You can now apply for the World Cup Tech Challenge 2015 to pitch in Silicon Valley

The World Cup Tech Challenge is inviting the global tech and entrepreneur community to apply and stand a chance to attend the global pitch event in Silicon Valley.

Welcoming entries from startups from across the globe, the event will conclude at Microsoft’s Campus in Mountain View, Silicon Valley. Country representatives are limited to one per group in each of the six groups. These startups will be selected in a gruelling qualification process in which their applications will be scrutinised by 35 judges.

The startups will compete in six different groups: Digital Media- Mobile, Health tech, Nextgen Technology, Edtech, Enterprise software and Fintech.

The challenge started in 2014 when it represented 35 countries from across the world. The organisers, SVForum, say that the startups that were accepted last year are in a pre-global stage, which means that they’ve launched in their local markets and are gearing up to go global.

To be eligible for consideration, startups must fill out a form and upload an executive summary of no more than two pages together with a two minute long video pitch (the video is optional). Furthermore, startups that want to apply must have a product or service available in the market as of April 2015. The product or service needs to be in the Global marketplace for more than a few months prior to the event.

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A panel, audience members and an online voting community will determine a winner in each of the six groups. The benefits for the winners include great prizes from sponsors as well as one-on-one meetings with VC’s, Angels and corporate executives and venture groups in Silicon Valley.

The overall winner amongst the six groups with the highest overall score will also win a 3D printed Cup and a cash prize.

The participation fee of US$500, the organisers explain, includes tickets to the World Cup Tech Challenge for the applicant and three people of their choice, five minutes to pitch the product and visibility in all communication and PR channels and material prior to, during and after the event.

The deadline for submission is 27 April 2015. The 24 qualified startups will be announced no later than 10 May 2014. You can apply by following this link.