Submit your application
Apply right here on AgeInnovate.com. Submit your 10-slide pitch deck, share a 60-second YouTube video pitch, and put your hat in the ring. The competition is open to any U.S.-based company.
2026 Startup Competition
This is your moment.
Apply by July 15.
Compete for $25,000 on stage at 36|86, LaunchTN's celebrated entrepreneurship festival in Nashville. The future of aging technology is being built right now. We want to know who's building it.
Key dates
- July 15 Application deadline
- Aug 15 Finalists notified
- Sept 16 Live competition, Nashville, TN
$25,000 investment from Community Equity Partners
Company eligibility
Do you qualify?
Are you building technology that supports the aging ecosystem? Check these boxes and you're ready to apply.
- Early-stage startup, Seed stage or earlier
- Raised less than $5M in total funding
- Annual revenue under $1M
- Product in market or MVP completed, not idea stage
- Focused on aging or improving quality of life for older adults
- Headquartered in the United States
- Able to present in person in Nashville on September 16
- Willing to complete due diligence with Community Equity Partners
The process
How it works.
Mission alignment review
Applications are reviewed for alignment with the AgeInnovate mission. Companies that move forward will be contacted directly and invited to submit additional materials to Community Equity Partners. All applicants will be notified of their status by July 15, 2026.
Due diligence
Five companies, 3 finalists and 2 alternates, advance to due diligence, which confirms eligibility for the $25,000 prize. Finalists and alternates will be notified by August 15. Finalists receive lodging and a $150 meal stipend. Transportation to Nashville is the responsibility of each finalist.
Live competition
Join us on September 16, 2026 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at The Back Corner in Nashville, part of LaunchTN's celebrated 36|86 Entrepreneurship Festival. The 3 finalists compete live for the $25,000 prize.
Tennessee Innovation Showcase
Built in Tennessee? There's a spotlight for you.
AgeInnovate is proud to spotlight local innovation by selecting one Tennessee-based company to join us at the live event as a non-competing showcase. This company will be handpicked as a compelling example of what's being built right here in Tennessee.
TN-based companies are encouraged to apply for both the competition and the Showcase simultaneously. The Showcase selection is entirely independent of Community Equity Partners' investment decisions.
Note: The TN Showcase is a recognition opportunity. The selected company will not be eligible for the $25,000 investment prize.
To be considered, indicate your interest using the checkbox in the application below.
What you'll need
Prepare your submission.
Three things required. One optional.
Pitch deck
No more than 10 slides telling the story of your company and your vision for success.
60-second video pitch
Upload to YouTube (or similar), not password protected. Pitching your company and why you should be the next AgeInnovate winner. Submitting assumes we can use it for promotional purposes.
Availability and commitment
You must be available to send a representative to present in person on September 16, 2026, and be open to due diligence with Community Equity Partners.
Optional: press & media links
Links to features, press coverage, or media highlights that tell your story.
Apply now
Ready? Let's go.
Applications are open through July 15, 2026. By submitting, you agree to our competition terms and conditions ↗ .