Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs Regional Startup World Cup

INFORMATION packet


Event Overview

  • Event: HAE Startup World Cup Regional 2026

  • Date: September 24, 2026

  • Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA

  • Application Deadline: July 2, 2026. Apply.

  • Global Finale*: November 4-6, 2026 -- San Francisco, CA

  • Grand Prize: $1,000,000 (Startup World Cup Global Finals)

  • Info Sessions: June 17, 2:30PM ET &  June 30, 10:30AM ET. RSVP.

Hosted by Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs (HAE), the HAE Startup World Cup Regional brings together some of the most promising Harvard alumni founded startups from across  all 13 Harvard schools. 

Twelve startups will be selected through a competitive application process to pitch live in Boston. The regional winner advances to the Startup World Cup Global Finals in San Francisco for the opportunity to compete for a $1 million investment prize.

Startup World Cup Global Finals hosted by Pegasus Tech Ventures.

Eligibility

  • Harvard alumni or alumni status

  • Applicants must be members of Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs

  • Legal registered entity

  • No restriction on capital raised

Who Should Apply

Harvard alumni-founded startups that are:

  • Building boldly

  • Scaling aggressively

  • Raising capital

  • Ready for visibility

Apply by July 2.

Application Template.

Links

Key Dates

  • Applications open now

  • Application deadline: July 2, 2026

  • Regional pitch event: September 24, 2026, Boston

  • Global Finals: November 4-6, 2026, San Francisco

Judges

Our confirmed 2026 judge panel includes:

  • Peter Dolch, Managing Director, AEON Foundery

  • Ashraf Hebela, Head of Startup Banking and Co-head of Technology Banking, J.P. Morgan

  • Mike Ma, Managing Partner, Sidecut Ventures

  • Laura Rippy, Managing Partner, Alumni Ventures

  • Lou Shipley, Senior Lecturer, Harvard Business School

Press & Media

For press inquiries, media credentials, or interview requests, please contact the HAE team: startupworldcup@harvardae.org

Photo Assets

High-res event photos from 2025  and brand assets.

2026 HAE Startup World Cup Promotional graphics for applying

2025 HAE Startup World Cup Photos

Sponsorship

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to startupworldcup@harvardae.org.

Tickets: Coming Soon

Social & Links

Global Startup World Cup Links


Promotional Copy

Feel free to use any of the sample copy and graphics included in the kit, and please don't hesitate to add your own voice and perspective. 

General Information: 

One-Liners

  1. Are you a Harvard alumni founder? Take a look at Harvard Alumni Entrepreneur’s 2026 Startup World Cup Regional - it’s a chance to compete for $1M.. Apply by July 2.

  2. Great opportunities for Harvard-founded companies not just to get noticed, but to compete for $1M. Learn more and apply by July 2.

Short Paragraph

If you're a Harvard founder building something ambitious, this is worth a look.

Applications are now open for the 2026 HAE Startup World Cup Regional. Twelve startups will take the stage in Boston this September, and one company will advance to the Startup World Cup Global Finals to compete for a $1 million investment prize.

Deadline to apply is July 2. Harvard alumni founders can apply and learn more.

Link: https://www.harvardae.org/startupworldcup

To Apply: 

One-Liner

  1. Pitch in Boston at the HAE Regional. Compete for the opportunity to represent HAE at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco. Apply by July 2.

Short Paragraph

  1. If you're a Harvard alumni founder with a startup looking for venture capital, this is your moment. The HAE Startup World Cup Regional is back: September 24, Boston. Every school. Every industry. Winner represents HAE at the 2026 Grand Finale in San Francisco competing for $1M. Apply by July 2.

  2. This is your opportunity to put your company in front of investors, founders, and the broader Harvard community while competing for $1M. Twelve Harvard alumni-founded startups will be selected to pitch live in Boston on September 24, with one advancing to the Startup World Cup Grand Finale. Apply by July 2.


Logos

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