Calling all journey startups: Global Startup Pitch returns in 2026

Travel startups from internationally could have the chance to show themselves to the worldwide market as soon as once more when the Global Startup Pitch, by WiT and Phocuswright, returns for its 2026 version.

Now in its fifth yr, the worldwide competitors is asking for entries from throughout 4 areas – Asia Pacific, Emerging Markets, Europe and North America – in two classes, Seedup: Under three years and which have raised not more than US$5m and Scaleup: Three to eight years and which have raised not more than US$10m.

The Grand Finals can be held at Phocuswright Barcelona, June 15 – 17 and the winners of every area will win highlight presentation alternatives at WiT Singapore, Sep 30 – Oct 2, in addition to Phocuswright in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Nov 17 – 19.

“Innovation in travel doesn’t come from ideas alone — it comes from founders willing to challenge assumptions and scale with intent. Global Startup Pitch is where those founders are tested, showcased and accelerated, in front of the people who can truly move the needle,” mentioned Yeoh Siew Hoon, founder, WiT.

Pete Comeau, managing director of Phocuswright, added, “Global Startup Pitch continues to spotlight the most promising innovators from every corner of the travel ecosystem and beyond. It’s more than a competition — it’s a gateway for founders to build relationships with industry leaders, investors and partners who can help take their ideas global.”

Deadline for entries is April 15. Finalists can be introduced in May to arrange for the Grand Finals in Barcelona. Submit your entry now.

 

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Last yr, 9 winners emerged from the worldwide competitors:

Asia Pacific
Seedup: Replyr
Scaleup: Loyalty Status Co.

Emerging Markets
Seedup: Kijani Supplies
Scaleup: BuzzAR

North America
Seedup: Levee
Scaleup: PassiveBolt

Europe
Seedup: ImpersonAlly
Scaleup: Arcube

Wildcard
Scaleup: Me Protocol

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Replyr and PassiveBolt gained the People’s Choice awards after they introduced at WiT Singapore final October.

This yr’s Global Startup Pitch is supported by American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), a Phocuswright Strategic Partner of Innovation.

Past sponsors and supporters have included JetBlue Ventures, Amadeus, Yanolja Cloud, Stripe, Netactica, Cambon Partners, MakeMyTrip, Velocity Ventures and AWS.

The Global Startup Pitch is a part of WiT and Phocuswright’s ongoing dedication to domesticate innovation, which additionally consists of Phocuswright’s Innovation: Launch, Startup Programs, PhocusWire’s Hot 25 Travel Startups, WiT Bootcamps and extra.

Submit your entry now.