Applications open for P.R.O.P.E.L. pitch competition, $60,000 in startup prizes available

Applications are now open for North Alabama startups seeking to compete in the 2026 P.R.O.P.E.L. pitch competition, with $60,000 in prize money available for emerging technology companies.

The pitch competition is part of the P.R.O.P.E.L. Entrepreneur Summit, scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 27, at Stovehouse in Huntsville. Organizers describe the summit as a platform to support entrepreneurship, encourage innovation and strengthen connections across Huntsville’s small business ecosystem.

The event is guided by six core principles: Promote, Resource, Open, Prepare, Engage and Launch.

Applications for the pitch competition will be accepted through Friday, Sept. 11.

To qualify, companies must be legally registered to do business in Alabama and headquartered in North Alabama. Eligible businesses must operate in high-growth, high-impact technology industries and have developed a prototype, minimum viable product or early-stage product.

Applicants also must demonstrate early customer validation through pilot programs, early adopters or letters of intent, while actively developing a business model and scaling operations.

Additional eligibility requirements include:

The competition is aimed at startup founders and entrepreneurs developing technology-based businesses who are seeking funding, visibility and strategic partnerships to help grow their companies.

A total of $60,000 will be awarded to the top three finishers.

Companies that won first, second or third place in the 2025 P.R.O.P.E.L. IDEA and NEXT competitions are not eligible to compete this year, although 2025 Audience Choice winners may apply.

Applications and additional information are available through the P.R.O.P.E.L. Entrepreneur Summit website.