Startup World Cup
comes to Santa Cruz.
Luminarium Pacifica brings founders, investors, operators, and creative leaders together for a full day of live pitches, feedback, connections, and competition, in collaboration with Startup World Cup. One Santa Cruz regional champion will advance to the Startup World Cup Grand Finale semifinal round in San Francisco and compete for a $1 million investment prize.
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From Santa Cruz
to the global stage.
Luminarium Pacifica brings Startup World Cup to Santa Cruz in collaboration with Pegasus Tech Ventures. The event takes over The Catalyst for a full day built around founders, investors, technology, creativity, and new ideas.
Every applicant gets the opportunity to deliver a two-minute live elevator pitch. Selected companies move into the finalist round, where one startup will be named the Santa Cruz Regional Champion and advance to the Startup World Cup Grand Finale semifinal round in San Francisco.
Choose your track.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The current application fee is $75 and increases to $99.99 after September 17. Pitchers must also purchase an event ticket.
AI & Intelligent Systems
AI agents, machine learning, robotics, automation, computer vision, cybersecurity, intelligent hardware, and more.
Apply in AI → 02Hacking Arts & Creative Technology
Creative coding, music technology, immersive media, XR, digital experiences, creator tools, and new media.
Apply in Creative Tech → 03Human Performance, Longevity & Wellness
Nutrition, biotech, personalized wellness, fitness, recovery, diagnostics, metabolic health, and preventative health.
Apply in Human Innovation → 04AgTech, Regenerative Systems & Future of Food
Precision agriculture, robotics, water technology, soil health, food systems, climate technology, and regenerative solutions.
Apply in AgTech → 05Radical Art & Experiential Worlds
A special funding showcase for ambitious installations, participatory art, experimental environments, and experiential projects.
Submit a Project → 06DJs & Electronic Music Producers
DJs, producers, and electronic artists can pitch their live set, artist profile, and international tour readiness.
Apply to Pitch →More than a pitch.
The Santa Cruz regional is designed to give participating founders live exposure, direct feedback, and useful connections.
Pitch Live
Every applicant receives a two-minute live elevator pitch in front of the judges.
Sharpen the Story
Applicants receive access to pitch preparation resources and Venture-IQ.ai.
Meet the Room
Connect with investors, judges, founders, mentors, executives, and partners.
Advance
The regional champion advances to the Startup World Cup Grand Finale semifinal round.
One full day.
The current event schedule runs from morning introductions and qualifying pitches through the finalist round, awards, executive sessions, and the Pacifica Afterglow.
Breakfast & Connections
Meet participating founders, investors, artists, executives, and ecosystem leaders.
Opening Presentation
Welcome to Luminarium Pacifica and Startup World Cup Santa Cruz.
Elevator Pitches
Applicants present two-minute pitches across the featured innovation tracks.
Lunch & Judges' Deliberation
Networking continues while the official finalists are selected.
Startup World Cup Finalist Round
Finalists pitch for five minutes, followed by five minutes of questions from the judges.
Executive Sessions & Radical Art Showcase
Targeted advisory conversations and a special experiential-project funding showcase.
Awards
The Startup World Cup Santa Cruz Regional Champion is announced.
Pacifica Afterglow
Networking, music, art, VIP experiences, and curated wine tasting into the evening.
Put your organization in the room.
Local sponsorship opportunities give organizations a visible place to meet founders, investors, operators, and other leaders participating in the Santa Cruz regional.
Technology companies, investors, professional services, consumer brands, hospitality groups, ecosystem organizations, and teams that support founders and creative leaders.
Thank you to The Catalyst.
A special thank you to The Catalyst for partnering with Luminarium Pacifica and helping bring Startup World Cup to Santa Cruz.
Ready to take the stage?
Apply to compete, join the event, or help bring Startup World Cup Santa Cruz to life as a partner.