The Launch Startup Competition, presented by Walton Family Foundation, is an opportunity for early-stage education startups seeking market exposure, investment, and strategic partnerships to showcase their innovative products and services. Selected companies will pitch their startups in front of a panel of judges, as well as a live audience, on stage at SXSW EDU 2026.
Past winners of the SXSW EDU Launch Startup Competition have gone on to achieve remarkable success, securing funding, partnerships, and widespread recognition in the education industry.
Planning to apply to the Launch Startup Competition? Join StartEd, a 2025 SXSW EDU Launch finalist, and SXSW EDU staff virtually on Tuesday, October 28 from 12:00pm - 1:00pm ET for the webinar, Maximize your SXSW EDU Launch Experience with StartEd, as they discuss how to make the most of your application and time at the conference, and answer your questions.
Sign Up to Attend
Early Entry Deadline | Application Fee: $55 | June 24 - September 7, 2025
Final Entry Deadline | Application Fee: $95 | September 8 - November 2, 2025
Apply Now