Joining PBR 2026

The competition has three categories for candidates: Idea, Development, and Traction. To apply, you will supply basic details about your startup, your startup's logos, and your pitch deck for review.

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Once you apply, you'll receive a confirmation email with additional details regarding your local competition. Local competitions wrap up on February 21, 2026. If you do not receive a confirmation email after applying, we likely did not receive your application and you should reapply.

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FORMAT

Each startup in each stage will have two minutes and three slides to pitch their startup. You will submit your three slides once you have been accepted into the competition. You will submit your three slides AFTER you have been approved to be in the competition, not during your application.

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TIMELINE‍

*Local competitions have their own deadlines for applying. Please check each local competition page for more details.

*For the virtual competition on February 18th, all applicants are notified no later than January 30 of their participation in the competition if they apply before that deadline. Otherwise applicants will be notified within 5 days of submitting their application. Please note, our virtual competition has moved to a wait-list, and any applications applying will be placed on the wait-list. Applications for the wait-list for the virtual competition will close on February 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST.

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Semi-final candidates receive their slots and additional competition details for semi-finals on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

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LOCALE

Startups will compete in the city that is in their region. If there is no competition in your local city, you may participate in our virtual competition. Local competitions may take place in person or online.

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