XTC 2018 deadline extended to 31 August

Tech entrepreneurship contest the Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC) has announced an extension of the application deadline to 31 August.

Tech startups interested in entering the fourth annual edition of the contest will have two more weeks to apply, the initial application date was set for Tuesday this week (15 August). In a press release, the organisers said the deadline had been extended because a record number of applications had been submitted.

XTC now in its fourth annual year, will see the top ten entrepreneurs showcase their startups at CES Las Vegas

The challenge is headed by entrepreneur Richard Branson and Consumer Technology Association (CTA) CEO Gary Shapiro.

Startups that are successful in their applications can get help with mentoring as well as an opportunity to showcase their products at the Consumer Electric Show (CES) which takes place in Las Vegas annually.

At least three South African startups have taken part in previous XTC editions. These include virtual reality and 360 video startup Awaken VR, real-time swimming coaching solution Stroketech and The Sun Exchange which offers collaborative solar finance on blockchain.

How it works

After the application window closes on 31 August, the pool of applicants will be narrowed down to 25. The top 25 startups will be announced at CTA’s annual entrepreneurship event in San Francisco on 11 October.

Thereafter, the top 25 startups will be further cut down to 10. The 10 semi-finalists will be announced at CES Unveiled NYC on 9 November. The 10 will then pitch live on stage at CES Las Vegas on 11 January next year.

The final three will battle it out in front of a panel of judges, including Richard Branson, at the XTC finals on Branson’s Necker Island in February next year.

Want to apply? You can do so here?

Featured image: Supplied