#United States #San Francisco #Bandelier Technologies #Hardshell #Hyperios Technologies

VetsinTech's Annual Tech Startup Pitch Contest: Celebrating Veteran Innovation

On August 20, 2026, VetsinTech, a prominent nonprofit organization focused on empowering U.S. veterans through technology-related ventures, held its sixth annual Startup Pitch Contest in San Francisco. This highly anticipated event, backed by J.P. Morgan, highlighted innovative startups founded by veterans in diverse tech fields, showcasing their unique contributions to the industry.

Grand Prize Winner: Hardshell

Among the competitive lineup of semi-finalists, Hardshell emerged as the grand prize winner, taking home $25,000. Co-founded by Hunter Moore and Andrew Schoka, this innovative company specializes in AI data security. Hardshell aims to assist enterprises in securely utilizing sensitive and proprietary data within AI systems by identifying vulnerabilities and monitoring data usage, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected without hindering AI performance.

Andrew Schoka, Co-Founder and CEO of Hardshell, expressed his gratitude, stating, "Winning the VetsinTech Startup Pitch Competition is meaningful validation of the problem we're solving and the company we're building." He emphasized the importance of data protection as enterprises increasingly adopt AI technologies.

Runner Up: Bandelier Technologies

The second-place winner, Bandelier Technologies, received a $10,000 prize. This New Mexico-based deep-tech company is commercializing quantum technology innovations that originate from U.S. national laboratories. Their work focuses on advanced detection systems, precision navigation, and reliable communications, aiming to revolutionize defense and national security applications, especially in complex environments where traditional sensing systems fall short.

Third Place: Hyperios Technologies

In third place, Hyperios Technologies was awarded $5,000 for its contributions to defense and space technology. The company is committed to developing advanced AI solutions that enhance situational awareness and missile warning systems. Their platform adeptly integrates data from various sensor networks to provide timely information on threats, including potential missile launches or spacecraft re-entry, without necessitating new sensors.

Criteria for Participation

To qualify for this year's pitch contest, all participating startups had to be founded by U.S. military veterans and develop tech solutions applicable to fields such as cybersecurity, AI, fintech, and more. Additionally, judges took into consideration each startup's commitment to community impact and volunteerism.

VetsinTech's Vision

With veteran-owned businesses representing approximately 5.3% to 5.4% of U.S. enterprises, VetsinTech strives to support these entrepreneurs in achieving their goals. Katherine Webster, the CEO of VetsinTech, articulated her pride in the achievements of the participants, noting the vast array of challenges that veteran entrepreneurs are tackling, as well as their disciplined approach to finding solutions. She acknowledged the ongoing support from J.P. Morgan, which plays a crucial role in elevating the efforts of the veteran startup community.

Conclusion

The annual startup pitch competition not only highlights the innovative spirit of veteran entrepreneurs but also plays an invaluable role in fostering their potential within the tech landscape. As VetsinTech continues to champion the initiatives of veteran-led startups, the future looks bright for these entrepreneurs who are making a significant impact on technology and society.