Ten startups will advance to a live pitch before local investors Oct. 2 in downtown Salem.
Oregon founders now have until Monday, Sept. 14, to apply for Pitch Willamette, a startup competition that will put 10 businesses in front of local investors during a live event in Salem on Oct. 2.
The competition is open to seed-stage companies with a working product or clear evidence of customer demand, a defined capital raise and plans to grow beyond the region.
Eligible businesses can come from technology, advanced manufacturing, consumer products, food and beverage, health and related industries.
“Pitch Willamette gives our region’s most promising founders a real shot at the kind of investor exposure that’s usually reserved for bigger markets,” said Mike White, Venture Catalyst at Launch Mid-Valley.
Applications will move into virtual semifinals on Sept. 16, with finalists expected to be announced during the week of Sept. 20.
The 10 selected startups will then pitch live from 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 2 at Cellar 54, 285 Liberty St. NE in downtown Salem.
Pitch Willamette has previously connected regional startups with investors. In 2025, Dayo received a $30,000 investment from the Mid-Valley Angel Fund after competing in the event.
This year’s materials do not list a guaranteed investment amount, but the competition gives founders an opportunity to present directly to investors and build connections that can help move an early-stage company forward.
Pitch Willamette is organized through Launch Mid-Valley, the Regional Innovation Hub led by SEDCOR for Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties.
Founders can apply through Monday, Sept. 14, through the Pitch Willamette application page.
