Calling all startups – here’s your chance to raise
your global game.
Following
a successful launch edition, the Global Startup Pitch by
Phocuswright, the leading travel industry research and events authority and
WiT, the premier travel technology news and events platform in APAC, will kick
off its 2023 season in what promises to be an exciting year of tech innovation
in the travel industry.
With
tech like artificial intelligence taking off like rocket ships to the moon and
what used to be niche verticals becoming mainstream - such as sustainability,
loyalty and inclusivity/accessibility - this year’s competition will strive to
garner entries from across the world from startups aspiring to change their
slice of the world.
“We
didn’t quite know what to expect last year when we launched it in the immediate
aftermath of the pandemic, but we were pleasantly surprised by the response and
enthusiasm of the startups who entered,” says Yeoh Siew Hoon, founder of WiT.
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“We
received more than 130 entries to compete, but the ultimate winner was Wheel
The World – evidence that what used to be underserved segments are finally
getting the attention they deserve.”
This
year’s competition will again cover different regions of the world – Americas,
Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific – with startups to be short-listed from
each.
The deadline to apply is April 20. There
will be two rounds of pitching: Round 1 on May 24-25 when up to three startups
from each region will be selected to compete in Round 2 on August 24. From
there, one finalist per region will win a slot to compete live in the Grand
Finals at WiT Singapore, Oct 2-4.
The
winner of the Grand Finals will have the opportunity to present during The
Phocuswright Conference in Florida, November 13-16.
“Promoting
innovation in the travel industry is at the core of our identity,” says Pete
Comeau, managing director, Phocuswright.
“An event like Global Startup Pitch is a unique way to showcase breakthrough
innovation from around the world, bringing together eager entrepreneurs and a
top-class network of judges, as well as data, insight and exposure to investors
and partners. It’s a true reflection of the global impact travel tech can
have.”
*This article first appeared in WebinTravel.
Submit your entry
Both travel and non-travel startups who believe their businesses have application in the travel industry can apply to pitch. The deadline is April 20.