The Startup Showcase returns to the PyTorch Conference on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, spotlighting the most promising early-stage teams building real-world AI applications. The program gives founders a high-visibility platform to connect with investors, potential customers, and engineering talent.
Why attend
- See what’s next: Live, on-stage pitches from AI startups pushing the boundaries of AI.
- Meet the builders: Direct access to technical teams and founders.
- Expand your network: Engage with leading VCs, industry partners, and recruiters.
- Get inspired: Discover breakthrough ideas at their earliest and most exciting stage.
Join us
Be there as innovative AI startups pitch live to a panel of top VCs. Whether you’re an engineer, an investor, or simply passionate about cutting-edge AI, this is a front-row seat to the future.
Save the date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 – San Francisco
Next steps: Register for the PyTorch Conference and learn more about the Showcase.
Founders building the next game-changing AI tool or platform? Apply to pitch.
Calling All Startups
Pitch live to leading investors, connect with PyTorch engineers, and raise your visibility across the global AI community.
Selected startups receive:
- A live 5-minute pitch slot
- 2 PyTorch Conference Passes
- Promotion through PyTorch marketing channels
- Opportunity to network during the Startup Showcase Reception
- Ability to sponsor a booth in the Startup zone of the conference Expo
Learn more about the Startup Showcase and apply to pitch by September 14, 2025.
Startup Evaluation Criteria
- Mission Alignment – Evaluates the extent to which the startup’s vision and focus resonate with the foundational values of innovation and community and evolving priorities of the PyTorch ecosystem.
- Novelty and Differentiation – Considers the distinctiveness of the startup’s concept or technology, emphasizing original thought and the ability to challenge conventional approaches.
- Technical Depth and Ecosystem Integration – Assesses the level of technical rigor and how deeply the startup’s solution integrates with AI and whether it leverages projects from the PyTorch ecosystem.
- Strategic Viability and Growth Trajectory – Reviews the soundness of the startup’s business logic, market relevance, and potential to scale effectively.
- Ecosystem Enrichment – Looks at the startup’s potential to positively influence the broader PyTorch and open-source communities – through contribution, accessibility, or capability expansion.
Calling all VCs
The PyTorch Startup Showcase offers a first look at high-potential startups and industry leading talent building the next wave of AI and ML innovations. As a sponsor, you’ll play an active role in spotlighting breakthrough technologies and connecting with founders before they scale.
Sponsor perks include:
- A seat on the judging panel
- Branding exposure in Startup Showcase marketing and signage
- Engage directly with startups during the reception
- Startup Showcase Application contact list
Last Year’s Startup Showcase
Finalists for the 2024 PyTorch Conference Startup Showcase represented some of the most innovative AI/ML startups in the industry including Remix Inc., Cartesia, OpenBabylon, Remyx AI, A2 Labs, Inc., QuicSnap, Iso AI, CTGT, and Creao.ai. The winner, CTGT empowers companies to create customized models using 500x less compute and went on to raise $7M to help enterprises break through the limits of AI compute.
Last year, the Showcase was moderated by Chappy Asel of The AI Collective and judges included investors and VCs from Felicis, GitHub, Vertex Ventures, Mayfield, Gradient Ventures, and Andreessen Horowitz.
More information about sponsoring the Startup Showcase is available on the PyTorch Conference website.
We’re looking forward to seeing you at the 2025 Startup Showcase!