Phocuswright/WiT Global Startup Pitch kicks off 2023 edition

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.

“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.