Lehigh University Brings Startup Pitch Competition to Musikfest Stage

Musikfest and Lehigh University Team Up for StartUp Showdown on August 5, 2025.

StartUp Lehigh Valley, presented by Lehigh University, is back for its seventh year, and this time, it’s joining the excitement of Musikfest. 

The highly anticipated pitch competition, designed to showcase entrepreneurship and innovation, will take place on August 5, 2025 at the ArtsQuest Center’s Musikfest Café in South Bethlehem from 6:30–8:00 p.m., as part of the annual Musikfest celebration. The event will also be broadcasted and streamed live on WFMZ Channel 69. 

“Lehigh University is thrilled to present StartUp Lehigh Valley again this year, especially as part of Musikfest—a cornerstone event for our vibrant community,” said Nathan Urban, Ph.D., Lehigh University provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “Through events like this, we continue to prioritize and reinvest in entrepreneurship as part of our university strategy, Inspiring the Future Makers. StartUp Lehigh Valley exemplifies our commitment to fostering innovation and creating opportunities for impact both locally and beyond.”

This Shark Tank-style event invites startup founders and entrepreneurs from all industries to pitch their products and businesses to a panel of expert judges in front of a live audience. Applicants must have a prototype or product available for evaluation.

Join us on August 5, 2025 from 6:30–8:00 p.m. at the ArtsQuest Center’s Musikfest Café in South Bethlehem—or catch it live on WFMZ Channel 69.

More than $26,000 in prize money is up for grabs this year, including a grand prize of $20,000. Two runners-up will receive $3,000 and $2,000, respectively, and there’s also a $1,000 audience choice award for the crowd favorite.

Before the live pitches take center stage, from 5 - 6 p.m., attendees can connect with the entrepreneurs at a "Meet the Pitchers" table display event. This pre-show gathering offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with the individuals behind the innovative ventures, learn more about their products and services, and ask questions in a relaxed and informal setting. 

The application window for pitching at StartUp Lehigh Valley opens May 15, 2025, and runs through mid-June. Visit sulv.lehigh.edu to learn more and sign up for notifications.

“We are excited to have StartUp Lehigh Valley as part of our 42nd annual Musikfest,” said Kassie Hilgert, President and CEO of ArtsQuest.  “Adding this event to the festival is a great way to showcase the entrepreneurial culture and academic excellence fostered by Lehigh University. With visitors attending from across the country and the globe for the largest free music festival in the U.S., this is an innovative way to highlight not just great music, but great minds as well.” 

In previous years, StartUp Lehigh Valley has featured groundbreaking concepts such as melanin bias-reducing pulse oximeter technology, sustainable snacks, and cash-to-cashless platforms.