking
5:30 – 7:30 PM — Live Startup Pitch Presentations
7:30 – 8:30 PM — Judges Deliberation + Networking
8:30 – 9:00 PM — Announcement of Finalists + Closing
What Makes the Semi-Final Different?
This is not an open application round.
Every startup pitching on April 16 has already advanced through the Quarter Final stage and been evaluated by their Selection Committee.
At this event:
All shortlisted startups pitch live
Judges evaluate traction, clarity, scalability, and execution
The top seven finalists are selected
Finalists advance to pitch live at TechCon SoCal 2026 at SDSU
TechCon Startup Innovation Showcase
The TechCon Startup Innovation Showcase is their flagship pitch program—built for bold, high-potential startups to connect with capital, customers, and partners, while gaining real visibility across the innovation ecosystem.
1,000+ attendees
150+ speakers
100+ investor groups
50+ partners
300+ startup submissions
If you’re building in AI, SaaS, HealthTech, FinTech, Green/Climate Tech, or Deep Tech, this is where you:
Pitch to active investors and ecosystem leaders
Showcase to customers, partners, and media
Join a network that continues beyond the conference
The program runs through a multi-stage selection process, culminating in a live final pitch at TechCon SoCal 2026 in San Diego.
Why Attend the Semi-Final?
The TechCon SoCal Startup SemiFinal brings together investors, corporate innovation teams, ecosystem leaders, and founders for an evening of high-quality, pre-screened startup pitches. Attendees gain early visibility into emerging companies before they reach the main TechCon SoCal stage, while startups compete for a place in the final round. This is where the strongest founders begin to separate themselves ahead of TechCon SoCal 2026.
Selected startups receive:
A platform to pitch to 100+ active investors
Exposure to CXOs, corporate leaders, and innovation partners
Investor matchmaking and strategic introductions
Recognition and awards
A pathway to pitch live at TechCon SoCal 2026
Startup Selection Committee
All applications are reviewed by a distinguished selection committee with deep experience across venture capital, accelerators, and startup growth:
La Keisha Landrum Pierre — Cofounder & General Partner, Emmeline Ventures
Peyman Shahmirzadi — Cofounder & COO, Peachscore
Misti Cain — Managing Director, Techstars
Ashok Kamal — Executive Director, NuFund
Ralph Morales — Executive-in-Residence (Coordinator), Aquillius
Eric Weiss — CEO, Chaos to Clarity
This committee ensures a fair, transparent, and merit-based evaluation process.
Pitch Process Highlights
The Startup Innovation Showcase follows a clear, structured progression from application to the live final pitch:
Stage 1 — Application Review
Submit your application through TechCon Global. All submissions are reviewed by the Selection Committee, and qualified teams are invited to advance.
Stage 2 — Quarter Final Pitch Events
Selected startups pitch during quarterly pitch finals. Top-performing startups advance based on pitch quality, traction, and committee evaluation.
Stage 3 — Semi-Final Round
The strongest startups compete in the Semi-Finals (April 2026). Only the top finalists move forward.
Stage 4 — Final Pitch at TechCon SoCal 2026
Finalists pitch live on stage at TechCon SoCal in San Diego in front of investors, corporate partners, and industry decision-makers.
Key Dates & Timeline
1st Quarter Final Pitch Event
Date: January 29, 2026
Location: Kiln — 7190 Bernardo Center Dr Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92128
2nd Quarter Final Pitch Event
Date: March 2026
Location: Virtual
Semi-Final Pitch Event
Date: April 2026
Location: Virtual
Final Pitch Event — TechCon SoCal 2026
Date: May 22–23, 2026
Location: In-Person — SDSU, San Diego
Who Should Apply?
This showcase is ideal for:
Early-stage and growth-stage startups
Founders building scalable tech solutions
Teams seeking investment, partnerships, or pilots
Startups ready for structured exposure and high-level networking
About TechCon SoCal 2026
TechCon SoCal is part of the TechCon Global 2026 season — a curated innovation conference bringing together founders, investors, corporate leaders, and decision-makers across AI, HealthTech, Deep Tech, FinTech, SaaS, ClimateTech, and more.
Please register here to attend.
Thanks to TechCon for offering this local startup event, the details, and the graphic!