StartUp Lehigh Valley is back at Musikfest for 2026 — and the application window is now open!
Bold entrepreneurs will take the stage to pitch their startups to a panel of expert judges and a live audience while competing for thousands of dollars in prizes.
Join us on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at Musikfest Café in Bethlehem, PA. Showtime is 6:30 PM.
Have a startup worth pitching?
You're eligible if you're 18+, beyond the idea stage, founded within the last five years, and have fewer than 20 full-time employees. Lehigh Valley ties are a plus. Deadline: Fri., 6/5/26, 11:59 PM (EST)
See FAQs for more details.
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About SULV 2026
How it Works
Selected entrepreneurs will step into the spotlight to pitch their startups to a panel of expert judges and live studio audience.
Meet the Contestants
Meet the founders competing for thousands in prizes — contestant announcements coming in July.
Meet the Judges
Our panel of judges will be announced soon — stay tuned to see who's sizing up this year's startups.
News & Updates
Applications Now Open for 2026 StartUp Lehigh Valley
Entrepreneurs and founders from across the region are invited to apply for a chance to pitch live at the Musikfest Café on August 4, 2026, for a share of more than $20,000 in prizes.
2025 Winner AcQumen Medial also wins the MN Cup
Fresh off their win at StartUp Lehigh Valley, AcQumen Medical has achieved another major milestone, securing the grand prize at the Minnesota Cup, the country's largest statewide startup competition. The company continues to build on the momentum and messaging honed during their time with SULV. AcQumen's CEO, Dori Jones, credits the preparation for StartUp Lehigh Valley for helping her craft the concise and impactful message: "stickers on the skin - no needles, no catheters." This
Pediatric critical care product wins StartUp Lehigh Valley’s Entrepreneurial Pitch Competition
StartUp Lehigh Valley brought the spirit of innovation to Musikfest this year! 🚀 Six dynamic startups pitched live to a panel of judges, with over $26K in prizes awarded. Top honors went to AcQumen Medical’s UltraTrac ($20K), with additional awards for Lectra ($3K), Hydron Desalination ($2K), Sylf (Audience Choice), and KiposTech (Ventures Lab support).
Rewatch the 2024 Competition
Aroi Mango LLC, a company specializing in mango sticky rice, took home the 2024 grand prize.
SULV 2025 is Sponsored By:
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