SXSW Pitch 2027 deadline: Nov 13, $225 fee, categories and rules

The SXSW Pitch 2027 application window closes on November 13, 2026, according to the competition's page on sxsw.com (checked October 30, 2026). The entry fee is $225 and non-refundable. Finalists compete on March 16-17, 2027, in Austin, Texas.

One discrepancy to check: the main sections of the SXSW page say November 13, but one FAQ answer says "Friday, November 11th, 2026 at 11:59pm PT". November 13, 2026 is a Friday, which suggests the FAQ line is a typo. Until SXSW corrects it, submit well before November 11 to be safe.

Key dates

• Applications opened: June 23, 2026.
• Regular entry period: September 14 to November 13, 2026, at $225. SXSW also ran an early bird rate before that window; the page does not list its price.
• Deadline: November 13, 2026. The FAQ cites a cutoff of 11:59pm PT, which is 07:59 UTC the next day (November 14).
• Finals in Austin: March 16-17, 2027, during the festival that runs March 15-21.

Eight categories

Applicants choose one track:

1. Emerging & Frontier Technologies
2. Entertainment, Media, Sports & Digital Platforms
3. Life Sciences, Healthcare & AssistiveTech
4. Mobility, Manufacturing & Industrial Systems
5. SaaS, Enterprise & Developer Platforms
6. Smart Data, Security & FinTech
7. Student Startups (presented by the University of St. Thomas, Minnesota)
8. Sustainability, Energy & AgTech

AI companies have no track of their own. They apply under whichever category fits the product, such as SaaS and developer platforms or Smart Data.

Who qualifies

SXSW lists these eligibility rules:

• The product or service must not have launched before January 1, 2024.
• One product or service per company.
• The company can have raised no more than $10 million in total funding.
• Founders must keep some ownership stake.
• The company must be legally registered and compliant with applicable laws.
• A startup may apply to other SXSW competitions but can be a finalist in only one.
• Student Startups need at least one founder or executive enrolled at the time of the event.

What SXSW says about scale

SXSW reports that 64 startups are showcased and 40 investor judges take part. It says more than 600 applications arrived in the most recent cycle, and that past participants have raised or generated over $22.5 billion through venture capital and exits, citing PitchBook research. These are the organiser's own figures and have not been independently checked.

How it compares

SXSW is one of several deadlines founders track this season. Our accelerator deadlines roundup covers SXSW alongside YC and Techstars, and the YC Winter 2027 guide explains that cycle. For more on founder programs, see Startups, Founders and Events.

Frequently asked questions

When is the SXSW Pitch 2027 deadline?

November 13, 2026, per the main sections of the SXSW page. One FAQ answer says November 11 at 11:59pm PT, so apply early.

How much does it cost to apply?

$225 during the regular entry period, non-refundable even if you are not chosen as a finalist.

Can a startup that has raised $10 million or more apply?

No. SXSW caps combined funding at $10 million.

Where and when are the finals?

In Austin, Texas, on March 16-17, 2027.