One of Arizona’s most anticipated entrepreneurial events, IdeaFunding is opening its 2026 competition with a new structure designed to better serve startup founders across the state. A flagship event of TENWEST, IdeaFunding continues to provide early-stage companies with mentorship and pitch training and the opportunity to compete for cash prizes and awards. Applications are now open for businesses across Arizona to join the competition, including a chance to pitch to Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, who will serve as one of the Main Stage Showcase judges.
IdeaFunding is co-led by Startup Tucson and the University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) and presented by the Arizona Commerce Authority. More than $50,000 in cash and in-kind prizes will be awarded to Arizona-based companies on March 26, 2026, at the historic Rialto Theatre as part of the 2026 TENWEST Festival. IdeaFunding and TENWEST extend their gratitude to the Arizona Commerce Authority for its continued support of Arizona’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, as well as to HUSTL – a Vantage West digital banking solution built to help entrepreneurs streamline their finances – for serving as the 2026 festival’s title sponsor.
New Structure to Better Serve Arizona Founders
This year’s competition introduces a reimagined model designed to reflect the growing diversity of Arizona’s founder community. Over the past several years, IdeaFunding has expanded significantly, attracting founders from across industries, ranging from scalable tech startups to creative product companies, community-serving businesses, and many other emerging industries.
“For more than 25 years, IdeaFunding has helped companies get the fuel they need to grow their businesses and serve their communities. We’re proud to be the leading early-stage pitch competition in Arizona and excited for founders across the state to join us for the 2026 competition. As IdeaFunding has grown alongside TENWEST, we’ve continued to evolve the experience to better support founders. This new structure reflects that commitment, offering a clearer, more engaging path for applicants and the broader ecosystem,” said Liz Pocock, CEO of Startup Tucson and TENWEST.
“IdeaFunding showcases the depth and creativity of Arizona’s entrepreneurial community, while equipping founders with the practical tools and support needed to move ventures forward,” said Casey Carrillo, Executive Director, UACI. “Through tailored pitch training, one-on-one mentorship, and the opportunity to build an investor-ready pitch deck, participants gain value that extends long after the competition. The process highlights the power of mentorship, collaboration and innovation in driving our community ahead.”
For the first time, founders will choose between two tracks to apply to — the Tech Startup Track or the Creative & Community Innovation Track.
The Tech Startup Track supports innovation-driven, scalable businesses, including SaaS, tech platforms, bioscience & medical technologies, advanced materials, deep tech, science-based ventures, SBIR/STTR Phase I funded teams, and other high-growth, investor-oriented startups.
The Creative & Community Innovation Track is designed for creative products and community-serving ventures including CPG, food & beverage, wellness and lifestyle brands, design-forward or consumer-facing goods, innovative retail concepts, physical or packaged products, service-based businesses, social enterprises, non-profits with entrepreneurial models, and community-focused enterprises.
New for 2026, IdeaFunding will feature live track finals on the day of the event. Judges select finalists in real time, who then move on to the evening Main Stage Showcase.
Jason Feifer to Judge Main Stage Showcase
IdeaFunding is pleased that Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine and bestselling author of Build for Tomorrow, will serve as a Main Stage Showcase judge.
Feifer will headline the 2026 TENWEST Conference on Thursday, March 26. Feifer, known nationally for helping founders navigate change and seize opportunity, will speak to this year’s festival themes—innovation, resilience, creativity, and the future of entrepreneurship.
“We’re thrilled to have Jason Feifer join us not only as the TENWEST keynote speaker, but also as a judge for the IdeaFunding Main Stage Showcase. Jason has judged pitch competitions of all stages across the country, and his perspective on innovation, resilience, and the future of entrepreneurship makes him an incredible addition to this year’s event. Our finalists will have a unique opportunity to pitch to someone who deeply understands what it takes to build and grow in a changing world,” said Pocock.
Application & Prize Details
Entrepreneurs must apply by February 1, 2026. During the application period, founders will have access to pitch training through two virtual info sessions held on:
- Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 5:30 PM MST
- Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 12:00 PM MST
Founders will be provided with the knowledge and training they need before applying and finalizing their pitch deck for submission. Registration for these sessions, as well as detailed competition rules and regulations, can be found here: https://www.startuptucson.com/ideafunding2026.
This year’s pitch competition offers a wide variety of available prizes valued from $1,000 to $25,000 which include a mix of cash and services. Main Stage Showcase winners will receive $10,000 in non-dilutive cash, as well as a sponsored year in the UACI incubator program, a prize valued at $10,000. Track, Industry, and Specialty prizes are also available for sponsorship.