Ohio entrepreneurs can apply through Thursday, Oct. 1, for more than $25,000 in cash and prizes at Dublin's fourth annual pitch competition.
COhatch and the City of Dublin will host the Dublin Pitch on Thursday, Oct. 15, at COhatch Dublin, 25 North St., Columbus Underground reported. Live pitches begin at 6:30 p.m. The event is free.
Applicants must submit a three-minute video explaining their business or idea by Thursday, Oct. 1, through COhatch's website. Judges will evaluate submissions on viability, scalability and concept impact, then select three finalists. Those finalists will get five to seven minutes to pitch live and field questions from a four-person panel.
Past winners return as judges
Three of the four judges are former Dublin Pitch winners. Teri Sirset, co-founder of Dublin-based DASI Simulations, leads a company that uses artificial intelligence and 3D modeling in structural heart care. DASI has raised more than $12 million and secured FDA clearances, Columbus Underground reported.
Aaron Crookes of Dublin-based Apricity Robotics, which is developing an AI-powered robotic ultrasound platform, also joins the panel. Apricity has raised more than $10 million, and received a $1 million National Science Foundation (NSF) Phase II award.
Cleveland-based Geoff Bruder of Sonic Fire Tech rounds out the past-winner judges. His company, which uses sound waves to suppress fires without water or chemicals, raised $15 million in seed financing and earned a CES 2026 Innovation Awards honor. Investor and entrepreneur Rich Wartel completes the panel.
Organizers say the competition's first three winners have raised more than $30 million combined since 2023.
Riverview Village tours and innovation district tie-in
The Oct. 15 event will also include afternoon tours of the developing Riverview Village innovation district in Historic Dublin, where COhatch plans to build its new headquarters.
The public-private project will transform 2.85 acres of western riverfront along the Scioto River, connecting Bridge Park on the east side with Historic Dublin on the west, according to the city's economic development office. The City of Dublin has committed more than $11 million in infrastructure for the development. Construction began in spring 2026 with completion targeted for 2027.
The finished district will include a 14,250-square-foot COhatch headquarters and coworking spaces, four restored historic homes for offices and events, restaurants, pop-up venues and space for a weekend market.
Jeremiah Gracia, Dublin's director of economic development, said the competition connects startups with investors and resources.
The Ohio Access Fund, which connects smaller accredited investors with Ohio investment opportunities, is a major sponsor of the 2026 competition.
Tickets are available through Eventbrite. Entrepreneurs can apply on COhatch's website before the Oct. 1 deadline.
