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Dublin's Fourth Annual Pitch Competition: A Platform for Ohio's Emerging Startups

On October 15, 2026, the City of Dublin will host its much-anticipated fourth annual Dublin Pitch competition at COhatch Dublin. This event aims to spotlight Ohio's most promising startups, offering them a unique platform to present their innovative ideas in a Shark-Tank style format. With over $25,000 in cash and prizes at stake, this year's competition is set to be more competitive than ever.

What is the Dublin Pitch Competition?

The Dublin Pitch competition was established to help connect entrepreneurs with the resources they need to thrive. Entrepreneurs from across Ohio are invited to participate, and the competition not only helps in securing funding, but it also provides participants the opportunity to gain visibility and build strategic business relationships.

In a fast-paced atmosphere, startups will have the chance to present their ideas to a panel of judges, consisting of former winners and successful investors in the field. Last year’s event saw a significant turnout, with regional innovators bringing fresh ideas to the forefront.

The Importance of the Event

Ryan Fogelman, co-founder of COhatch, emphasizes the significance of this competition, stating, “The Dublin Pitch event started as a small—but mighty—way to put support behind entrepreneurs within our COhatch communities.” He further notes the impressive accomplishments of past winners, who have collectively raised upwards of $30 million, highlighting the direct impact that the competition has had on their success. “These companies are not simply building products; they are reinforcing our future's healthcare, safety, and innovation infrastructure,” he added.

The event not only highlights the creativity of entrepreneurs but also attracts investors who are eager to find the next groundbreaking idea. Jeremiah Gracia, director of economic development for the City of Dublin, noted, “Dublin's economic strength is rooted in our willingness to invest in innovation, connectivity, and collaboration.” By facilitating connections between emerging companies and influential industry players, the Dublin Pitch fosters a thriving business ecosystem within the region.

Key Details of the Competition

Entrepreneurs looking to enter this year's Dublin Pitch must submit a video pitch of three minutes or less by October 1. The submission will be evaluated based on several criteria, including viability, scalability, and the overall impact of the concept. A panel of four judges will select three finalists who will then pitch their ideas live at the COhatch Dublin venue on October 15 at 6:30 PM. Those selected will be allocated an additional five to seven minutes for their presentations and a Q&A session with the judges.

Previous Winners and Their Successes

The impact of the Dublin Pitch is evident in the success stories of past participants. For instance:

• - Teri Sirset's DASI Simulations, specializing in structural heart care thanks to AI technology, has made remarkable strides, having raised over $12 million and gaining FDA clearances.
• - Aaron Crookes from Apricity Robotics has developed an AI-powered robotic ultrasound platform, raising over $10 million and receiving various accolades since winning last year’s competition.
• - Geoff Bruder’s Sonic Fire Tech has pioneered technology to suppress fires through innovative sound wave applications. The company was recognized as a CES 2026 Innovation Awards honoree and has raised $15 million, making it one of the largest seed financings in Ohio's history.

The Dublin Pitch event would not be possible without sponsorship from initiatives like the Ohio Access Fund, designed to democratize investment opportunities for smaller investors and bolster participation in Ohio's expanding innovation economy.

How to Get Involved

The public is invited to attend the Dublin Pitch event, with tickets available for purchase through EventBrite. COhatch and the City of Dublin are also seeking sponsors, investors, and community members who wish to support local entrepreneurship and connect with aspiring startup founders.

Additionally, this year’s competition coincides with tours of Dublin's new Riverview Village, an innovation district designed to bring together entrepreneurs and enhance local collaboration. This initiative aims to foster a supportive environment for emerging businesses while offering them access to vital resources like economic incentives and flexible workspaces.

For those interested in competing in this exciting event or learning more, submissions can be made at COhatch's website.

Dublin, located just northwest of Columbus, is home to a vibrant community of about 50,000 residents and has consistently been recognized for its support of innovation, safety, and economic growth. The Dublin Pitch competition further underscores the city’s commitment to empowering its entrepreneurial spirit and fostering new technology and job creation across Ohio.