Pitching Boston’s Future: A Climatetech Showcase for Underrepresented Founders

Startup Boston and the City of Boston are joining forces to shine a spotlight on the next generation of underrepresented climatetech founders.

​At this high-energy pitch showcase, selected entrepreneurs will take the stage to pitch their ventures—each with 5 minutes to present and 3 minutes of Q&A with the judges—competing for cash prizes and exclusive perks.

​These startups aren’t just pitching ideas; they’re building solutions for a more sustainable future.

​Submit to pitch

​Meet the Judges:

• ​Abigail Menendez - Climate Technology Strategist, City of Boston

• ​Cvic Innocent - Founder & GP, Frankenbuild Ventures

• ​Mark Tomasovic - Principal, Energize Capital

​Prizes:

• ​1st Place: $4,500 + Exclusive Perks 

• ​2nd Place: $1,500 + Exclusive Perks 

• ​3rd Place: $750 + Exclusive Perks 

​Who’s Pitching?

​Founders must meet the following criteria:

• ​Company must be incorporated and headquartered within Boston proper (home office or office)

• ​Must have a separate business bank account.

• ​Product must include a software or hardware component.

​Why Attend?

• ​See some of Boston’s most promising climatetech startups pitch live.

• ​Celebrate and support underrepresented founders innovating in one of the city’s fastest-growing sectors.

• ​Build connections with founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders shaping the future of climate innovation in Boston.

​This is more than a pitch competition - it’s a chance to elevate voices that represent the true diversity and strength of Boston’s startup community while accelerating solutions to one of the world’s most pressing challenges.

​Who qualifies as an underrepresented founder for this competition?

• ​Women founders

• ​Black, Latine, Indigenous and other founders of color

• ​Immigrant founders

• ​LGBTQ+ founders

• ​Founders with disabilities

• ​Veteran founders 

• ​Other founders who have faced systemic barriers in accessing capital and resources 

​A huge thank you to the supporters of this event with City of Boston and Startup Boston: 

• ​Accountalent

• ​Workbar

• ​Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

• ​HubSpot for Startups

• ​SenseIP

​Interested in contributing to the prize pot (monetary or in services)? Email hello (at) startupbos (dot) org