#United States #Austin #Realtor.com #proptech #NAR Tech

Calling All Innovators: The PropTech Startup Showdown at SXSW 2026

March 13, 2026, marks an exciting new chapter for the real estate tech community as the inaugural PropTech Startup Showdown kicks off at SXSW in Austin, Texas. Organized by Realtor.com® in collaboration with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Tech & Innovation, this event is designed to spotlight groundbreaking innovations that could redefine the future of real estate.

A Platform for Emerging Talent

The PropTech Startup Showdown serves as a competitive platform for emerging entrepreneurs in the real estate technology sector. With applications open until January 23, 2026, founders of early- and growth-stage startups are encouraged to showcase their transformative ideas before a panel of industry experts and an enthusiastic audience.
From fintech solutions to property management innovations, the event aims to discover technologies that can significantly enhance the buying and selling processes in real estate.

Mickey Neuberger, Chief Consumer and Marketing Officer at Realtor.com®, emphasizes the importance of innovation in today's fast-paced real estate landscape. He states, “Technology is revolutionizing our industry at an unprecedented rate, often thanks to brilliant ideas from early-stage founders. By joining forces with NAR, we aim to create a spotlight for these visionary entrepreneurs.”

Competition Highlights

The event is not just about recognition; it also includes a Grand Prize of $5,000 awarded by the National Association of REALTORS® that comes with invaluable exposure across Realtor.com and its partner channels. Besides the cash prize, finalists will have the opportunity to meet with managing partners from Second Century Ventures, gain insights from industry leaders, and showcase their ideas through rapid-fire presentations followed by real-time feedback from judges and the audience.

One unique aspect of the showdown will be the Audience Choice Award, allowing attendees to have a say in which startup they believe deserves recognition, fostering engagement and support within the community.

Judging Criteria and Event Format

The competition format includes a concise four-minute presentation by each finalist, followed by a four-minute Q&A session with judges. This creates an engaging environment that emphasizes both clarity and depth, allowing innovators to convey their concepts effectively while receiving immediate responses from seasoned professionals.

The finalists will be chosen based on their potential to disrupt and enhance various facets of the real estate sector, such as residential and commercial markets, construction technology (contech), artificial intelligence-driven tools, and more.

Join the Movement

Taking place at the Realtor.com® offices located at 901 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702, the Showdown is set to gather industry leaders, real estate professionals, and tech enthusiasts for a memorable exchange of ideas and solutions. NAR's Director of Innovation Strategy, Dan Weisman, expresses enthusiasm for supporting the innovators who will engage with homebuyers and sellers: “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Realtor.com® to shine a spotlight on the creativity and forward-thinking solutions emerging from PropTech, particularly on such a prominent global platform.”

Applications for the Showdown can be submitted via the official website until January 23, 2026. Potential innovators should seize this opportunity to take their groundbreaking ideas to one of the most prestigious stages for innovation—SXSW.

Conclusion

The PropTech Startup Showdown at SXSW 2026 promises to be a cornerstone event for those seeking to leave their mark on the real estate industry. By fostering creativity, collaboration, and innovation, it not only celebrates the dynamism of PropTech but also reinforces the importance of supportive networks in driving change within the sector.