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.
As a leader in the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem, Lehigh University hosts this event to provide early-stage founders with the credibility, capital, and community support needed to scale.
“StartUp Lehigh Valley is a catalyst for the entire region,” said Nathan Urban, Provost at Lehigh University. “Success isn't just about the grand prize; it’s about the doors that open for every founder who steps onto that stage. We are seeing past competitors—both winners and runners-up—transform their industries and secure major national investment.”
The competition’s distinguished panel of judges bring deep entrepreneurial expertise and industry experience to rigorously evaluate each venture on innovation, feasibility, market potential, and team strength, ultimately determining which startups rise to the top and take home SULV honors.
This year’s judges are: Olivia Abrams, Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, and CEO and co-founder of TiCK MiTT, the chemical-free tick removal glove named one of Time magazine's Best Inventions of 2025 and featured on ABC's Shark Tank; Sandra Denton, a retired global tech executive and startup advisor with leadership roles at Pipefy, Cisco, IBM, and Accenture; and Michael Gausling, co-founder and former CEO of OraSure Technologies and founder of Originate Ventures.
The "Runner-Up Effect": Success Beyond the Grand Prize
While the $20,000 grand prize is a major draw, the competition has proven to be a springboard for all finalists:
- Hydron Desalination (2025 Second Runner-Up): Just months after their appearance on the SULV stage, Hydron Desalination was officially "picked up" by Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The investment will help them scale their proprietary method for treating and reusing produced water, a critical innovation for environmental sustainability in industrial sectors.
- KiposTech (2025 Finalist): After receiving six months of support from the Lehigh Ventures Lab through the competition, KiposTech has become a national leader in ag-tech. They were recently named a finalist in the 2026 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge, competing for a $100,000 national prize. Their "plasma bazooka" technology is now being field-tested to revolutionize biosecurity in livestock barns across the country.
Alumni Success Stories
- Dori Jones, CEO of AcQumen Medical (2025 Grand Prize Winner): Dori utilized her SULV winnings to refine her messaging for her ultrasound-powered cardiac monitor. She recently won the MN Cup Grand Prize, the largest statewide startup competition in the country, and is now moving toward FDA clearance.
- Jonathan Maderic, Founder of JMad Creations (2023 Grand Prize Winner): Since winning for his inclusive wheelchair "Joystick Stick," Jonathan has moved into a dedicated manufacturing space in the Lehigh Valley and expanded his product line to serve more users with mobility challenges.
- George Awad, Founder of Aroi Mango (2024 Grand Prize Winner): Now a staple at major regional festivals, George is currently scaling Aroi Mango into permanent retail kiosks and a custom-designed food truck.
How to Apply
The competition is open to early-stage startups across all industries. To be eligible for the live pitch, applicants must have a prototype or product available for evaluation.
- Application Deadline: June 5, 2026
- Finalist Selection: June 26, 2026
- Live Pitch Event: August 4, 2026, at Musikfest Café
Five finalists will be selected to pitch in front of a live audience and a panel of expert judges, with the event broadcast live on WFMZ Channel 69.