Blaise XTech $1M--Water Innovation $800K--Starbucks $100K

Hello startup people! Here’s the latest drop on Grants, Pitch Competitions, Awards, and Summits.

~Diane

💪 The Biggies

Blaise xTech Competition | $1M

Build the next breakthrough in AI-powered molecular detection. Compete for cash, advance science, and shape the future of real-time Raman Spectroscopy.

Global Prize for Innovation in Water (GPIW) 2026 | $800K

The Global Prize for Innovation in Water (GPIW) is an initiative aimed to recognize and reward those making significant contributions to the field of water and inspire others to join us in our mission to find sustainable water solutions.

Starbucks Global Cold Cup Innovation Challenge | $100K

Starbucks is inviting the global innovation community to help shape the future of single‑use cold cups and lids. We are seeking next‑generation material solutions that can move beyond today’s reliance on traditional plastic and bioplastics.

Are you in an accelerator? Forward to your cohort peers, or connect me with your Managing Director. I’ll post the top opportunities in your community for free.

Newly Added:

🎤 Pitch Competitions

OIST-Lifetime Pitch Elevate 2026 – Pitch for funding at Startup Elevate event
Japan; Healthcare; Deep Tech | Aug 31 | Apply

Travel Tech Startup-Up Summit Pitch Competition – Present at Event
Travel tech | Sept 1 | Apply

FMItech Pitch Competition – Pitch at FMI Executive Conference
Food Tech; Retail Tech; CPG tech | Sept 5 | Apply

PROPEL Entrepreneur Summit Pitch Competition – $60,000 total pool
Alabama; All startups | Sept 11 | Apply

Adventure Pitch Fest – $15,000
New Mexico; Outdoor Rec | Sept 30 | Apply

💼 Event

Deep Tech Week - Washington DC – 50,000+ attendees
Deep Tech; BioTech; Energy; Aerospace | Sept 7-12 | Apply

APTA TRANSform & Expo - Chicago – 800+ exhibitors
Sustainable mobility; EVs; Public safety | Oct 4 | Apply

World Travel Market (WTM) - London – 46,000+ attendees
Travel tech; Experience tech | Nov 3-5 | Apply

🚀 Accelerator

Carbon to Value (C2V) Initiative – $10,000+ partner with corporates
Carbon capture; sequestration | Aug 28 | Apply

🔨 Challenge

Novo Nordisk Active Play Challenge 2026 – $100,000
Accessibility; Play spaces; Social barriers | Aug 4 | Apply

Starbucks Global Cold Cup Innovation Challenge – $100,000 total pool
Next-Gen Materials | Sept 14 | Apply

Blaise XTech Challenge – $1,000,000 total pool
Raman spectroscopy; Healthcare; Food safety; Biosecurity; AgTech | Oct 31 | Apply

🏆 Award

AI Awards – Recognition
Ireland; AI; Ethical AI | Aug 31 | Apply

Sustainable Tulip Award 2026 – Recognition
Hungary; Circular economy; Circular design | Sept 7 | Apply

Global Prize for Innovation in Water (GPIW) – $800,000 total pool
Water tech; Sustainability | Sept 30 | Apply

🧰 Pilot

World Bank General Inspectorate of Finance – Pilot with IGF Morocco and World Bank
Morocco; Fintech; Gov Tech; AI | Aug 21 | Apply

Global FinTech Hackcelerator 2026 – SDG 300,000 total pool + Pilot opportunity
FinTech; Banking; InsurTech | Aug 14 | Apply

Laundry Transformation Challenge – $450,000 + Pilot opportunity
Laundry Tech | Aug 31 | Apply

SAFER Grand Tech Challenge – Pilot with government
India; Gas detection | Sept 1 | Apply

Net Zero Challenge – VND 15 billion total pool
Vietnam; Climate Tech; AgTech; Circular Economy | Aug 31 | Apply

Closing Soon! Last Chance!

🤩 View the full list of 100+ open opportunities - including all Last Chance Opportunities - by signing up here.

PitchMI – $1,000,000 total pool
Michigan | Aug 10 | Apply

Milken-Motsepe Prize in Circular Economy – $2,000,000 total prizes
Africa; Circular Economy; Social impact | Aug 13 | Apply

Innovation Saskatchewan Innovation Challenge – $30,000 + pilot
Canada; Public-sector tech | Aug 14 | Apply

Beyond the Deal Room curates grants, pitch competitions, awards, and tech summits for 13,000+ founders, VC’s and startup organizations. Over $100M global opportunities, mostly non-dilutive, are available across all verticals each year.

For Startup Organizations: Bring this list to your newsletter and community groups for FREE. Reply to this email for details.

Disclaimer: I receive no compensation for promoting any of these events. While I try to be as accurate as possible when posting requirements such as deadlines, it’s your responsibility to confirm all requirements.

📣 Who am I? Your biggest cheerleader. Startup operator, accelerator operations leader, and advisor to early-stage founders. Named a Top 100 Women Tech Leader (2024). I help founders tap into non-dilutive funding—grants, competitions, and beyond—to build traction between VC rounds. Connect with me on LinkedIn.