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NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS!

FEMA AgTech Arena Pitch Competition

Most startup competitions focus on funding. The FEMA AgTech Arena Competition is different. It’s designed to connect agricultural technology innovators with the manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, investors, and industry leaders who can actually help bring their ideas to market. Selected startups will pitch directly to a targeted audience of agricultural equipment manufacturers and suppliers from across North America. This creates real opportunities for partnerships that accelerate product development, commercialization, manufacturing, and growth.

Why Participate?

• Access to Manufacturers
  Connect directly with companies that can help design, prototype, manufacture, test, and scale your product.
• Distribution Opportunities
  Build relationships with organizations that have established OEM, dealer, and distribution networks to speed up market adoption.
• Product Development Resources
  Gain exposure to engineering, fabrication, automation, software, manufacturing, and supply chain expertise.
• Industry Feedback
  Receive candid, practical input from leaders who understand agricultural equipment, customer needs, manufacturing realities, and commercialization challenges.
• Investor & Strategic Partner Exposure
  Present to industry investors, venture groups, strategic partners, and innovation leaders actively looking for the next generation of agtech solutions.
• University & Research Connections
  Build relationships with universities, applied research programs, and innovation organizations shaping the future of agriculture.

Who Should Apply?

We are seeking early-stage companies focused on:

Important Note: While preference is given to incorporated early-stage companies, technologies do not need a heavy physical/hardware component. Solutions that integrate with manufactured equipment, improve operations, or provide valuable data/software layers are encouraged. This event is also open to university teams, researchers, and students with strong ideas. Even if not yet formed into a company, attending provides excellent exposure and realistic guidance toward startup success.

All agtech startups are invited to attend for networking opportunities – whether selected to pitch or not.

Competition Details

• Call for submissions is NOW OPEN – Apply Now
• Deadline for submissions is September 28th
• Five startups selected to compete
• Live presentations in front of a panel of industry leaders, investors, manufacturers, and innovation experts
• Direct networking with FEMA members and strategic partners
• Industry visibility and promotional exposure before, during, and after the event
• Grand Prize Winner: $10,000
• People’s Choice Award: $1,000 (voted by the audience)
• Valuable industry recognition and exposure to potential partners, customers, investors, and manufacturers
• Please Note: AgTech Arena Pitch Contest participants must be present in New Orleans, October 27–29, 2026, to present their pitch in person at FEMA’s Marketing & Distribution Convention.

What Makes FEMA Different?

The æÃæü¤ÇéÎåÔÂÌì (FEMA) represents hundreds of agricultural equipment manufacturers and suppliers across North America. This is not just another pitch competition. It is a targeted platform for building meaningful connections between innovators and the companies that can help build, improve, manufacture, distribute, and scale agricultural technologies. For many startups, the relationships formed through FEMA are often more valuable than the competition itself.

This event is presented in collaboration with AgTech Alchemy.

Who You May Meet at FEMA

Ready to Sponsor the Pitch Contest?

Sponsorship opportunities for the Ag Tech Pitch Competition are limited. Explore the available sponsorship levels here and reserve your sponsorship today to put your company at the center of FEMA’s ag tech innovation platform.

Questions?

Joe Sampson, Executive Vice President
æÃæü¤ÇéÎåÔÂÌì (FEMA)
515.720.6905 or Joe@FarmEquip.org