Tech419
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1510 N. Westwood Ave.
Toledo, OH 43606
2801 W. Bancroft St.
Toledo, OH 43606
Tech419 Pitch Competition
Five tech-focused founders are selected to participate in a structured training program, helping them transform presentations into compelling narratives, hone public speaking skills, and strengthen slide decks in preparation for investment funding.
The experience culminates in a high-energy public pitch event where finalists present their ventures to a panel of judges and a live audience of investors, community leaders, and supporters. Top presenters compete for more than $20,000 in funding and prizes, but all finalists gain something more valuable—visibility, credibility, and meaningful connections that support long-term growth.
Don't miss your chance to be part of shaping the future of Northwest Ohio's tech ecosystem!
Prize Amounts
- First: $10,000
- Second: $5,000
- Third: $2,500
- Fourth: 12-month incubator coworking membership
- Fifth: 12-month incubator coworking membership
Why It's Unique
- Preparation Focused: Finalists complete a structured training program before the live event
- Founder-First: Emphasis on storytelling, speaking confidence, and startup strategy
- Community-Driven: Brings together students, researchers, and tech innovators from across Northwest Ohio
- Connected to Growth: Finalists gain access to UTBI resources, advisors, and follow-on support
Witness the transformative power of storytelling and support the next generation of leaders at the Tech419 Pitch Competition, and together, we can create a thriving tech ecosystem in Northwest Ohio that benefits everyone.
2026 Competitors
Learn about the five founders selected for this year’s competition, the companies they are building and the technologies they will present.
2026 Judges
Meet the business and community leaders who will evaluate this year’s presentations and select the Tech419 winners.
Past Winners
Explore the entrepreneurs, startups, and technologies that have competed in Tech419 and its predecessor, Pitch & Pour. Browse past finalists, winners, and the innovative companies that have helped shape Northwest Ohio's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Media Coverage
To read articles about the 2026 competition, click on the links below.
- Toledo Blade - ‘Shark Tank’-style competition at UT puts Toledo on the map
- Ohio Tech News - Ossatura Labs wins Tech419 Pitch Competition
- UToledo News - UToledo Student, Faculty Member Take Top 2 Spots at Tech419 Pitch Competition
- WTOL11 - Toledo tech company uses QR codes to report maintenance issues, plans Metroparks expansion
- UToledo News - UToledo Student’s Patent-Pending Invention Supports Patient-Specific Orthopaedic Surgery
- UToledo News - UToledo Bioengineering Student Flexes Problem-Solving Muscles Via Hands-On Research
- UToledo News - 5 Startups to Pitch at UToledo Business Incubator’s Tech419 Oct. 29
- Spectrum News - University of Toledo opens applications for Tech419 competition
- UToledo News - Applications Open June 15 for Tech419 Startup Competition
2027 Pitch Competition
The application period typically opens at the beginning of July. To stay informed about future Tech419 announcements and updates, sign up for our email list.
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