Startup World Cup New York narrows 116 startups to 12 finalists

Twelve startups will pitch at the Startup World Cup New York Regional Competition on Sept. 28 at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan after a field of 116 teams from 10 countries. The winner advances to the San Francisco global finale, where founders will compete for a $1 million investment prize.

Why it matters: - The New York regional event gives early-stage companies a direct path to a global finale and a chance to compete for a $1 million investment prize. - The competition also connects founders with investors, strategic partners and ecosystem leaders in New York’s startup community. - Admission is free with advance registration, widening access for founders, students and others interested in entrepreneurship.

What happened: - Startup World Cup New York will host its regional competition on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. - Twelve finalists were chosen from 116 startup teams that applied by the Aug. 30 deadline, representing 10 countries. - The event runs from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Morris W. and Fannie B. Haft Theater in FIT’s Fred P. Pomerantz Art and Design Center. - The winner will represent New York at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco from Nov. 4-6, 2026.

The details: - The 12 finalists are Xatoms, Biuty.ai, Janus Cyber, OVAI, Catcher Academy, Journey Robotics, Upxycle Inc., Clean Label Solution LLC, Iron Step, FaceIQ Labs, MAAT Energy and METAiAM. - The finalists span multiple industries and technologies. - Dr. Wayne Liu, president of the Americas and chief growth officer of Perfect Corp., will host the event. - Jason Schupbach, president of FIT, will deliver the keynote address. - Judges and speakers include Jenny Fielding of Everywhere Ventures, Erica Duignan Minnihan of Reign Ventures, Justyn Turner of NYCEDC, Michael Ferraro of FIT DTech Lab, James Acquaviva of Stony Brook University and Bryan Huang of LANDED. - Attendees will hear pitches from the Top 12 founders and can network with investors, executives, entrepreneurs and members of the broader innovation community. - The Celadon Quartet from The Juilliard School will perform before the winner is announced. - The top three prizes include round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations for first place, $2,500 for second place and $1,500 for third place. - Registration is available at Startup World Cup New York registration and event information is posted at event details.

Between the lines: - Bridgepoint Global Advisors is using the regional competition to position itself as a connector between founders and capital. - Tsai, CEO of Bridgepoint Global Advisors, said selecting 12 finalists from 116 teams was difficult because of the quality and diversity of the applications. - The event reflects a broader push to turn startup competitions into deal flow and relationship-building opportunities, not just pitch contests.

What's next: - The 12 finalists will pitch live on Sept. 28, and one company will advance to the San Francisco finale. - The global winner in San Francisco will compete for the $1 million investment prize. - Bridgepoint Global Advisors said the New York event is its second regional Startup World Cup event in 2026, signaling more activity ahead in its startup ecosystem programming.