Pitch Pulse Grand Finale & Showcase
Wednesday, November 4, 2026, 3:00 PM PST – 6:30 PM PST
Design and Innovation Building, Room 151 · 9510 Innovation Ln, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
Hosted by JANUS Innovation Hub
The Pitch Pulse Grand Finale & Showcase is the culminating in-person event of the Pitch Pulse startup series, taking place during Startup San Diego Week. Throughout the year, Pitch Pulse runs multiple vertical pitch sessions across different sectors, selecting top-performing early-stage startups from each round to advance to this final showcase in San Diego. The event features live pitches from a curated group of startups across emerging technology areas including AI, biotech, defense, maritime, and other frontier technologies, alongside members of the broader innovation ecosystem. Held in collaboration with Startup World Cup, the Final Showcase connects selected startups from across the U.S. with the San Diego ecosystem, creating a high-signal environment for visibility, feedback, and connection.
Agenda
Wed, Nov 4, 3:00 PM PST – 4:00 PM PST
Showcase & Networking
Meet the top 13 startups selected from approximately 600 applications worldwide through an eight-month selection process spanning five verticals. Visit the finalist booths, discover their products and solutions, and connect with fellow attendees before the pitch competition begins.
Wed, Nov 4, 4:00 PM PST – 6:00 PM PST
Pitch Competition
Watch 13 finalist teams across Bio & Health, Security & Defense, Maritime, and AI & Predictive Systems take the stage to present their startups in the Startup World Cup format. The winner will earn a spot as a finalist in the 2027 Startup World Cup.
Wed, Nov 4, 6:00 PM PST – 6:30 PM PST
Winner Announcement & Closing Networking
Join us for the announcement of the Pitch Pulse Grand Finale winner and celebrate the achievements of all our finalists. Wrap up the evening with a final round of networking, a chance to reconnect with founders, continue conversations, and make new connections.